The titled, rich young woman longing to break free.
The cynical, rough-around-the-edges hero, haunted by his past.
The heartless, psychotic villain who has no conscience.
The beautiful and cruel "other" woman.
We've all seen these character archetypes, templates (dare I say the c-word?) a hundred times thanks to the rise of novels, movies and TV shows over the years. Do you ever tire of them? For me, its not the template I get tired of (its hard to come up with a character that doesn't fit some type of character template these days), its the way the character is portrayed. I believe its possible to create original, outstanding characters from an overused template by focusing on believability. Believability is the game changer.
So how does one do believable? Don't start with quirks (although you'll need them), start with a personality paradox. Because real humans are such complex creatures, especially the interesting ones. ;-)
The cowboy who loves classical music and can name a composer within the first few bars of any music piece.
 |
| Photo Credit |
The rich, titled heroine who collects and studies bugs as an amateur entomologist.
The judge who's killing off his blackmailers to ensure his family's safety.
The nobleman with callused hands that testify to his love of farming.
Basically, you want to give your character an occupation or status that strongly contributes to their personality make-up, and then come up with something that is totally out of character for someone of that occupation or status. There's your endearing paradox.
Can you think of any others? I'd love to hear your input!
Posts
.JPG)
14 comments:
HA! Yes, we're both stuck in the David Tennant Doctor Who years now!
Hmm. How about Scarlett O'Hara. Though she's selfish, a horrible mother, and positively wicked at times, you root for her survival. Because she's determined to survive to see the next day! It's like her one redeeming virtue.
I think the most memorable characters have this dichotomy of traits. Even Bella Swan (of Twilight) is endearing b/c of her clutziness and low self-image.
Or how about Hercules Poirot? The guy is a total narcissist, but one of the most-loved detectives out there. I've read that even Agatha Christie got sick of him from time to time!
Great post!
Oh yes, Scarlet is a good one. Why do we like her? Maybe we forgive her faults because she's courageous and loves Rhett deep down, though she doesn't know it. Great example of a anti-heroine :-) i'm not familiar with the other two characters, i'll have to check them out!
Love this post, Gwen!
I think of the Sheriff of Nottingham from Robin Hood (Kevin Costner version) because he's a slimy, disgusting villian, but he's also likeable in a weird so of way and he's funny, too.
My hero is a gentleman from New York City (in 1857) who practices law, but he's also dreamed of exploration and he's an expert gunman, which is put to use as he comes up against a gang of outlaws who threaten his investments in the frontier town he live in.
As I think about my heroine, I need to amp up her character a bit, because I can't even articulate her...hmmm...Thanks for this food for thought.
Scarlett is one of those we love to hate...but still root for her.
I know, weird huh?
Great post, Gwen.
Now that gets the brain cells to thinking!
I think my main character is a variation of the third one - hero with a troubled past. At least in the first book.
Yay, a shout-out to Doctor Who! Good advice, Gwen. Characters that do the unexpected are sure to stick with the reader for a long time. I like your example of the classical music-loving cowboy :-) Your tips gave me something to look for as I'm fleshing out my characters in my WIP.
A good paradox really does make for a more intriguing story, doesn't it. I always love it when writer's throw those twists in their that just raise the stakes that much more :)
Thanks Loree! Yeah, Scarlett's a wonderful enigma. Definately a character worth noting while talking about complex personalities. :-)
Hi Alex! Glad to get your creative juices flowing! Yes, the hero with a troubled past is a popular archetype, but still a goodie. :-)
Happy to inspire you, Brandi!Complexity with consistency, that's what I try to keep in mind. :-) I'm thrilled to discover you're a fellow Doctor Who fan! :-D
Hi Joanne! A paradox does make a character more intriguing. Put that together with a unique mannerism, outlook and way of speaking, and you've got a character that no one will soon forget! I love story twists too!
Gabrielle: the Sheriff of Nottingham was an interesting villain! Although his witch-mother scared me. Your lawyer with gun skills sounds very intriguing, and I look forward to meeting him!
I think that's why I liked Goodwill Hunting so much. The janitor with a brilliant mind! :)
Loved the post today!
Hi Jessica! Wow, a janitor with a brilliant mind??? I need to read "Goodwill Hunting"!
Post a Comment