1. Anne Neville

    Anne Neville New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2016
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0

    How Do You Write a Meek and Simple-Minded Character?

    Discussion in 'Character Development' started by Anne Neville, May 5, 2016.

    I'm writing a fantasy series and I plan to make one of the characters meek and simple-minded at first, but how would I go about it?
     
  2. LostThePlot

    LostThePlot Naysmith Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2015
    Messages:
    2,398
    Likes Received:
    2,026
    The easiest way is to not show these as being positive qualities. If he gets taken advantage of a lot or is easily lead then we'll sympathize with him because people are, well, taking advantage of him being nice. That's pretty clear cut and easily done; the challenge would be in making these qualities in him seem like a good thing. It's sad but true that cynicism is normal in humans as is selfishness and someone who is pathologically altruistic is someone we just don't want to root for. Even in the new testament with all it's blessed are the meek messages it's not telling you to give away all your possessions and live in a cave. It's saying that we should be as charitable as we can without destroying our families future.

    So if you want his meekness to be a bad thing (or at least not just a good thing) then no problem. If you want him to look virtuous and whatever then that'll be a lot harder to get people invested in.
     
  3. peachalulu

    peachalulu Member Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    May 20, 2012
    Messages:
    4,620
    Likes Received:
    3,807
    Location:
    occasionally Oz , mainly Canada
    The same way you'd write any character - you create a scene that will show the reader their qualities. If a character is an angry or jealous person - you create a scene or scenes to showcase that. Same deal here. Just think of a setting and a situation that will help reveal the character's meekness - does he let himself get bullied or coerced into things? Is his opinion of no value? Are their times when he doesn't stick up for himself or his opinion? What can you have him do to show he is simple minded?
     
  4. Anne Neville

    Anne Neville New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2016
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks guys. I'll take this into account.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice