On Monday we talked about what Christmas theme suits us, and that got me to thinking that sometimes our personal choices say more about us than we might think. In three words, I believe my decorating says I'm organized, modern, and fun. Or at least, I like to think that much could be said about me by taking a look at my Christmas tree.
So, of course, that got me to thinking about my characters and how I'd characterize them if I had to do it in three words like I did with myself.
I wanted to get a quick and simple picture of how others would see them.
1. How I would see my character.
I see my heroine from my current WIP as fun. I wanted her to be unique.
2. How my readers see my character.
I hope my readers see her as caring. I wanted her to display a side she didn't know she had.
3. How my other characters, particularly my hero would see my MC.
I wanted my hero to see her as strong/independent. Capable, in a word.
If you had to compartmentalize your MC like this, how would you see her or him? How would readers and other characters see her or him?
And for those of you who aren't writers, what are some characteristics you want to see in heroes and heroines when you read a book?
I think this is a great exercise. Too often I see bland characters and that's because (I believe) they don't have defining traits. I enjoy quirkiness and determination in heroines and strong will and humor in heroes. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm constantly hoping readers are getting the same vibe from my characters that I do.
ReplyDeleteWork so hard at that.
~ Wendy
Great exercise! I need to go do this now.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...this is causing me to have to think hard. :)
ReplyDeleteI see my heroine as a crusader.
I hope my readers see my character as hopeful.
I want my hero to see my heroine as loyal.
What great questions to ask ourselves about our characters. The answers would reveal a lot about them.
ReplyDeleteI think my readers will see my MC as I do - at least I hope so. She's independent and strong, but learns to be vulnerable.
ReplyDeleteI hope my readers will see my characters depth, as they peel back the layers with each page or chapter.
ReplyDeleteGreat exercise! I think of my character as reticent, holding everyone (even me as a writer, sometimes) at arm's length. But I hope my readers can see that she's just hurt and vulnerable. My other characters see her as stronger than she thinks she is.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Jessica! No one wants a bland character. Quirkiness and determination are great characteristics.
ReplyDeleteWendy, I hear you! We work so hard to develop characters that feel close to us, we hope our readers feel that same connection.
Go for it, Susan. Probably something I should have done with my other characters.
Erica, I love that! A crusader. What a great characteristic.
Keli, I agree. Characters really make the story, so the more we can do to develop them, the better.
ReplyDeleteStacy, those characteristics are ones I find readers often want to see in characters. Vulnerability and strength combo is awesome!
Loree, layers! That's good. Making readers go on a journey with your characters is great.
Heidi, your character sounds interesting. Sounds like readers could really relate to her.
Great exercise, Cindy! I'm not sure exactly how I would answer those questions right now. Looks like I've got some pondering ahead of me... :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent exercise, Cindy!
ReplyDeleteLet's see: I see my heroine in my WIP as someone who values freedom -- the freedom to experience life fully.
I hope my readers see my character as someone who is brilliant and a bit quirky.
My hero sees my heroine as ... well, initially he thinks she's a five foot tall know-it-all shrew. But that changes.
;o)
I'm still working on what my character in this WIP should look like. I wanted readers to see her as a person bent on surviving but not so straight-laced that she wasn't any fun.
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