How to Write a Character
↠ Start with the basics, because obviously. Name. Age. Gender. Maybe even a birthday if you’re feeling fancy. This is step one because, well, your character needs to exist before they can be interesting. But nobody cares if they’re 27 or 37 unless it actually matters to the story.
↠ Looks aren’t everything… but also, describe them. Yes, we know their soul is more important than their hair color, but readers still need something to visualize. Do they have the kind of face that makes babies cry? Do they always look like they just rolled out of bed? Give us details, not just “tall with brown hair.
↠ Personality isn’t just “kind but tough.” For the love of storytelling, give them more than two adjectives. Are they kind, or do they just pretend to be because they hate confrontation? Are they actually tough, or are they just too emotionally repressed to cry in public? Dig deeper.
↠ Backstory = Trauma (usually). Something shaped them. Maybe it was a messy divorce, maybe they were the middle child and never got enough attention, or maybe they once got humiliated in a spelling bee and never recovered. Whatever it is, make it matter to who they are today.
↠ Give them a goal. Preferably a messy one. If your character’s only motivation is to “be happy” or “do their best,” they’re boring. They need a real goal, one that conflicts with who they are, what they believe in, or what they think they deserve. Bonus points if it wrecks them emotionally.
↠ Make them suffer. Yes, I said it. A smooth, easy journey is not a story. Give them obstacles. Rip things away from them. Make them work for what they want. Nobody wants to read about a character who just gets everything handed to them (unless it’s satire, then carry on).
↠ Relationships = Depth. Nobody exists in a vacuum. Who do they love? Who annoys the hell out of them? Who do they have that messy, can’t-live-with-you-can’t-live-without-you tension with? People shape us. So, shape your character through the people in their life.
↠ Give them a voice that actually sounds like them. If all your characters talk the same, you’ve got a problem. Some people ramble, some overthink, some are blunt to the point of being offensive. Let their voice show who they are. You should be able to tell who’s talking without dialogue tags.
↠ If they don’t grow, what’s the point? People change. They learn things, make mistakes, get their hearts broken, and (hopefully) become a little wiser. If your character starts and ends the story as the same exact person, you just wasted everyone’s time.
↠ Flaws. Give. Them. Flaws. Nobody likes a perfect character. Give them something to struggle with, maybe they’re selfish, maybe they push people away, maybe they’re addicted to the thrill of self-destruction (fun!). Make them real. Make them human.
↠ Relatability is key. Your character doesn’t have to be likable, but they do have to be understandable. Readers need to get them, even if they don’t agree with them. If your character never struggles, never doubts, and never screws up, I have bad news: they’re not a character, they’re a mannequin.
↠ You’re never actually done. Characters evolve, not just in the story, but as you write them. If something feels off, fix it. If they feel flat, dig deeper. Keep refining, rewriting, and letting them surprise you. That’s how you create someone who feels real.
Now go forth and write characters that actually make people feel something. And if you need a reminder, just ask yourself: Would I care if this person existed in real life? If the answer is meh, start over.
I love spring! ✨💐
𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
✨💗
Time for some random ramblings, and this is coming from an exhausted, yet fulfilled walking zombie:
I had the BEST time of my LIFE! Like oh my god, I went to this Great Gatsby orchestra concert and OH.MY.GOD. The music was just so full of LIFE and PASSION! The performers were TOP notch and the composer was so eccentric -It was all tied together so well and the venue was STUNNING! Glass chandelier, great snacks and I got a view from the balcony, so that definitely enhanced my experience.
Honestly, the jazz was just...wow. The whole experience reminded me of what can come out of life, the wonderful people that make these things happen and the COMMUNITY that comes together to make such a special project-I understand that the world, especially as to what we can see right now thanks to social media, seems to be very chaotic and that there's no light in the tunnel...but if you think about it, what if self-expression and community and being proactive is the key? Now I am tired, so this might not make sense, but hear me out:
Jazz is this lively genre of music that just seems to DRAW people in-It's been the lifeblood of so many people and has inspired multiple dances, subgenres and it enhanced the Roaring Twenties and made the era so grand and inviting. It's what gave people hope and a reason to keep on dancing.
So what if we all just need to come together to make a reason? I truly do understand that the world is an overwhelming place to be, and that everything seems bleak and hopeless. I empathise with that, as I struggle with burnout and as somebody who aspires to be an author but is afraid of the capitalistic system destroying my chances, climate change and all that "jazz" (no pun intended), I really do get it.
But what if constant negativity from social media is what's stifling our growth and our chances at a good life? What if it's the way to keep everybody down, make them feel lile there's no way up and so the issues keep on growing stronger?
...Perhaps all we need to have..is a bit of hope and a way to take action?
I understand that sounds ABSURD, but I heard this quote on Pinterest: ``Joy is resistance.``
Perhaps all we need to do is find a way to make things better, and allow ourselves respite and forgiveness? Allow yourself to love others and yourself? Allow yourself to indulge in your dreams and desires? ALLOW yourself to finally see the potential that's within you?
It may seem like a far-fetched idea, but is it really when so many people come together? There's no harm in being the one to:
Take. The. First. Step.
Let's allow ourseoves grace and compassion, and realise this world has always been messed up, but oh so wonderful as well and can always get better, once there is a motivator for change.
For us, that motivator is peace in knowing you and the next generations can live a fulfilling, joyful and thrilling life without any worries of money, fitting in, misery or any of that.
That's just my hot take on it. Cliché? Maybe, but repetition doesn't, right?
Anyways, thanks for coming to my TED talk! *Raises glass of grape juice in a toast* May we find joy in resistance!
what type of witchcraft do you partake in? (:
Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out which types interest me since I’m a baby witch (and I can’t do anything outlandish since I kinda have to practice in secret), but I like to do basic stuff and art magick! And green witchcraft really interests me as well! :D
Part IV
tightness around their eyes
pinched mouth
sour expression on their face
crossed arms
snorting angrily
turning their eyes upward
shaking their head
fast breathing
chest heaving
trembling of their hands
weak knees, giving in
tears flowing down their face uncontrollably
laughing while crying
not being able to stand still
tension leaving their body
shoulders dropping
standing still
opening mouth
slack jaw
not being able to speak correctly
slowed down breathing
wide eyes open
softening their gaze
staring unabashingly
vacant stare
looking down
turning their head away
cannot look at another person
putting their head into their hands
shaking their head
blushing
looking down
nervous smile
sharp intake of breath
quickening of breath
blinking rapidly
breaking eye contact
trying to busy their hands
playing with their hair
fidgeting with their fingers
opening mouth without speaking
More: How to write emotions Masterpost
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It’d be pretty nice!!
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Hi, I just want you to know. That you’re awesome and a wonderful and nice person. I hope you have a good day.
Awwh, thank you so much! I hope you have a great day too, whoever you are! 🫶🏾
Yippee!
Credit to: user
it's aways good to remember that she was actually out as sapphic and such a good singer
Yeah! She is a really good singer, and I agree with a comment I saw on YouTube under this song: the song is calming yet kinda badass!
8/10 ✨
She/her | 👩🏾🦱❤️🧡🤍💗💜 🏳️🌈| a teen who likes writing, music, art, and witchy things :)Adults, do not dm me. You can like and reblog my stuff, but other than that, dni <3
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