Basing human characterization on animals has always interested me. I like to keep my eyes open for how this is done, and here I’m passing on the techniques I’ve observed to you.
There’s the sharing of traits. In Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce, some of these traits are pointed out to you point blank. Like a cat, Alanna is curious and likes her privacy. She’s also got a bit of a bite, and good luck telling her what to do.
In Harry Potter, pay attention to descriptions of Sirius Black who, for the uninitiated, can turn into a big dog at will. He barks out his laughs, and growls his angry responses. Even if he couldn’t literally turn into a dog, he’d still evoke the image. He’s fiercely loyal.
I went all-out. I completely based the thief girl in Narrator on my dog, from her clever mind to her prickly nature to her fear of fire. Heck, the name’s the same, just spelled differently. (Saydie vs. Sadie) Of course, you’d have to know my dog to pick up the resemblance, but others should get the general idea of a dog.
If you’d like to try using an animal to flesh out your characterizations, and aren’t sure which to use, try to think of it the Harry Potter way: if your character had a patronus, what would it be? I like to think of the patronus as an extension of the person’s essence or personality, so that should be a good guideline.
Any other techniques you’ve noticed in your reading? Please share!
Why My Dog is Crazy
Filed Under Characters, Tales from the Author's Desk | Leave a Comment
This is Daisy. She’s a cocker spanish girl.
She’s also a little bit insane.
We’re not sure why, but seeing as she’s a rescue dog, she probably had a traumatic past. She attacks her brothers (other rescue dogs) for no reason, but sometimes it involves a toy.
Now there is scientific proof that cocker spaniels view property differently from humans. I have listed them below for your benefit:
1. If I like it, it’s mine.
2. If it’s in my mouth, it’s mine.
3. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.
4. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.
5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours.
6. If it just looks like mine, it’s mine.
7. If I saw it first, it’s mine.
8. If it’s edible, it’s mine.
9. If you have something and put it down, it’s mine.
10. If I chew something up, all the pieces are mine.
11. If I get tired of it, it’s yours.
12. If I want it back, it’s mine.
Note: these laws can also be applied to writers and books.
Fraternal Rivalry for the Lead
Filed Under Characters, Script Frenzy | Leave a Comment
Prince Charming is supposed to be the main character, but Prince Wright is quickly shoving him out of the way. He is demanding to be the lead, and it’s hard to resist him. I always had a soft spot for younger brothers in royal families.
It’s a common complaint of writers, having characters come into a life of their own and taking your story in directions you didn’t expect. I wonder if non-writers can understand our plight, or if they think we’re completely insane.
It’s definitely a strange experience. You try to plan the character’s dialogue and actions, but no matter how you phrase it in your brain, your hands write it differently. It’s almost as if the characters are reaching into the motor functions of your brain and making you write what they want.
Since Too Many Princesses is a play, it’s easy to see my characters on stage, which means it’s child’s play to imagine Wright trying to upstage his brother. I wouldn’t be surprised if this devolves into a literal fight to stand in the beam of a spotlight. Must remind myself to keep fourth wall breaking to a minimum!
So You Want to be a Main Character
Filed Under Characters | 2 Comments
Do you have exciting adventures on a regular basis? Do random events always revolve around you and your past? Do you consistently best adults who are better trained and skilled than you? Do you have a powerful – albeit selectively vulnerable – enemy? Do all around you affirm that yes, you are incredibly awesome?
Congratulations! You might have what it takes to be a Protagonist!
The Main Character is the hero or heroine of the story. You might not be clad in shining armor or get a cool sword, but you’re darn special. And everyone knows it.
Being the Main Character is more than basking in the glory of adoring readers, however. Heck, you might not get any. Did you know most people’s favorite character in Harry Potter is not our young hero?
As the Main Character, you’re going to have to be prepared for pain. The Author is going to dish out as much physical and mental abuse as possible for the sake of “character development.” Are you ready to deal with that?
Don’t think it’ll help you survive the body count either. Sure, you’ll make it to the end of the book – but who says you’ll make it past that? Too many Main Characters have died in the service of the “dramatic climax.” Some Main Characters are dead from page 1. (Lovely Bones anyone?)
There are some special perks. You’ll get the girl – or guy – eventually. Hopefully. Unless they die instead. Or end up hating you forever. Or marry your best friend. You never liked that guy anyway.
You don’t even get the best lines. Those are reserved for your former best friend, the plucky comic relief. At worst, you’ll get stuck trading puns with the villain.
And 99% of the time, the reader is going to be privy to all of your innermost thoughts. You know the ones. Yeah, those.
So even after knowing all that – still want to be a Main Character?
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