As writers, we’re always looking for inspiration for our characters.
We want them to come alive for our readers the same way they do in our heads. One of my favorite tunes is “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover,” by Paul Simon. It’s a catchy tune. As it ran through my head today, I started to think of the many ways to find inspiration for our characters. I ended up making a Pin for my Pinterest Board on Writing Ideas. I called it 20 places to find inspiration for characters. Not as catchy as Paul Simon’s title, but then, I’m not a songwriter.
The graphic is shown, so I won’t write the 20 places here. I’ll just say that my best advice to you is this:
Before you write, study people.
Go to the grocery store and listen to people talking in the check-out line. Don’t let the people disturb you when they are behind you talking before a movie starts. Instead, use them as research. Are their voices high and screeching? Do they rumble, mumble, fumble for words? Does your chair vibrate when they talk, or do your ears hurt? You’ll never be annoyed again. The world will become your laboratory. After you notice the tone, the sound of their voices, tune in and see what they’re saying. Did Aunt Martha really have the nerve to tell Uncle Ricky off, finally? Did the dishwasher break and he can’t afford to call a repairman? Does that mean the poor guy is washing dishes every day now, or is he going out to eat every meal? You’ll be surprised to find what people will talk about in public spaces. As an added bonus, they often talk about other movies, or what they’re looking forward to getting out of this one. What do they like? What do they dislike? The same will probably ring true in what they’ll read. It’s all useful.
Are the neighbors outside with their stereo playing while they yell at each other? What are they fighting about? Are they fighting, or are they just really loud people? You need drama, why not borrow some of theirs? Just remember, when you write dialogue, leave out the uh, ahs, ahems. Cut to the chase, get to the point, and don’t be redundant. OK, that was a joke, did you get it?
While you’re gathering these tidbits, start paying attention to how these people look. Did she really wear those shoes to the dog park? How much do you think his sneakers cost? Does anyone like that facial hair? Where does that tattoo stop? Could she get any more jewelry on? Does her bracelet make a racket as she searches through her hobo bag for her credit card? This is good stuff, people. Don’t ignore it, grab your pen and notebook and write it down. You’ll never remember it later if you fail to capture it now.
You can take this further. What are these people doing? Are they constantly typing into their phone? Are they plugged in with headphones, oblivious to the world around them? Did he really just steal that parking spot from the guy sitting there with his blinker on patiently waiting for the driver to back out? (Let’s hope it wasn’t you waiting patiently.) How do all three people in this scenario react? You could get a whole scene out of this one incident.
Did it start to rain? What do people do? Run? Open umbrellas? Curse? Laugh and splash in the puddles? Huddle under an overhanging roof? Do they talk to one another?
Is it hot? What are they wearing? Does she have a thong on or no underpants at all? Wouldn’t it be better if he put a shirt on to cover that belly? Does she need a pedicure to fix that peeling polish?
Get the idea?
It’s all fodder for your creative fire. Ignore it at your peril. Notice it and be thankful for it. It’s free for the taking. Now, get your chosen form of writing material out and go to it! One of the best things about being a writer is being able to have imaginary friends. Take all these traits and throw them together to come out with new and interesting people. When you write a romance, you’re telling a love story.
Invent imaginary people you want to hang out with, that you’d fall in love with.
Give them real voices, things to say, put them into real situations. Make them come alive in the eyes of your readers. If you can create believable characters, you’re at least halfway there.
As always,
Thank you! Happy Reading! Happy Writing!
Did this article inspire you, give you ideas of how to start? Send me an email and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
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As always, Thank you! Happy Reading! Happy Writing!
Shirley Holder Platt
Photo by Marina Durán on Unsplash