How to introduce a well rounded character

When a character pops into my mind and reveals themselves, I get to know them really well.

I can see them warts and all. The smirk, contempt or joy on their face is understandable. Their happy go lucky attitude or their fearful, silent, brooding insecurities I’m familiar with.

No, I’ve not heard voices or seen visions. But I do talk to my characters. Doesn’t every writer?

When meeting someone in real life we don’t learn everything about them in the first few minutes. It’s the same with a character. The more time I spend with him/her the more I get to love or hate them, admire them or fear them.

Too often I forget the reader cannot see and hear what’s in my head. That I need to make introduce the character to the reader. For my character to become as real to the reader as they are to me, I must breathe life into them.

“Reader, meet Character. Character this is Reader.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Reader said, extending her right hand.

“Right.” Character said. His smile more of a smirk as he ignores Reader’s hand and turns away from her bright smile.

Well, that intro didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, but as time passes, they will either come to trust, love or hate one another. Become best friends or mortal enemies.

If I’m lucky the reader will continue to learn something new about the character, all the way to the very end of the book.

Want some tips on how to How to create recognizable characters? Then be sure and read this post by Helga Schier.

She even provides a free video lesson.

Little by little I should reveal who the character is, what they want and why. The reader will begin to understand what Character loves and hates.

Want to know more questions to ask, answer and reveal in your story? Then click and read this article by Heather Jackson.

She gives us Top Ten Things Writers Should Ask Their Characters

You might want to check out Janice Hardy’s blog for a character building prompt.

Leave a comment and tell me, how you introduce your characters? A lot up front or do you let the reader learn over time?

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