Well hi everyone. My name is abigail. I just joined and am writing a story but I need to really develop my character. What I have so far name: bell _____? eyes; hazel hair; dirty blonde info: is into horses, loves to ride. pretty. not that much, so i need some help! hehe, thanks
Think of some flaws, everbody loves those in a character. For instance she is actually allergic to horses.
Her last name's Alaster and she has an affinity for the cello and likes boys that are rough around the edges.
Put her in the story, and let her reactions to events define her character. If you try to map out your character's details in advance, you'll likely end up with a rigid, static character.
Do you mean her name is Bell, or Belle? I've never heard of the first spelling. Belle means 'beautiful'--is she? Maybe at the moment she wears braces and has teen acne, which isn't very bad, but it makes her shy. She'll be a raving beauty one day, like her mother (but she doesn't know that yet).
I don't need to say anymore than this. When i write my story (which i have kind of planned) i let my characters develop along with the story. I truly only know half of my characters as im half way through my story. I cant wait to find out what they'll do next. They always surprise me when im least expecting it to.
By asking this question, you are letting others dictate what should be your creativity. Don't give up control so easily.
You couild say that about asking for any advice on anything. She is free to accept or set aside any advice she receives.
There is a fine line between help and having it done for you. The OP has few, vague ideas regarding a character. When an existing framework is absent, friendly advice becomes the fundamental work done by the writer.
What is your story about? Do her physical characteristics matter to the storyline? If so, how do they impact the story?
And one thing to keep in mind about teenagers, while everyone is an individual, there are certain norms. As a teen, you are defining your idenity, and very often what seems relatively small to an adult will be a disaster to a teenager.
This is what I use to 'establish' or develop a character: Name: Bell Age: 15 Gender: Female Born: Height: Weight: Color of Eyes: Hazel Color of Hair: Dirty Blonde Color of Skin: Long or short hair: Body Size: (Muscular, medium, fat, skinny) Personalities: (Generous, friendly, positive mind, supportive, humor etc) History: Likes/Dislikes: Attitude: (Is your character happy or depressed) Hobbies: Friends: Enemies: Perfect/Imperfect: Serious/Funny: Occupation: (Considering that she is 15… she might not have a job) Location: Favorite Movies/Music: Favorite Foods: Favorite Restaurants: Politics: (Is he into politics?) Interests: (Does she like to hang out with her friends? etc) Religion: (Christian, Catholic etc) If you can answer most of these questions, then you'll have better image (idea) of your character.
Be sure to make her ultra insecure. Insecure and paranoid: Two things that define all teenagers. ...ask me why I know.
So, why do you know? And I don't particularly like that idea about filling out the form; but I guess it could work. I tend to agree more with Cogito's idea. My philosophy was always this: To create a realistic character, just think about people. Think about yourself and people you know. Think about what they talk about and what they do, and how you converse and interact with them. Spend time around as many people as you can, and make mental notes of it. Just think about these regular, basic human things, and less about what kinds of things she should like, and you'll have a stronger character. The other stuff will come as you write.
I think most teenagers are insecure and paranoid in some way, whether they admit it or not. I know I am. So that would indeed be a prominent quality of a 15 year old character.
Go to a chat room, and pretend to be this character. Try to get to know someone a bit so they will ask you questions. You might be surprised how many of those questions you are able to answer on the fly while pretending to be your character.
Disturbing? How so? I didn't say lead the chatters on or anything. Just chat as if you are the character, so you get a feel for how the character interacts with people. If that is still disturbing for some bizarre reason, then let the chatters know before hand what you are doing. Actually that might make it easier. Just tell the chatters that you are going to pretend to be one of your characters so that you can get a feel for your character.
LOL, I can imagine them being even more freaked out after you explain what you're doing and ask them to participate, but that may just be because I've never had the good fortune of playing a role playing game before.
