Character development is an interesting thing. I find that it is one of the most difficult, yet rewarding steps you can take in writing a story. Some characters are easier for me to understand and develop (Nero Kelldonis, Pyralis, Mr. Burswood), whereas some are so difficult to portray (Claire, Invidia, Devin). I believe it has something to do with my own personality and similar/different characteristics I share with each character. Sad to say, but I understand the demons much better than I understand the humans or angels. So if I am ever asked if I am an Angel or Demon supporter. The answer will be clear. As much as I love my steamy Angel, Demon, and Human love triangle. I will forever and always be a lover of the Bad Boy (Shout out to my Reformed Bad Boy Husband!)
I will now share some little secrets to how I do my character development. I think to myself, and pretend I am a news reporter/TV interviewer, and my characters are doing an exclusive on themselves. Naturally, the most embarrassing, frustrating, down to basics questions will be asked.
What is your name, and what does it mean?
Where and when were you born? (A very interesting question to ask an Angel and a Demon)
What is one of your favorite childhood memories? Why?
What is one of your least favorite childhood memories? Why?
What is your family like? How many people are in your family? What are their names, ages, characteristics? (Again a good one for the A & D crowd)
What is your favorite color? Why?
How would you describe yourself? How you look? (An interesting take on what they look like)
What are your hobbies?
What are your favorite foods? Why?
What are your least favorite foods? Why?
If you could be anyone, who would you be? Why?
Describe your perfect date.
What do you look for in your significant other? Why?
What is your favorite season? Why?
What is your least favorite season? Why?
What would you like to accomplish in your life?
I really get into any and every question I can think of to answer for these. And then once I have my "Official Reporter Question List" complete. I swap my role for one of my characters. For example.... I will use Nero Kelldonis. Since he really wants attention right now.
" I am Nero Kelldonis. Meaning in your human tongue, Strongest Lord of Lust. This should be plain to see, but because you are merely a human I will look past your idiocy.
I can see you know nothing of Demons, or you would know this question already. Demons were born from a selfish decision. A choice presented, and a choice made. Damning you to the Darkness.
I have no childhood. But I have memories. Dark tormented memories. Visions of evil corruption that a human like you couldn't bare to witness. I could share them with you. And it would bring me great pleasure to see you writhe in sheer agony, however, I will not. For I have no time for the likes of you.
There is no family for me. Not in the past world. Not in this world. Not in the worlds to come. Families are not creations for the dark world.
It has only been recently that I have seen colors. But to choose one that I fancy. I still like the dark. Dark Blue, Dark Grey, Black. I am comfortable with these colors. They have been around me since I can remember. Besides, I look good in them.
I am Nero Kelldonis. I am the most beautiful, attractive man you will ever encounter. To see me is to experience ecstasy. I am perfection itself. You will never find another as my equal.
Hobbies? I am not familiar with this word. However, if you are asking me what I do for pleasure. That is easy. I seduce Man, for that is why I am. I Nero Kelldonis was created for the destruction of Human kind through the Mighty Sin Lust. And I like what I do.
My dear human. You are my food. Your deepest darkest desires. Your carnal energy. I crave it. I need it. But I must admit, to be forever bound to disgusting humans repulses me to the core. Such a detestable race.
Am I to laugh? Such a question as this. Who would I like to be? It is very clear. There is no one better than myself. I should think this will be everyone's answer to this question. If not they are highly confused and should be slain.
A date? As in those ridiculous excuses for humans to pair up and succumb to my tempting? Intertwining each other for my enjoyment. I would never participate in such foolish actions. Though, I am willing to give you any such evening if it would mean a tasty snack for me.
I see no reason to have a significant other. Why would I trap myself in a relationship where there are so many delicious morsels falling at my feet, dying for my taste.
Seasons? Don't be ridiculous.
I, Nero Kelldonis, am what I am, and that is all I will ever be. For there is nothing greater than myself."
Now. There is yet another trick to this development thing. As "straight forward" as Nero Kelldonis may say he is. As the Author and Creator of him, I know some things about him that he would never admit to anyone. Especially a nosy reporter (like me). So Step Two for the "Character Development Question List"... Give the real answer. Yes, some of the answers are as real as you can get, but some are not. For example, again I will use Nero Kelldonis. He states in his answers that he has no desire for dates. The real answer to the question is, Kelldonis has always wanted to go on a date that has NOT ended in Lust. He has watched them as he tried to tempt, and was always thoroughly interested in dates that contained wholesome activities and little to no physical/sexual interaction.
Also, he says "Seasons are ridiculous." Well, don't tell him I said this, but he absolutely loves Fall. Something about how the trees change colors, the air grows cold, and the world prepares for a new stage of existence. Give him the belief that he can change. That despite his past, there is a way to make the changes to become something new and fresh. Yeah I know, he is a real romantic.
And finally, the real answer to his significant other. I actually don't know. You see. I may know him better than anyone else. But that doesn't mean I know ALL of his secrets. And that is okay. What is a romantic Demon bad boy without his mystery?
The point is to know most everything about them. Just like you do your best friend. You don't know everything. But you do know most. Know their past. Did something tragic happen to them as a kid? Do they not like dogs because they were bitten when they were three? I know that this is about your character in a book, but if you know them as well as you should, even if you don't put all that in your story, it will be easier to write your story. You will know the moment a choice comes in your book, which way your character will go. Why they went that way. It will be that much easier. Instead of trying to figure them out as you go.
I hope that this was informative. If not for the advice, then you at least got a little sneak peek into Nero Kelldonis. Trust me. When he is a famous movie star you will be so glad you read this.
No comments:
Post a Comment