Day 8 - Ready, Steady, Write

Coming up with a character

What’s in their bag?

Coming up with a character

 You might have been told that, as a writer, you create the characters and that you then have to plot and plan the adventures that they go on. To some extent, that’s true, but it’s not the whole story. In fact, sometimes, when I’m writing, it feels like characters appear out of nowhere and take control of my pen. ‘This way,’ I might say, trying to direct my character to choose a pair of red boots from a shop window. Meanwhile, a felt beret decorated with feathers has caught their eye in the neighbouring shop and, before I can do anything about it, they’re strutting down the street like a peacock and completely ignoring all the plans I’d made for them. Characters can be tricky creatures with their own minds. Don’t be surprised if, once you’ve invented them, they start choosing their own adventures.

 Usually, when I’m writing, I just begin a story and I get to the know the character as I’m writing but, sometimes, it can be helpful to think about your character before you start and to ask questions about them. It’s a bit like doing an interview with someone who doesn’t exist yet. It’s magical watching them come to life in front of your eyes and, if you ask questions about your character, often a story presents itself at the same time.

 If, when I’m interviewing my character, I discover that he has a black and white photo of his grandfather and a faded map in his pocket, it’s not going to be long before I consider that Grandad was a pirate who has left his grandson some buried treasure and, hey presto, I’ve got the beginnings of an adventure story.

 It might seem strange but I always advise writers not to think too hard. Don’t try to force a story to appear. Just let your pen write what it wants to write and the characters will appear of their own accord.

 You could use the questions below to help you to develop your character or you could think of your own.

 An interview with a character

Name………………………………………………………………………………………

Age…………………

Other family members……………………………………………………………. 

 What’s your greatest fear?……………………………………………………

 What do you want most in the world?………………………………….

 What do you have in your bag/pocket?...........................................

 What’s your favourite place?..................................................................…………………………...........

 Who would you tell a secret to?.......................................................................…………………………………..

 What is your biggest secret?.......................................................................…………………………..