?

Interesting guy?

  1. Yes

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  2. No

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  3. Would like to know more

    100.0%
  1. Feral Inferno

    Feral Inferno Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    PEI

    Interesting Character?

    Discussion in 'Character Development' started by Feral Inferno, Aug 16, 2014.

    So, I based my main character off of someone I know. After going through an exhaustive list of adjectives, I've picked out what describes him. Tell me what you think.

    If you'd like to check it out here's the lists I went through:
    Positive Personality Adjectives
    Negative Personality Adjectives

    Personality
    Positive: Kind, protective, tolerant, discreet, imaginative, intelligent, patient, resourceful, sensitive, warmhearted.

    Neutral: Always thinking, stubborn, open-minded, easygoing, fair-minded, independent, intuitive, persistent, quiet, reserved, shy, realstic, secretive.

    Negative: Non-sociable, blunt, lazy, aloof, finicky, irresponsible, obstinate, sarcastic.

    Did I really just list more positives than negatives? Maybe he's a better guy than I think, or maybe I was just being nice. Anyway, sorry there's so many, but I just wanted to describe him as best as possible. I found it difficult to describe him in sentences. If you have any questions (like what he might do in a certain scenario) I'll happily answer them.
     
  2. Lae

    Lae Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2013
    Messages:
    507
    Likes Received:
    224
    Location:
    UK
    I couldn't make a judgement from a list of character traits if im honest, id want to see him in action, different situations, a little history perhaps and then i'd be able to decide if i find him interesting or not. Sometimes its not what a person is that makes them interesting, its the why.
     
  3. daemon

    daemon Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2014
    Messages:
    1,357
    Likes Received:
    978
    It is absolutely impossible to tell whether or not he will be interesting, based on those traits. Those could describe the most fascinating character ever written, an insufferable Gary Stu self insert, or anything in between.

    It is possible to design an interesting character's personality to some extent without knowing any of the things he actually does or any of the things that happened in his past, but that requires a dynamic design. Listing traits is a static design.

    Learn more about how personality truly is a dynamic system rather than a set of traits.
     
  4. ChickenFreak

    ChickenFreak Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2010
    Messages:
    15,262
    Likes Received:
    13,084
    I can't tell from lists. In those lists, some traits seem contradictory; I'd have to see the character to see how that contradiction is resolved.

    I've always thought that a dandy way to learn a lot about a character would be to write a scene of them in a restaurant, when something goes wrong. (Mischarged, rare steak arrives well-done, the busboy trips and drenches them in iced tea, something.)
     
  5. BoddaGetta

    BoddaGetta Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2010
    Messages:
    169
    Likes Received:
    73
    Location:
    Colorado, USA
    I need context. To get to know someone I really need to be in their head. Write a scene that features them, or go with what others suggested and drop them into a situation to see how they would react.

    Having information like your lists isn't all bad, though. Knowing their appearance beforehand can be handy if it becomes relevant to the narrative. Or history. Write a scene about them from way back before the story featuring them begins. Or way after, it doesn't matter. Just write.

    You might discover a couple of things about them you did not expect.
     
  6. Chaos Inc.

    Chaos Inc. Active Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2014
    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    47
    Location:
    Acolasia
    I'm going to agree with Chicken that some are contradictory. It seems that some of the traits are bias. Non-sociable people (like myself) are far from blunt. I'll think it, but I won't say it. Not knowing but a fraction of your intent, I'll say "uncouth" is better than blunt for a non-social person. We have a tendency to be that way because of our lack of socialization.
     
  7. Feral Inferno

    Feral Inferno Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    PEI
    Like I said, I'm a little paranoid, but I will add some back story. I guess I should add what he is to which will explain a lot.

    Thanks daemon for that link. I completely forgot about adding that.

    I will try to improve this.
     
  8. Feral Inferno

    Feral Inferno Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    PEI
    :mad: That 25 minute edit timer.

    Some info on the book: fantasy, no humans, all equine.

    Name: Lance
    Age: Mid-20s
    Race: Horse
    Personality: INSF

    This is actually part of the first chapter.
    This scene takes place at his hometowns library when two horses confront him. Just a note: the races hate each other.

    [After he finished reading] He put the book back and was about to leave when the two other horses stopped him, "You're that horse that defended the unicorn that was in town."
    "Why do you think it's me?" Lance responded calmly, knowing where the horse was going with the conversation.
    "A black coat and white mane? You're hard to miss."
    "There are several stallions that look like me. This is Tair Afon, after all. I'm not one who would defend a unicorn. You should probably question the others."
    Knowing that they had no reason to hold him there, the horses let Lance go. He walked down the steps of the library, let out a breath of relief, and headed home. The battlements of Tair Afon made it impossible to see the sunset. But the streetlights were already lit, with the lights and shadows dancing around the cobblestone street. Lance cantered the rest of the way home, which shouldn't be called one: his parents are unloving and uncaring, and he does his best to avoid them.
    He lied when he said he wouldn't defend a unicorn. He's probably the only horse in town that will. And, there were only two other black horses in Tair Afon with a white mane: one was just a colt and the other lived on the other side of the city. When his parents found out, they outright threw him out. He had no friends to go to, so at night, he snuck into his house, and packed what he could. He left the city and just walked.


    That was more than I wanted to reveal yet, but if you wanna make an omelet you gotta break a few eggs. Now I'm hungry.
    If you would like to suggest a scenario I will happily reply.
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2014
  9. Chaos Inc.

    Chaos Inc. Active Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2014
    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    47
    Location:
    Acolasia
    From the adjectives you've given I see this type of exchange from your character.

    "You're that horse that defended the unicorn that was in town."

    "I'm busy..."

    "A black coat and white mane? You're hard to miss."

    "So what?," He looked at the two with an annoyed expression. "I don't like unicorns. Go away please."

    This hits on several of your "negative" traits which I think would be most prominent in this exchange given the circumstances. He's blunt and aloof. Could even say he's intelligent by how he sizes up the two confronting him. Your good traits are shown in how he got into the situation and is actually not going to really shine in his words but more in his actions.
     
  10. Feral Inferno

    Feral Inferno Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    PEI
    I guess I should add tactful to that list. Some of those traits on that list is how he is in certain situations and not actually a generalization. Maybe I should just remove the list and let the scene speak for itself.

    But, yes, how you worded the dialogue, I could see him saying. However, I can't quite see him acting that way. What's an adjective for someone who doesn't want to be rude.

    Somewhat unrelated: What are the requirements to post in the Novels section? I'm thinking of just posting my whole first chapter there for feedback.
     
  11. Feral Inferno

    Feral Inferno Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2014
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    PEI
    He just took another personality test. Change that to INFP. He said it describes him much better than INSF.

    Edit: Where did INSF come from anyway? I couldn't find it on any site. What just happened?
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2014
  12. Chaos Inc.

    Chaos Inc. Active Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2014
    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    47
    Location:
    Acolasia
    That would probably be better. You can also just ask the guy this character is modeled after what he would say or do in the same situation. Might even act it out. That could be fun.
     

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