Character Discovery

I love discovering new characters when I start writing a story.

However, it can be nervewracking when they set off down a different path than the one I'd initially planned. They give me a jaunty wave and say, "Let us show you what we have in mind", and I try to be brave enough to let them do just that. I remind myself that characters are meant to have a life of their own, and if they didn't, they wouldn't interest writers, or readers.

A TV show I really enjoy right now is Endgame. It's about a Russian chess master, Arkady Balagan, who is unable to leave the hotel where he lives because he saw his fiancé get killed right outside the hotel. The last time he was outdoors was when he ran to her exploding car, but it was too late to save her. He is attempting to solve the mystery of his fiancé's death, and each week he also solves a variety of other situations involving hotel guests.

I wasn't sure there would be anything beyond this premise, so I didn't anticipate the show would hold my interest. For example, Arkady walks around the hotel in his bare feet, often wearing lounging clothes of some kind, treating the place as if it is his home, because it is. At first it seems a bit contrived--because it is.

However, the actor brings his own special interpretation to that collection of quirks and personality traits. He manages to inhabit the character so that what was a gimmick at the beginning actually becomes an indelible part of Arkady's persona.

It didn't take long before I was convinced he was acting this way because it's the way he is.

One scene shows him getting off the elevator, walking into the hotel lobby with his bare toes held apart by cotton balls since he just got a pedicure. It fits his personality perfectly. He's arrogant, and abrasive, insistent on getting his way, even when he's in the wrong. Yet we know he's in emotional pain from his fiancé's violent death, and we sympathize because he is doing his best to handle it, even if it is imperfectly.

These are some of the reasons he's endeared himself to me, so I will continue watching the show, just to see more of his character and what he will do.

I love when this same thing happens with my books. I know just a small portion of my characters when I sit down to start their story, and I never know exactly what they'll do after I set them down in that first scene.

They reveal bits and pieces to me as I go along, showing me what they're feeling, and telling me what motivates them. Soon I can see them as fully-developed vibrant characters. I may have to revise that initial scene, but it's worth it, because it gives me a chance to watch them grow into their personalities.

They become people worth caring about, and it's my job to develop their story to fit who they really are.

Comments

[Quantum]

It sounds as though you see your characters as part of your growing family.

You have to nurture them through their development but desist from trying to guide their choices too much.

When you finish a number of books, I guess the characters may form an extended family. Or will your characters get re-born in the new books, rather like the Budhist idea of cyclical existence.

And where do you see yourself as the author. A mum perhaps or a God-like creator.

If I could write as well as you I think the latter would fit the bill nicely for me. *grin*

[Donna Cummings]

Q, you're right -- I've got a whole extended family here. LOL I always think of them knowing each other too. Maybe I should ask one group, "So, what do you think so-and-so is up to? Have you heard from them lately?" It might give me some insight into them. :)

Sometimes I think I'm more of a nanny than a God-like creator. LOL

[Melissa]

I love it when a character's quirks show themselves and surprise me. Or when completely new characters show up like wedding crashers! I always get new characters in a story that I didn't invite. LOL

The show and character you describe sounds like something I'd get into watching. That combination of emotional pain and eccentric behavior is a mesmerizing mix. Those kind of characters are so unpredictable...even for the writer. :)

Sounds like you're having a great time with your new story and evolving characters! Hurry up and finish, okay? LOL

[Donna Cummings]

Well, that was bizarre -- my comment disappeared. On my own blog! LOL

Anyway, Melissa, I loved your analogy of characters being wedding crashers. It's perfect. And those are the ones that are the most fun, even if they're a bit rowdy and cause the other characters to gasp when they show up. It keeps the writer on their toes!

I found the show Endgame on Hulu, and they show new episodes each Monday night. I really do look forward to it. He's a great example of a character with flaws who is definitely intriguing.

And thanks for the pressure--I mean, motivation--to get writing done today. LOL I've got a couple stories vying for my attention. I'm hoping today I'll get a lot more use of my writing hours than usual. I'll let you know how it goes!

[writing essay]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and ideas!