Novel Writing Made Less Impossible -- Find Your Characters' Voices
- Brian K. Morris
- Aug 30, 2017
- 5 min read
The last two weeks have found us building characters and not just our own.
Two weeks ago, we discussed fleshing out your protagonist. Then last week, we did the same with your supporting characters and antagonists. Go back and look if you don't believe me!
See? I told you! Anyway, we now have a cast, but are they characters or caricatures? Years ago, I learned a great way to flesh them out before you even start plotting their escapades ... talk like them. Actually, it's a form of role-playing, except you do it on "paper." First give your character a name (more on this next week). Now create a new Word/OpenOffice document. Here comes the fun part ... have the character introduce themselves to you in their voice while keeping their characters in mind. For instance, since he's now Public Domain (mostly), how about Sherlock Holmes? Oh, Watson, whatever made you think I have time for this kind of triviality? Sigh! Anyway, while Mrs. Hudson brews some tea for us, I am a Consulting Detective. My job consists mostly of locating clues that the police seem determined to ignore and then capture the miscreants they are unable to locate. It's a matter of applying observation and logic to bring about justice. Isn't that simple enough?
As for you, you are an junior-level accountant, as I can deduce from your ink-stained index and middle finger, your posture from sitting all stooped over your desk, along with the ledger book I see protruding from your valise. You work under appalling cold in your office as I can tell from the proximity you keep towards my fireplace -- oh, do ignore Her Majesty's initials nearby. I was in a mood for target practice one night. Also, the dark circles under your eyes betray a certain sleeplessness, as if you are concerned for someone, perhaps your crippled son? Now unless you wish me to astound you with my elementary observations about your home life, perhaps you'll enlighten me as to why you are here, Mr. Cratchet?
This monologue shows Holmes' deductive abilities, his curtness, while establishing part of his supporting cast as well as a special guest appearance (go ahead and write that fan fiction with a mashup of Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens ... you're welcome).
Or my own creation (with the invaluable assistance of my Art Sherpa, Trevor Erick Hawkins) Vulcana?
Yes, I'm Angelique Forge. Oh, you read my blog? That's cool. Not everyone is into ancient cultures like I am. Heck, I can speak seven languages, some of which are still in use ... um, make that eight ... and I note that you're using one called Babeltongue. Yeah, the one everyone spoke until a certain Tower fell. No, I think you need to stay right there, fella. And keep your hands off that talisman and on the table where I can see them.
Oh, the crutches. I do need them ... frequently. You might notice, though, I'm standing a little taller now and the room's a little warmer. No, you stay right where you are because you're a mystery and I hate mysteries with a passion. A fiery passion.
The armor flowing up my arm? I don't normally show my other identity -- God, is that weird to think about having a secret identity or what? -- but there's more to you than what meets the eye. I guess we have that in common.
Who am I? I'm someone who despises injustice as well as guys who think having power means they can push the little guy around. Well, I push back for the defenseless. I am Vulcan's strong right hand, the successor to The Fallen Champion, I am VULCANA ... and you can either talk to me or make time for the coma I'm gonna put you in.
In this example, we meet our heroine as well as her powerful alter ego. We also see her unease with her new role as humanity's defender and her relationship with the god of the forges, to say nothing of her unique method of keeping her armor nearby.
But primarily, the focus of your monologue must be on the character's character and personality.
Take your fave literary character, whether it's Catherine Earnshaw, Col. Andrew Mayfair, Lucy Westerna, Bruce Wayne, Remo Williams, anyone. Introduce them through their own voices. Are they evasive about certain aspects of their lives? For instance, it might not pay to ask Lex Luthor about his parents. Are they obsessed with someone or something? Col. Steve Austin might be quite open about his time walking on the Moon, but less so about his post-NASA career as a test pilot, especially after that terrible accident he barely survived. Fawn Carroll could spend all day telling you how wonderful the original Skyman might be, but what a spoiled, self-centered milksop her friend Allan Turner happens to be. If your character's monologue sounds flat, it means you need to give them some liabilities or quirks, spice 'em up.
So get into your character's heads and get it written down for reference. It'll help bring your creations to genuine life.
NEXT WEEK: Since Your Characters Can't Name Themselves ... LAST WEEKEND: Many, many thanks to Scott Reed for putting on another amazing BURG CON in Harrisburg, Illinois. As usual, it was a great reunion with my friends as well as an opportunity to play Human Public Address System (all that theatre experience pays off with my ability to project). It was a great day to see Scott and many of my friends and hopefully, we'll see YOU next year. And I'm especially happy for Paul Barile for a successful first show, SPLIT LIT - A BOOK FAIR in Berwyn, Illinois. It was a first-time show with a great group of authors, artists, and creators. Paul is an old friend who was a major inspiration for me during my play writing days and he's got great ideas and the moxie to make them happen. I eagerly await the next one.
THIS WEEKEND: I'm actually taking a weekend off to work on some projects. No, I don't know how to behave without driving somewhere on the weekend. But the weekend after sees the 2017 Freelance Words Literary Assault at CIL-Con on September 8 & 9 at the Cross Country Mall in Mattoon, Illinois. Expect to see superstars from the worlds of the paranormal, art, writing, crafts, and other goodness. Admission is FREE and you'll have a great time!
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