1. Discussion – Characterisation

Y11 Reading to Write Characterization 1. Discussion – Characterisation

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Discussion – Characterisation

The characters are often the most interesting part of the story! Just like people in real life, they can be funny, annoying, interesting or dull.

But the point is that they’re however you want them to be! When it comes to characters, you’re essentially creating your own person! You can be as creative and imaginative as you like when it comes to their personality, appearance or even little details like their quirks and habits.

However, just because your character is original, doesn’t mean they’re a good character for a story! You don’t remember every character you see in a book, tv show or movie- but which ones do you remember? What is it about them that is so memorable?

Here are some tips to make sure your character is as memorable as they can be:

A Strong ‘Who’:

Do you sound just like your parents? Or someone on TV? Of course not because you have your own way of speaking. Well so should your character! In other words, whenever your character speaks, thinks or narrates, they need to have a special way of expressing themselves that’s unique to them!

Be realistic:

Regardless what your character is like or how they change, it needs to be realistic! If your character is too perfect, they’re kind of boring and nothing will be a challenge to them! If they’re too weird or random they may not make sense!

Try and find a balance: an interesting character with strengths and weakness, as well as unique quirks, habits or features.

Need a change:

Characters who stay the same are usually kind of boring! Especially if they’re already perfect. It’s always nice to follow a character over the story and see how they change- it’s almost like you’re on the journey with them! Specifically, this usually means their attitude or personality changes as they learn something in the story.

Know you character inside-out:

Now ultimately your reader will only need to know your character’s appearance, actions, speech and thought in your story. Unfortunately you won’t have space to mention everything about them.

However that shouldn’t stop you from making a really detailed character! Invent their families, background, quirks, past times and more! Just like when you meet someone, there’s always more than meets the eye.

Having a detailed character also means that if necessary you can provide further depth. You can ensure that no matter how you write/change your story, your character will remain consistent and unique!

Generating reader’s feeling:

This is the MOST important aspect of making a character memorable: how they made you feel. Did they inspire or scare you? Did they relate to you somehow?

All of the above tips will hopefully lead to this point, where you can make the audience feel something in particular towards your character. If you can do that, then readers will definitely remember them!

Examples of good characters:

Hermione Granger (from the Harry Potter Series)

Victor Frankenstein (from Frankenstein)

Elizabeth Bennett (from Pride and Prejudice)

Hamlet (from Hamlet)

Tyrion Lannister (from A Song of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones)

It’s one thing to just describe a character, but HOW you do this is another thing.

Spend 3 minutes brainstorming ideas. Then discuss with your tutor.