Bringing Characters to Life
 Techniques to Make Your Story People Real
 by Paige Perkins

 We've all been told that characters need depth to seem real. But how does
that happen? Not a discussion occurs that doesn't tell the budding author
that they need to know their story people inside and out. But, again, how
does that happen?
 Here are some tips to help you accomplish creating a more rounded
character. Be sure to include the hero, the heroine, and if there is an
antagonist, that character, too.

 1. Consider your character's physical appearance including their health
and body language. Does he suffer from migraines? What profession does your
protagonist have? Is she in a man's field? Make sure his educational
background fits the occupation. The only exception to the education tip
might be if the hero is over-qualified for a job. What sort of family life
did s/he have?
 What sort of temperament does your hero/heroine have? Easy going? Testy?
Good sense of humor? Practical joker? Knowing these aspects helps you, the
 writer, have a better idea of the person you are creating.
 2. Your major characters have a past and a future. What happened in the
 past that made them who they are today? Did a broken leg lead to an
 appreciation of the medical profession? Did a bad case worker make them want to right
 the system? What is his/her fondest memory? The worst memory?
These events create back story. Back story is necessary for the writer. It
 keeps the personality of the hero/heroine interesting. Little bits and
pieces of back story may slip into your current work to give the reader possible
 motives for why the hero/heroine makes the choices they do. Caution: We
don't need every life detail ever experienced by the main characters. Let
the pertinent memories seep into the story the way a marinade would flavor
meat.
 3. No one character is perfectly good or perfectly evil. We all have
strengths and weaknesses and some of those pop up at the most inopportune
times.

Think about how quickly your New Year's Resolutions flee in the face of
temptation. Keying in on thoughts and feelings let us know what internal
issues our protagonist is struggling with. The more emotional the better for
the reader to relate to.  Not all our decisions are practical or logical.
Heroes are not a single layer of emotion or logic. Think of Indiana Jones
who hates snakes. That one characteristic is at odds with the swashbuckling
archeologist who frequents bug-infested caves.
4. Knowing your characters background, strengths and weaknesses allows you
to set up behavioral expectations. This is when you must know why your
character is making the choices s/he does. A) Does this furthering their
personal goal? B) Is this an emotional choice (which is more powerful)? C)Is
the action believable in regards to what we already know about the
character? If not, has a reason been given to explain the change of their
behavior? D) Does the choice make the heroine's behavior appear foolish?
(The infamous frightened heroine going into a scary room without adequate
motivation.) E) Is the behavior chosen worth the risk and/or reward? Would
you brave a snake pit for a hundred dollars? A million? The high risk might
be worth the greater reward.
5. SHOW DON'T TELL! It's boring when someone describes a movie to you.It's
far more interesting if you are experiencing the movie yourself. Even more
interesting if your life inspired it. Show your protagonists character
through their speech, actions, internal dialogue and what others say about
them.

 Does it really bother your heroine if she hears about a cat being left on
the street? Don't have Amanda tell us about Suzie's reaction. Show Suzie's
reaction.
 Thousands of pages have been written on developing believable characters.
By applying these tips your characters will feel more real to those who read
 their stories. Have fun, and happy writing!

 Paige Perkins has lived all over the United States, but finally settled in
 Colorado. She joined the RWA in 2000, and found information and support
for her writing "habit". She joined Heart of Denver last November, where she
has devoured the all day workshops provided by the group. Currently, she has
three books with an editor. When she's not busy writing, she mystery shops,
helps out at www.RealmsofLove.com, and acts as a taxi driver to her three
children.

The following article appeared in the Heartbeat of Denver Romance Writers
Newsletter. Permission to use with proper credit.

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