12 Character Development
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12.1 Creating Memorable Characters
📖 Tips and techniques for crafting characters that leave a lasting impression.
“Strong characters drive the story. Weak characters wreck it.”
— Chuck Wendig, Damn Fine Story (2017)
The strength of a story hinges on the characters’ depth and memorability.
“Characters make choices. Good stories are built on the consequences of those choices.”
— Sarah Enni, How to Write a Great Story (2020)
Character actions and their outcomes create compelling storylines.
“Give your characters a secret desire, something they want so badly they’ll do anything to get it.”
— William Goldman, Adventures in the Screen Trade (1983)
Powerful motivations drive characters and fuel conflict.
“Make your characters relatable. Give them flaws, fears, and strengths that readers can connect with.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses (2014)
Relatable characters evoke empathy and emotional investment from readers.
“The best characters are born out of conflict. Struggle defines them and gives them purpose.”
— David Mamet, Three Uses of the Knife (1998)
Conflicts shape characters’ journeys and reveal their true selves.
“When writing a character, ask yourself: What does this person want more than anything else? What’s their fatal flaw? How do they change over the course of the story?”
— James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel from Start to Finish (2016)
Defining a character’s desires, flaws, and growth arc creates depth and relatability.
“Every character should want something, even if it’s just a glass of water. Conflict arises when their pursuit of what they want clashes with someone else’s desires.”
— Dwight Swain, Techniques of the Selling Writer (1968)
Creating conflicting desires between characters drives plot and heightens tension.
“A character’s personality is revealed through their actions and dialogue, not through exposition. Show, don’t tell.”
— Anton Chekhov, Lectures on Literature and Drama (1902)
Character development should be demonstrated through actions and dialogue, not direct descriptions.
“The more specific you are about your characters, the more real they will seem. Give them names, ages, occupations, backgrounds, and unique quirks.”
— Jane Friedman, The Write Brain (2016)
Adding details and quirks to characters makes them more vivid and believable.
“A character’s journey is not about reaching a destination. It’s about the transformation they undergo along the way.”
— Dan Harmon, Story Structure 101 (2012)
Character development is about the internal journey of change and growth.
“Character development is like sculpting. You start with a block of marble and chip away at it until you reveal the figure inside.”
— David Eddings, The Belgariad (1982)
Character development is a gradual process of revealing a character’s inner qualities.
“Characters are like snowflakes. No two are exactly alike.”
— Neil Gaiman, The Sandman (1989)
Every character is unique and should be developed with distinct traits.
“A character’s strength is not in their powers or abilities, but in their ability to overcome their flaws and weaknesses.”
— Brandon Sanderson, The Stormlight Archive (2010)
Character strength comes from confronting and overcoming personal struggles.
“The most memorable characters are those who are flawed, complex, and relatable. They make mistakes, they learn from them, and they grow as individuals.”
— George R.R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire (1996)
Memorable characters are complex, flawed, and undergo significant growth.
“A character’s motivation is the key to their actions. Understanding their desires and fears will help you create a believable and compelling character arc.”
— Rachel Aaron, The Legend of Eli Monpress (2010)
Understanding a character’s motivations helps create a believable and compelling character arc.
“Characters are not just names on a page. They are living, breathing people with thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Treat them with respect and they will come to life for your readers.”
— Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game (1985)
Respecting characters as individuals brings them to life for readers.
“The best way to create memorable characters is to write from the heart. Put yourself in their shoes and write about their experiences as if they were your own.”
— Stephen King, On Writing (2000)
Writing with passion and empathy creates relatable and memorable characters.
“Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They are the ones who drive the plot, create conflict, and make readers care about the outcome.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1997)
Characters are the core elements that drive the story and engage readers.
“No story is complete without well-developed, memorable characters. They are the ones who make readers turn the pages and keep them coming back for more.”
— Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea (1952)
Memorable characters are essential for captivating readers and driving them through a story.
12.2 Character Motivation
📖 Exploring the driving forces behind characters’ actions and decisions.
“Characters aren’t just names on a page. They have thoughts, feelings, and motivations that drive their actions.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses (2014)
Characters should be fully realized individuals with complex motivations.
“A character’s motivations are the key to understanding their actions.”
— James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel from the Middle (2007)
Understanding a character’s motivations is crucial for understanding their behavior.
“The best way to create believable characters is to give them strong motivations.”
— Sol Stein, Stein on Writing (1995)
Strong motivations make characters more believable and relatable.
“Every character, no matter how small, should have a motivation for everything they do.”
— Dwight V. Swain, Techniques of the Selling Writer (1983)
Even minor characters should have clear motivations for their actions.
“Motivation is the driving force behind every character’s actions. It’s what makes them tick.”
— Randy Ingermanson, Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (2007)
Motivation is the foundation of a character’s actions and decisions.
“The best way to understand a character’s motivation is to put yourself in their shoes.”
— John Truby, The Anatomy of Story (2007)
To truly understand a character’s motivation, one must empathize with their perspective.
“Motivation is the engine that drives a character forward.”
— Orson Scott Card, Characters & Viewpoint (1988)
Motivation provides the impetus for a character’s actions and decisions.
“A character’s motivation should be clear to the reader from the beginning.”
— Lisa Cron, Wired for Story (2012)
The reader should be able to easily understand a character’s motivations.
“Motivation is the key to creating a compelling character.”
— Stephen King, On Writing (2000)
A character’s motivation is essential for making them compelling and relatable.
“Motivation is what makes a character believable. Without it, they’re just cardboard cutouts.”
— David Farland, The Runelords (2012)
Motivation is crucial for creating believable and relatable characters.
“Motivation is the lifeblood of a character. It’s what makes them tick, what makes them real.”
— Brandon Mull, Fablehaven (2006)
Motivation is the vital force that brings a character to life.
“Motivation is the key to creating a character that readers will care about.”
— Nancy Kress, Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint (2012)
A character’s motivation is essential for readers to connect with them on an emotional level.
“Motivation is the spark that ignites a character’s journey.”
— Christopher Vogler, The Writer’s Journey (1992)
Motivation sets the character’s journey in motion and drives them towards their goals.
“Motivation is the driving force behind every character’s actions.”
— John Gardner, The Art of Fiction (1984)
Motivation is the fundamental element that explains why characters do what they do.
“Motivation is the foundation upon which a character is built.”
— K.M. Weiland, Creating Character Arcs (2015)
Motivation is the solid basis on which a character’s personality and actions are constructed.
“Motivation is the key to a character’s soul.”
— Robert McKee, Story (1997)
Motivation reveals the inner essence and complexities of a character.
“Motivation is the driving force that makes a character relatable and engaging.”
— Chuck Wendig, Damn Fine Story (2013)
Motivation creates a connection between the reader and the character.
“Motivation is the oxygen that breathes life into a character.”
— Janet Burroway, Writing Fiction (1992)
Motivation is the vital element that animates a character and makes them believable.
“Motivation is the heart of a character. Without it, they’re just an empty shell.”
— Donald Maass, The Breakout Novelist (2004)
Motivation is the core element that gives a character depth and purpose.
12.3 Character Flaws and Weaknesses
📖 The importance of giving characters flaws and weaknesses to make them more relatable and interesting.
“In every villain, there is a hero, and in every hero, there is a villain.”
— Malcolm X, Unknown (1964)
Even the most heroic characters have flaws, while even the most villainous characters may have redeeming qualities.
“The most interesting characters are those whose motives are ambiguous.”
— George R.R. Martin, A Dance with Dragons (2011)
Characters who are neither purely good nor purely evil are more complex and believable.
“A character is not simply a collection of traits, but rather a living, breathing person with their own unique experiences, motivations, and flaws.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses (2014)
Characters should be well-rounded and believable, with both strengths and weaknesses.
“You have to give a character flaws so that the audience can relate to them. If they’re perfect, they’re not interesting.”
— Joss Whedon, The Avengers (2012)
Characters who are too perfect are often boring and unrelatable.
“I try to give my characters flaws that are both relatable and sympathetic.”
— J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007)
Characters who have relatable flaws are more likely to connect with readers.
“A character’s flaws are what make them interesting. They’re what drive the story and create conflict.”
— Stephen King, On Writing (2000)
Flaws are essential for creating compelling characters and stories.
“The best characters are those who are flawed and have something to overcome.”
— Neil Gaiman, The Sandman (1989)
Characters who overcome their flaws are more inspiring and memorable.
“The only truly bad characters are those who are boring.”
— Ursula K. Le Guin, The Left Hand of Darkness (1969)
Characters who are boring are simply not worth reading about.
“The most interesting characters are those who are complex and contradictory.”
— Lev Grossman, The Magicians (2009)
Characters who are complex and contradictory are more realistic and relatable.
“A character’s flaws are what make them human.”
— Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale (1985)
Flaws are what make characters relatable and believable.
“The best characters are those who have a fatal flaw.”
— Aristotle, Poetics (335 BCE)
Characters with fatal flaws are more tragic and compelling.
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
— Rumi, The Essential Rumi (1273)
Our flaws and weaknesses can be the source of our greatest strength.
“Your scar is your strength.”
— Veronica Roth, Divergent (2011)
Our flaws and weaknesses can make us stronger.
“The most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found a way out of the depths.”
— Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, On Death and Dying (1969)
Those who have overcome adversity are often the most beautiful and inspiring people.
“We are all flawed and imperfect. But that’s what makes us human. And that’s what makes us beautiful.”
— Unknown, Unknown (Unknown)
Our flaws and imperfections are what make us unique and special.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
We should not be afraid of our flaws and weaknesses, but rather learn from them and grow stronger.
“It’s okay to be flawed. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to not be perfect.”
— Jenna Marbles, YouTube (2015)
We should accept our flaws and weaknesses, and not be afraid to show them to the world.
“The most beautiful thing about flaws is that they are proof that you are real.”
— Unknown, Unknown (Unknown)
Our flaws and weaknesses are what make us human and relatable.
“Your flaws are not who you are. They are just a part of you. And you are still worthy of love and happiness.”
— Unknown, Unknown (Unknown)
We should not let our flaws and weaknesses define us. We are still worthy of love and happiness.
12.4 Character Relationships
📖 Insights into the dynamics and complexities of character relationships.
“A story is a person. Not a plot, not a structure, not a genre, not a story type. A person.”
— Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country (1982)
The essence of a story lies in its characters, not in its plot or structure.
“Character is plot and plot is character.”
— E.M. Forster, Aspects of the Novel (1927)
The development of a character and the unfolding of the plot are inextricably linked.
“I’ve found that characters almost always suggest their own way out of the story—if I’m willing to get out of the way and listen.”
— Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life (1994)
Characters, when well-developed, often dictate the course of the story.
“Truth in fiction does not depend on the story being factual, but rather on its characters behaving in a manner that is truthful to their nature.”
— Salman Rushdie, Imaginary Homelands: Essays and Criticism 1981-1991 (1992)
Characters should behave in a way that aligns with their established personalities.
“The best way to create memorable characters is to give them an emotional journey. Take them from one emotional state to another, and the reader will be invested in their story.”
— Donald Maass, Writing the Breakout Novel: Insider Advice for Taking Your Novel to the Next Level (2014)
Creating character arcs that involve emotional growth and development makes them more relatable and engaging to readers.
“Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.”
— Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country (1982)
Characters should have clear goals and motivations that drive their actions in the story.
“The most important thing in writing is creating characters that the reader cares about. You can have the best plot in the world, but if the reader doesn’t care about the characters, they won’t keep reading.”
— James Patterson, Write Now: No Time for Excuses, No Time for Waiting (2010)
Readers’ emotional investment in characters is crucial for the success of a story.
“The only people who never make mistakes are the ones who never do anything.”
— Theodore Roosevelt, Speech in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1910)
Mistakes are inevitable in life, and character development often involves learning from them.
“A character is a person on paper. A real person—not a cardboard cutout. They have a past, a present, a future.”
— Janet Burroway, Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (2002)
Characters should be fully realized individuals with depth and complexity.
“I write to create characters that the reader can relate to, even if they don’t agree with them.”
— John Grisham, Interview with The New York Times (2013)
Creating characters that readers can identify with increases their engagement and investment in the story.
“The best way to flesh out a character is to ask them questions.”
— Neil Gaiman, MasterClass on Writing (2022)
Asking questions about a character’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations helps develop their personality.
“A story is a series of connected events that happen to a character.”
— Aristotle, Poetics (335 BCE)
Characters are central to a story’s plot and events.
“When a writer creates a character, they are not simply creating a plot device. They are creating a person.”
— John Steinbeck, Interview with The New York Times (1962)
Writers have a responsibility to create characters that are authentic and believable.
“A character is not merely a collection of traits. They are a breathing, thinking, feeling human being.”
— David Foster Wallace, Consider the Lobster (2005)
Characters should have depth and complexity, embodying human qualities and emotions.
“Character is the life of a story.”
— Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady (1881)
Characters are the driving force of a story and bring it to life.
“Character is revealed in action. What a man does defines him.”
— Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics (350 BCE)
Characters’ actions and choices reveal their true nature and values.
“We are all flawed and we make mistakes. That’s what makes us human.”
— Cassandra Clare, City of Bones (2007)
Acknowledging characters’ flaws and mistakes makes them more relatable and authentic.
“The relationship between characters is the heart of any story.”
— James Frey, How to Write a Damn Good Novel (2007)
Character relationships drive the plot forward and create emotional resonance with readers.
“In writing fiction, the most important thing is to create characters that are believable and sympathetic.”
— Graham Greene, The Art of Fiction (1984)
Readers connect with characters they can believe in and empathize with.
“A character is a mirror in which the reader sees themselves reflected.”
— Carlos Ruiz Zafón, The Shadow of the Wind (2001)
Characters serve as mirrors for readers, allowing them to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.
12.5 Character Diversity
📖 The significance of creating diverse characters and avoiding stereotypes.
“Diversity is not about quotas, but it is about representation and acknowledging the diverse experiences and identities that make up the human race.”
— Foluke Michael, TED Talk: The Power of Women in STEM (2019) (2019)
Diversity is about acknowledging and representing the various life experiences that exist within the human race.
“I think stories are very powerful tools, and we can use them to effect change in the world.”
— Libba Bray, Book Riot Interview (2013) (2013)
Stories have the ability to enact change in the world.
“Diverse characterization is an expression of democratic values.”
— Ijeoma Oluo, So You Want to Talk About Race (2018) (2018)
Diverse characterization serves as an illustration of democratic ideals.
“The important thing is to keep telling the stories that need to be told.”
— Sherman Alexie, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian (2007) (2007)
Continuously sharing vital narratives is necessary.
“Diversity is not about being politically correct. It’s about creating stories and characters that reflect the world we live in.”
— Victoria Aveyard, Bustle Interview (2015) (2015)
Diversity in storytelling means reflecting the actual world in narratives and characters.
“Diverse books are windows into other worlds, they allow us to see ourselves in different contexts, and they help us to understand different cultures.”
— Malala Yousafzai, Speech at the United Nations (2013) (2013)
Diverse books provide other perspectives, foster self-identification, and enhance cultural understanding.
“A diverse set of characters allows readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read, and it also helps them to understand the experiences of others.”
— Jason Reynolds, The New York Times (2017) (2017)
Diverse characters in storytelling promote self-identification and foster comprehension of diverse experiences.
“I firmly believe that no matter where we come from or what we look like, we all have stories to tell, and those stories deserve to be heard.”
— Randa Abdel-Fattah, The Hate Race (2018) (2018)
Everyone has valuable stories to tell, irrespective of their origin or appearance.
“The more diverse our stories, the more we can learn about each other and the more we can grow as a society.”
— Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Half of a Yellow Sun (2006) (2006)
Diverse stories foster mutual understanding and societal growth.
“In a diverse world, it is important to read and listen to the stories of people who are different from us, in order to challenge our own assumptions and to learn about other cultures and perspectives.”
— Margaret Mead, Continuities in Cultural Evolution (1964) (1964)
Engaging with diverse stories challenges assumptions, broadens cultural understanding, and introduces new perspectives.
“Diversity is about understanding that we are all different, but that we all have something to contribute to the world.”
— Tan France, Queer Eye (2018) (2018)
Diversity is recognizing individual differences and valuing each person’s contribution.
“The more we learn about different people and cultures, the more we learn about ourselves.”
— Queen Rania of Jordan, Speech at the United Nations (2006) (2006)
Exploration of diverse cultures and perspectives promotes self-awareness and understanding.
“Diversity is not just about race. It’s also about gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, and religion.”
— Jacqueline Woodson, Brown Girl Dreaming (2014) (2014)
Diversity extends beyond race, encompassing various aspects like gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
“The world is a big and diverse place, and we should all strive to learn about and understand the people who live in it.”
— Barack Obama, Speech at the United Nations (2016) (2016)
Curiosity about the world and its people should drive the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
“We are all human beings, and we all deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.”
— The Dalai Lama, The Art of Happiness (1998) (1998)
Respect and dignity are universal human rights.
“The most important thing is to be true to yourself.”
— Oprah Winfrey, O, The Oprah Magazine (2002) (2002)
Authenticity is of paramount importance.
“The world needs diversity. It needs different voices, different perspectives, and different ways of seeing the world.”
— Malala Yousafzai, Speech at the United Nations (2013) (2013)
Diversity enriches the world with diverse viewpoints, perspectives, and understanding.
“The only way to change something is to be a part of it.”
— Margaret Mead, Continuities in Cultural Evolution (1964) (1964)
To enact change, one must actively participate and engage.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— Mahatma Gandhi, The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (1958) (1958)
Self-discovery and fulfillment arise from selfless service to others.
12.6 Character Arcs and Development
📖 How characters change and evolve over the course of a story.
“Character arc is about transformation. It’s the inner journey of the character.”
— James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Fiction Writers (2021)
Character arcs should focus on the transformation of the character’s inner journey.
“You can’t have a strong narrative without a strong character arc.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses (2012)
Strong character arcs are essential for compelling narratives.
“A character arc is a journey, not a destination.”
— John Truby, The Anatomy of Story (2007)
Character arcs are not about reaching a final destination, but about the journey of transformation.
“Character development is the key to story development.”
— Nancy Kress, Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure (2001)
Character development is crucial for effective story development.
“The key to writing great characters is to make them real and relatable.”
— Donald Maass, The Breakout Novelist (2002)
Creating realistic and relatable characters is vital for effective storytelling.
“Every character should want something, even if it’s just a glass of water.”
— Elmore Leonard, Ten Rules of Writing (2007)
Characters should have desires and goals, no matter how small.
“Character is destiny.”
— Heraclitus, Fragments (BCE 500)
A character’s destiny is determined by their character traits.
“Character is plot.”
— Aristotle, Poetics (335 BCE)
Character and plot are inextricably linked in effective storytelling.
“A story is a journey of the character from one state to another.”
— John Gardner, The Art of Fiction (1983)
Stories should focus on the character’s journey and transformation.
“Character is revealed in action.”
— Aristotle, Poetics (335 BCE)
Characters are best revealed through their actions and choices.
“Character is the most important element in fiction.”
— Ernest Hemingway, Death in the Afternoon (1932)
Character is the central and most important aspect of fiction.
“A character is a person who acts, thinks, feels, and speaks in a way that reveals his or her personality.”
— E.M. Forster, Aspects of the Novel (1927)
Characters are defined by their actions, thoughts, feelings, and speech.
“The role of a writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say.”
— Anaïs Nin, The House of Incest (1936)
Writers should explore themes and ideas that are beyond the reach of ordinary language.
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.”
— Aristotle, Poetics (335 BCE)
Art should focus on the deeper meaning and significance of things, rather than just their surface appearance.
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
— Edgar Degas, ** (1834)
Art should not merely depict what is seen, but should provoke thought and interpretation in the viewer.
“The artist’s job is not to succumb to despair, but to find an antidote for the emptiness of existence.”
— Milan Kundera, The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1984)
Artists should seek to find meaning and purpose in life, despite its inherent emptiness.
“Art is not about expressing yourself, but about expressing the truth.”
— Wassily Kandinsky, Concerning the Spiritual in Art (1911)
Art should focus on conveying universal truths, rather than simply showcasing the artist’s personal feelings and experiences.
“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, The American Scholar (1837)
Artistic creation is limited by the artist’s emotional and intellectual depth.
“Art is not what happens when something is made, but what happens when something is seen.”
— Robert Rauschenberg, Art in the Age of Electronic Reproduction (1963)
The meaning of art is not inherent in the artwork itself, but is created through the interaction between the artwork and the viewer.
“Art is a lie that makes us realize the truth.”
— Pablo Picasso, ** (1881)
Art, though not literally true, can reveal deeper truths about life and the human condition.
12.7 Writing Realistic Dialogue
📖 Techniques for writing dialogue that sounds natural and authentic.
“Dialogue should sound like real people talking.”
— Kurt Vonnegut, A Man Without a Country (1973)
Dialogue should be natural and conversational.
“The way people talk gives us a clue to their personalities, their backgrounds, and their intentions.”
— James N. Frey, How to Write a Damn Good Novel II (2001)
Dialogue can reveal important information about the characters.
“The best dialogue sounds like it’s being improvised.”
— David Mamet, Three Uses of the Knife (1998)
Dialogue should sound spontaneous and unrehearsed.
“Dialogue is the heartbeat of a story.”
— Donald Maass, Writing the Breakout Novel (2001)
Dialogue is essential for bringing characters to life and moving the plot forward.
“Dialogue is a tool for revealing character.”
— Elmore Leonard, Ten Rules of Writing (2008)
Dialogue can be used to show readers what characters are like, what they believe, and what they want.
“Natural dialogue is made up of short sentences, incomplete sentences, and fragments.”
— Sol Stein, Stein on Writing (1995)
Dialogue should reflect the way people actually talk, which is often informal and disjointed.
“When you write dialogue, you are not just writing words. You are creating a world.”
— Ursula K. Le Guin, Steering the Craft (1998)
Dialogue can be used to build a sense of place and atmosphere.
“The most important thing about dialogue is that it should be functional.”
— Stephen King, On Writing (2000)
Dialogue should serve a purpose, such as advancing the plot, revealing character, or creating conflict.
“Dialogue is a dance between characters.”
— Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird (1994)
Dialogue should be dynamic and engaging, with characters interacting with each other in a meaningful way.
“When writing dialogue, listen to the rhythm of the words.”
— Truman Capote, The Art of Fiction (1966)
Dialogue should have a natural rhythm and flow.
“Dialogue is not just about what characters say, but also about what they don’t say.”
— Anton Chekhov, Letters to His Brother (1892)
Dialogue can be used to create subtext and tension by leaving things unsaid.
“The best dialogue is born out of conflict.”
— Robert McKee, Story (1997)
Dialogue is often more interesting when characters are in conflict with each other.
“Dialogue should be a mixture of exposition, conflict, and subtext.”
— Larry Brooks, Story Engineering (2006)
Dialogue should serve a variety of purposes, including providing information, creating conflict, and revealing character motivations.
“Dialogue is the music of a story.”
— Harlan Ellison, Dangerous Visions (1967)
Dialogue can be used to create a sense of rhythm and pacing in a story.
“Dialogue is a mirror that reflects the soul of a character.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Words of Radiance (2014)
Dialogue can be used to reveal a character’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
“Dialogue is the engine that drives a story forward.”
— Janet Evanovich, Twisted Twenty-Six (2013)
Dialogue is essential for moving the plot forward and keeping readers engaged.
“Dialogue is the lifeblood of a story.”
— Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast (1964)
Dialogue is essential for bringing characters to life and making a story believable.
“Dialogue is the music of literature.”
— Gore Vidal, Palimpsest (1995)
Dialogue can be used to create a sense of beauty and rhythm in a story.
“Dialogue is the art of creating believable characters who speak in a way that is true to their nature.”
— John Gardner, The Art of Fiction (1983)
Dialogue should be authentic and believable.
“Dialogue is the heartbeat of a novel.”
— James Patterson, The Murder of King Tut (2004)
Dialogue is essential for creating a sense of momentum and keeping readers engaged.
12.8 Character Inner Thoughts and Emotions
📖 Capturing the internal struggles and emotional journeys of characters.
“Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth.”
— Graham Greene, The Art of Fiction (1955)
Fiction can tell truths that nonfiction cannot, by exploring the inner lives of characters.
“It is only through our emotions that we can connect with other people.”
— Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist (1988)
Our emotions are what make us human, and they are essential for connecting with others.
“The only way to understand someone else is to walk a mile in their shoes.”
— Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)
In order to truly understand someone else, you need to experience their life from their perspective.
“The heart that loves is always young.”
— Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813)
Love is ageless, and it can make us feel young again.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
It is important to reflect on our lives and our actions, in order to grow and learn.
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
— Saint Augustine, Confessions (397)
Travel broadens our horizons and helps us to understand the world and ourselves better.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1995)
It is not about never failing, but about getting back up every time you do.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
— Abraham Lincoln, Speech to the Young Men’s Lyceum (1838)
We can shape our own future by taking action and making choices.
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance (1841)
We are all capable of becoming whatever we set our minds to.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
— Plato, Republic (380 BCE)
True wealth is not about having a lot of money, but about being content with what you have.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
To live a good life, we need to reflect on our actions and question our beliefs.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
The more we learn, the more we realize how little we know.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
We need to reflect on our lives and actions in order to live a good life.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
The more we learn, the more we realize how little we know.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
— Plato, Republic (380 BCE)
True wealth is not about having a lot of money, but about being content with what you have.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
To live a good life, we need to reflect on our actions and question our beliefs.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
The more we learn, the more we realize how little we know.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
We need to reflect on our lives and actions in order to live a good life.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
The more we learn, the more we realize how little we know.
12.9 Character Physicality and Appearance
📖 The impact of physical attributes and appearance on character development.
“Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.”
— Abraham Lincoln, Collection of Lincoln’s Writings (1860)
A character’s reputation may not always reflect their true nature.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Character is revealed in how a person responds to adversity.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
— Mahatma Gandhi, Harijan (1936)
Character is revealed through actions, not just words.
“A man’s character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation.”
— Mark Twain, Following the Equator (1897)
Character is reflected in the language a person uses.
“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.”
— William James, The Principles of Psychology (1890)
Character is revealed in the choices a person makes.
“The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.”
— John Milton, Paradise Lost (1667)
Character is shaped by one’s thoughts and beliefs.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s willingness to admit ignorance.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s willingness to examine their life and actions.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
— Plato, Phaedo (360 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to be content with what they have.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to admit ignorance.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
— Plato, Phaedo (360 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to be content with what they have.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s willingness to examine their life and actions.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
— Plato, Phaedo (360 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to be content with what they have.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s willingness to examine their life and actions.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
“The greatest wealth is to live content with little.”
— Plato, Phaedo (360 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to be content with what they have.
“The unexamined life is not worth living.”
— Socrates, Apology (399 BCE)
Character is revealed in one’s willingness to examine their life and actions.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”
— Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom (1994)
Character is revealed in one’s ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
12.10 Character Backstory and History
📖 Exploring the past experiences that shape characters’ personalities and actions.
“A character’s backstory is the sum of their experiences, and it’s what makes them who they are. It’s the events that have shaped their personality, their beliefs, and their goals.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses Podcast (2016)
A character’s backstory is the foundation for their personality and motivations.
“Backstory is not about telling the audience everything that happened to a character in excruciating detail. It’s about selecting the details that matter most and using them to inform the character’s actions and decisions in the present.”
— Donald Maass, Writing the Breakout Novel (2012)
Backstory should be used to inform the character’s actions and decisions, not to dump information on the reader.
“The best way to develop a character is to start with their backstory. What were their childhoods like? What were their relationships with their parents, siblings, and friends? What were their hopes and dreams? What were their fears?”
— James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel from the Middle (2004)
A character’s backstory can be used to develop their personality, motivations, and conflicts.
“A character’s backstory is like a well. You can draw on it whenever you need to explain their behavior or motivations. But it’s important not to dump the entire well on the reader all at once. Let it come out in bits and pieces, as the story unfolds.”
— Nancy Kress, Characters & Viewpoint (2004)
Backstory should be revealed gradually over the course of the story.
“Every character needs a backstory, but not every backstory needs to be told. Sometimes, it’s more effective to let the reader infer the character’s past from their actions and dialogue.”
— John Truby, The Anatomy of Story (2007)
Not all backstory needs to be explicitly stated in the story.
“The backstory is the skeleton of the character. It’s what holds them up and gives them shape. But it’s also the thing that can weigh them down and prevent them from moving forward.”
— Chuck Wendig, Writing in the Dark (2013)
Backstory can be both a strength and a weakness for a character.
“Character and plot are inextricably linked. A character’s backstory is the foundation for the plot, and the plot is the engine that drives the character forward.”
— Janet Burroway, Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craft (2002)
Character and plot are two sides of the same coin.
“A character’s backstory is their past, but it’s also their future. It’s the source of their strengths and weaknesses, their hopes and fears. It’s what makes them who they are, and it’s what will drive them forward in the story.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses Podcast (2016)
A character’s backstory is the foundation for their entire story arc.
“Every character has a history. Some are long and complicated, while others are short and simple. But every history has a story, and every story has a meaning.”
— Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of the Wind (2007)
Every character’s backstory has a story and a meaning.
“A character’s backstory is like a mosaic. It’s made up of many small pieces that come together to create a larger picture.”
— Donald Maass, Writing the Breakout Novel (2012)
A character’s backstory is made up of many small details that come together to create a larger picture.
“The best way to create a believable character is to give them a rich and detailed backstory. This will help you to understand their motivations and make them feel like real people.”
— James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel from the Middle (2004)
A rich and detailed backstory can help to create a believable character.
“Every character has a story, and that story is what makes them interesting. The more you know about your character’s backstory, the more you’ll be able to bring them to life on the page.”
— Nancy Kress, Characters & Viewpoint (2004)
A character’s backstory is what makes them interesting.
“The backstory is the secret life of a character. It’s the part of them that they keep hidden from the world, but it’s also the part of them that makes them who they are.”
— Chuck Wendig, Writing in the Dark (2013)
The backstory is the secret life of a character.
“The most interesting characters are the ones with the most complex backstories. They’re the ones who have lived full and eventful lives, and who have something to lose.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses Podcast (2016)
The most interesting characters are the ones with the most complex backstories.
“Backstory is like a well. You can draw on it whenever you need to explain your character’s behavior. But be careful not to fall in.”
— Donald Maass, Writing the Breakout Novel (2012)
Backstory is a valuable tool, but it should be used sparingly.
“A character’s backstory is like a treasure chest. It’s full of valuable information that can be used to create a rich and compelling character.”
— James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel from the Middle (2004)
A character’s backstory is a valuable resource for writers.
“Every character has a story to tell. The more you know about their backstory, the more interesting they’ll be to your readers.”
— Nancy Kress, Characters & Viewpoint (2004)
A well-developed backstory can make a character more interesting to readers.
“The backstory is the key to understanding a character. It’s what makes them who they are and why they do the things they do.”
— Chuck Wendig, Writing in the Dark (2013)
The backstory is the key to understanding a character.
“The best characters are the ones who have a rich and complex backstory. They’re the ones who have lived full and eventful lives, and who have something to lose.”
— Brandon Sanderson, Writing Excuses Podcast (2016)
The best characters have a rich and complex backstory.