Rainstorm: Character Development

 8/18/2010  5:50 PM

Character Development is a tricky rainstorm. Sometimes it can be on a warm summer evening, when you dance in the rain laughing just because the rain feels so good. But sometimes it can be a huge terrifying lightning storm that gives you nightmares of freaky bat aliens.


Just me?


And it all depends on whether all the pieces fit together or if they seem completely unrealistic. Characters are people. Where they come from, and what happened there define who they are in your book. And your character cannot be unrealistic. How can someone with a perfect life, and who was completely happy, suddenly become sullen in your book? No, don't give me that moody teenager excuse. Readers aren't stupid, and we don't like feeling cheated when we read. Characters are real to us. Make them real.


But don't stress. And never lose the essence of your character. Too many suggestions can drown your character. To strengthen your character, add controversy, and interesting stories. But remember; too much going on can leave the reader confused, and sometimes it may not make sense. 


Which storm hit you?


-Jessie