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30 Days of Character Development!

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Online Test for Character Building

Personally, I’ve always been a fan of taking online tests for my characters. It’s a trick I occasionally use, to put myself into the mindset of that character. It’s helpful in that it also forces you to think more critically and in depth about that character by putting yourself into their mind, and to consider aspects of them you might not have otherwise.

Note: None of the tests I am linking you are accurate psychological tests. These are online personality test, nothing more. Some of them do have psychological basis, but they are still online personality tests. Please don’t accept them as an authority. If you want an accurate test, go talk to a real psychologist.

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writing-questions-answered

Character Development: The Foreign Exchange Student

Anonymous asked: I’m thinking of writing a story about a foreign exchange student and I’m not sure how much research that would that require. Also where can I find how the exchange student feels? What about their host family? Where would I get their personal account of their experience? I want to do a realistic job.

writing-questions-answered

Any time that you’re putting a character into a situation you’ve never been in, the amount of research you’ll need to is going to primarily depend on two things: 1) how much the situation actually factors into the narrative, plot, and character background, 2) how much information you need before you feel comfortable stepping into those shoes, and feel confident that you can write an accurate portrayal. In many cases, there is a fair amount of extrapolation that can be done once you’ve acquired a foundation of knowledge about the situation. For example, in the case of a foreign exchange student, perhaps you’ve never been one, but you’ve visited a foreign country before. In that case you can project some of your feelings and experiences onto what your character might be feeling. Even if you’ve never traveled to a foreign country before, you’ve probably had that “fish out of water” feeling before, maybe walking into a new classroom, or starting a new job. So, don’t be afraid to rely on your own sense of how you might feel in a given situation. How might you feel if you were a foreign exchange student? Here are some resources to get you started in your research. I’ll try to include some articles that will answer your specific questions, too: Student Exchange Program Want to Be a Foreign Exchange Student? First Do Some Homework The Life of a Foreign Exchange Student 20 Things Every Future Foreign Exchange Student Should Know An Unforgettable Experience: My Summer as an Exchange Student

Straight Dope forum discussion - with student and host experiences How to Be a Host Family Foreign Exchange Student Blogs: Adventures of a Muscat-teer (American girl in Oman) Angie’s Odyssey (American girl in Germany) The Dog-Days Queen (British girl in Iceland) Many, many more exchange student blogs…

writeworld-blog

Remember, Remember: The Basics of Writing Amnesia

kuose asked: Do you have any advice/tips for writing a story in which the main character suffers amnesia/memory loss?

writeworld-blog

There are multiple forms of amnesia. Here are the names and basic definitions of each type.

Anterograde Amnesia: This type of amnesia happens when the brain suffers a traumatic injury involving the hippocampus or mammillary bodies. This type of amnesia renders the patient incapable of recollecting memories that are created after the onset of amnesia. In other words, new memories are not transferred to the patient’s long-term memory. This type of amnesia is also called ‘short-term’ or memory loss.

Retrograde Amnesia: This type of amnesia happens after a disease or injury to the brain that involves the hippocampus and the median temporal lobes. This type of amnesia renders the patient incapable of recollecting events that happened before the onset of amnesia. Assuming the patient is an average age of 25, early childhood memories (such as five years or younger) are generally considered ‘safe’, and effected memories increase leading up to the onset of the disease. This type of amnesia is also called ‘long-term’ memory loss.

Transient Global Amnesia: This is rare, temporary loss of most all memory. It usually comes with no warning, and can happen to anyone, healthy or not. It is most common in older men. The cause for this type of amnesia has remained a controversial topic. These causes include emotional stress, transient ischemic attack, or “mini-stroke”, strenuous physical exertion„ and a basilar artery migraine, which is a migraine caused by a disturbance to the brainstem. Headaches, dizziness, and nausea often accompany TGA. This type of memory loss usually lasts only a day, but can be quite scary for the individual who experiences it.

Dissociative Amnesia:Is a serious and rare type of memory loss that involves the patient’s personal information. There are different types of dissociative amnesia.

Generalized amnesia involves the patient’s entire life’s memories.

Localized amnesia involves memories of a specific traumatic event

Selective amnesia is when the patient can only remember certain parts of a specific time period.

Systematized amnesia is when a person cannot remember a specific topic of information.

Infantile Amnesia: This is also a rare form of memory loss that involves the inability to remember events from their early childhood. The agreed upon cause is that certain areas of the brain that deal with memory storage are not fully formed by the time people come to the age of retaining memories.

Hysterical (or Fugue) Amnesia: This type of the disease is very rare and does not occur very often. Patients with this type of memory loss are unable to remember their past or even their identity. They see themselves, and they see a stranger. It’s usually triggered by a sudden, shocking event that the brain cannot process. In most cases, the patient’s memory slowly comes back within a few days of the onset.

Other types of amnesia include: Posthypnotic amnesia, which is the inability to remember events during hypnosis. Source amnesia, which is the ability to remember a certain topic of information, but are unable to recall where their learned it. Blackout amnesia, which is the inability to remember events that occurred while intoxicated. Lastly, Prosopmnesia, which is the inability to remember faces (this type of amnesia can be congenital or be acquired).

The most common types of amnesia are Retrograde and Anterograde, as they affect the hippocampus directly. (The hippocampus is involved in short-term and long-term memory).

In most cases, people gain back most or all of the memories lost in any kind of amnesia, but it is possible for memories to be seemingly lost forever.

Now that you know a bit more about amnesia, let’s get on with the writing advice, shall we?

Writing amnesia is harder than it looks. It may seem easy at first, but writing believable amnesia can be a very daunting task requiring careful research and considerable skill. Amnesia is a very common concept in fiction writing, so much so that many readers (and writers) consider using amnesia as a major plot point lazy and trite writing. They may have a point there; poorly-executed amnesia can be boring or cliched if proper respect to the subject is not shown.

Try to avoid being cliche. The bump-on-the-head cause of amnesia is quite overdone, and can be even worse when the miraculous cure for this amnesia is merely another bump on the head. Be different. Be original. Take the topic of amnesia and cover the rare, uncommon forms. Do the research to create a believable situation for your characters.

Respect the causes as well as the condition. Amnesia can be caused by post-traumatic stress (PTSD), physical brain damage, or other mental disorders. People actually have amnesia. It is not a made-up thing. Be sensitive to the people who live with this condition and respect them by doing your research.

Make sure to work on the plot before jumping in. Amnesia can be a tricky subject to handle. Does the character get amnesia later on, or does the story start with them wondering who and where they are? Does the character ever recover? How? When? Why? Answer every question you can think of regarding the character’s amnesia before you start writing to make sure you have your bases covered for research and plot creation.

Don’t just cover what the character remembers. What the character doesn’t know is equally as interesting and just as important to the plot. Treat these two pieces — what a character knows and what he or she doesn’t know — as two separate entities and address them accordingly as you create your plot and develop your character.

Have a point. Is it the protagonist or the antagonist or some minor character that has amnesia? Is the main plot point of the story? If not, why does the character in question have it and how does it further the plot? If it doesn’t at least somewhat advance the plot, then it might not be necessary to the overall story and we advise removing it.

Create plot outside of the amnesia. People suffering from amnesia are not defined by their condition any more than people suffering from cancer or schizophrenia are defined by their conditions. A plot based solely on amnesia is a deficient plot. Create subplots that exist outside of the amnesia. These subplots actually make the amnesia more realistic because they create a more realistic situation for your characters. To repeat: there is life outside of any neurological or physical condition (aside from death, which is normally rather permanent and does not include life). Plot accordingly.

If you take nothing else away from this, remember that amnesia comes in many forms and can be a debilitating condition, but it in no way defines a character. Do your research!

On that note, here’s some further reading:

Amnesia in Writing

Is amnesia cliche? (forum discussion)

Amnesia. (forum discussion)

Kathryn Shay: Writing About Amnesia

If My Character Has Amnesia, How Do they Get ID? Can They Get a Job?

About Amnesia

What Is Amnesia? What Causes Amnesia?

Amnesia (MayoClinic)

Amnesia (Human Diseases and Conditions)

Amnesia (AtHealth)

Different Types Of Amnesia

Symptoms Of Amnesia

TVTropes on Amnesia

Easy Amnesia

Identity Amnesia

Trauma Induced Amnesia

Amnesia Danger

Thank you for your question!

- Laikyn and C

asdowell

I started the preparation for a novel and wondered what kind of things I should ask my most important characters. So I looked around on the net and put this list together.

1. What is your full name? 2. Date and place of birth? 3. Tell me about your parents? 4. Brothers? Sisters?

sproutrii

important shipping questions 2 keep in mind

which one is abysmal at roller skating and has to hold onto the other

which one gets hiccups every time they drink something fizzy

which one always joins the group dances at the skating rink

which one listens to new songs on loop until the other can’t stand it

which one tags the other in embarrassing photos without asking first

which one had a short-lived interest in learning the ukulele

which one keeps posting memes on facebook

astrolocherry

Zodiac Expressions of Rage

dominicwrites

♈ Aries: Violent outbursts, verbal aggression (at times physical), wall punching, volatile impulsivity, confrontation, temper tantrums, complete ego centrism, impatience, nerves, hyperactivity, Aries will calm down the quickest after rage

♉ Taurus: Confrontational, aggressive (verbally), expect a tongue lashing, overwhelming feelings of rage, anxiety, temper tantrums, vindictive thoughts and compulsive/indulgent behaviour (cleaning/over eating). Taurus will take the longest to calm down from rage

♊ Gemini: Violent and volatile outbursts, physical tantrums - such as kicking in a door or screaming blue murder, followed then complete dissociation/sense of calm and amnesia, nerves and anxiety, racing thoughts, hyperactivity, expect the dual 'twin' to emerge, confusion

♋ Cancer: Verbal outbursts, trembling, shaking, tears, anxiety, ruminating thoughts, stomach pain and digestive discomfort, sweating, can find it hard to express words, isolation

♌ Leo: Temperamental outbursts, theatrics, dramatic displays of emotions - sobbing, screaming, hysteria, hostile, confrontational, firm and hurtful language, challenging

♍ Virgo: Tremors/shaking, racing thoughts, increased compulsions (cleaning, hair twirling), cold and aloof, uncharacteristic violence, breaking objects, hyperactivity, inability to sit still, Virgo can hold onto their anger for quite long periods

♎ Libra: Expect them to scream blue murder and become verbally hostile, nerves, tremors, racing thoughts, detached, irrationality, self isolation, rejection, loss of emotional control

♏ Scorpio: Hostility, persecutory delusions, thoughts of revenge, violence (physical and verbal) overwhelming feelings of rage and violence, firm but hurtful words, confrontational, breaking belongings, lose touch with reality/irrationality

♐ Sagittarius: Violent impulsivity, verbal aggression, hurtful outbursts, they tend to become tongue tied when they are angry, can burst into laughter inappropriately, make life changing decisions

♑ Capricorn: Clear expression of frustration, shaking, verbal outbursts and aggression, compulsive behaviour (cleaning, organising belongings), exhaustion, isolation, loss of emotional control

♒ Aquarius: Violent and volatile outbursts (verbal, physical - such as kicking in a door) then complete dissociation and amnesia, rapid thoughts, hyperactivity, confusion with interpreting the emotions

♓ Pisces: Pisces can yell in loud voices and use some hurtful verbal quips, tendency to escape from their own bodies, anxiety, irrationality, dramatization, self isolation, overwhelming uncomfortable emotions, crying, loss of emotional control

anomalously-written

[via] [Advice from Jody Hedlund]

1. Develop our character before picking the name. I fill out my character worksheet and get to know as much about my character as possible before deciding on a name. As I develop the character’s personality, ethnicity, quirks, life-experiences, etc., I’m able to narrow down names that might match that person. For example, in The Doctor’s Lady, my heroine is a well-educated, pious lady from a wealthy family. I chose the name Priscilla because it has a more refined and elegant ring than a name like Mary or Betty.

2. Find names that match our setting and fit with the plot. Once my character is starting to come to life, I also evaluate how that character fits within the plot and setting. In my current WIP, which is set in the lumber communities of central Michigan, I sorted through rural names, as well as logging era names. And I tried to think which ones would fit within the tone of the plot.

3. Use time-period appropriate names. This is especially critical for historical writers. I generally pull up the list of the most popular names for the year or decade in which my character was born. I also look at lists of names in biographies and research books for the particular time period of my book. In the 1600’s, 29% of men were named John (that’s about 1 out of 3 men!) and 15% of women were named Elizabeth. Thus, in The Preacher’s Bride I felt almost obligated to name my MC’s John and Elizabeth. Not really! But you get my point.

4. Use symbolism if possible. While we can’t always attach symbolism to names, we can look for ways to give special meaning to some of the names we choose. In my WIP, I looked at the meaning of hero names before choosing one. Whether the reader ever realizes it or not, part of my hero’s character arc is about him learning to live up to his name—which means “strong as a wolf.”

5. Avoid picking names that readers will have a difficult time saying. I get annoyed when I read character names I can’t pronounce—oddly-spelled or too-long names. This is even more frustrating when the name belongs to the MC and I have to read the “weird” name ten times per page. I suggest avoiding names (as fun and nice as they might be) that might trip up our readers. We should also limit the number of foreign names for the same reason.

6. Avoid having names that start with the same letter or sound. I keep a running list of every character that crops up in my book—a sheet I can easily scan. I do my best to start each name with a different letter. I don’t want to have a John, Joseph, and Jacob all in the same book. Or a Polly and Molly. When names are too similar, we have to make our readers work harder to remember our characters. And our job as writers is to make the reading experience as smooth and pleasant as possible.

7. Remember, unique doesn’t always mean better. Sometimes when names are too unique they can distract a reader from the story. I like unique last names, especially when they’re real (like Goodenough or Covenant). But often those kinds of names have a ring of disbelief. When I get too carried away, my editors send me back to the drawing board for a simpler name (as they did with the two examples I mentioned!).

8. Make sure our minor character names don’t overshadow our main characters. It’s fun to find especially dark and sinister names for our antagonists. In The Doctor’s Lady, one of the bad guys is named Black Squire. He’s a rugged fur trapper that wears a black eye patch. The name fits. But, we have to make sure we don’t spend more time crafting the perfect names for lesser characters so that they become more vibrant and alive than the MC’s.

lovely-lady-neptune-deactivated

How to love the signs:

dominicwrites

Aries: Give plenty of reassurance even if they act like they don't need it, make a point to gently pry even if they say they don't want to talk about it, and always remember there is more sensitivity underneath an Aries than is shown. Encourage their dreams but keep them grounded, take them on adventures, and never take their romantic and chivalrous gestures for granted.

Taurus: Be loyal and dedicated, show them you won't give up without a fight. Let them win the argument every now and again, to keep the peace. Never make a promise you cannot keep, show up when you say you will, and be reliable. Encourage them to express their discontent healthily, push past their comfort zone, and respect their strong opinions when you disagree.

Gemini: Don't get impatient with their distractibility, always make time for a really great conversation, and be understanding during the times that they're moody. Help them move past their insecurities, tell them that its not their job to please everyone, and always ask how their day was. Let them have some space but never let them be lonely.

Cancer: Listen to all the stories of their past, but be patient when they don't want to tell them just yet. Speak the truth and don't deceive, take them on romantic dates, and fill their ears with sweet words. Show them the optimistic side, never dwell on their flaws, and react gently. Give them the kind of loyalty they give you, be in it for the long haul, don't run when it gets rough.

Leo: Build up their delicate ego, take pride in their accomplishments, be a part of their grandiose dreams. Tune into their softer and more sensitive side, and let them shine. Never call them out in public, give them time to cool down when they're upset. Be concerned with their feelings, and don't fall for them saying they're fine if you know otherwise.

Virgo: Respect their private space, help calm them down when they're feeling anxious, and even if you think its silly, let them do things in their way and have their particular routines. Appreciate their helpfulness, return their great loyalty, and don't rush them; give them time to think things through. Be empathetic and understanding, allow them to open up slowly, and move at their pace.

Libra: Indulge their romantic side, go out in nature with them, enjoy the simple things in life. Write them a love letter, have a deep discussion, support their decisions and feed their confidence. Treat them the way you would want to be treated, don't be overly critical, and make a point to accept them for who they are. Be open to their crazy plans and openly exchange idea's.

Scorpio: Defend them and brag about them in public, do them little favors that make their life easier, and always try to show initiative and consideration. Don't push them if they say they need space, and be there in the moments that they don't. Encourage them to express themselves and not hold things in, and don't ever betray their trust. Protect their secrets with your life.

Sagittarius: Be their partner in crime, let them explore everything. Don't try to confine them, let them ramble about their thoughts and idea's, always return their honesty. Don't try to tarnish their optimism, push them to work hard to achieve their dreams. Make them laugh, be spontaneous, accept their quirks and be open to their unconventional way of seeing things in life.

Capricorn: Be trustworthy, consistent, and never flakey. Don't let them get away with not talking about how they feel, prompt them to express their emotions more often. Be their biggest supporter when it comes to their goals and always make sure they make time for fun and its not all work. Let them have their private time every so often, and help them to de-stress and relax.

Aquarius: Be open to their advice, let them talk about their interests, be down for spontaneous adventures as well as cozy nights at home. Have a debate with them, become well versed in the things they are passionate about, and take up a hobby together. Always respect their space, let them have some independence. Be their best friend above all else.

Pisces: Listen to them talk about their fantasies and crazy dreams, reassure them, and always be genuine- don't mislead. Be very affectionate, and never sweep feelings under the rug. Don't let them get away with laziness, be kind and gentle in your words, and don't abandon them. Encourage them no to people please and don't disregard their intuition.

the-right-writing

Anti-villain motivations besides "tragic past"

They do bad things because they’re scared.

They’re gullible or misinformed. Example: somebody who has been told the heroes are out to hurt them.

They are desperate for interaction, validation, kindness, or attention, and the dark side gives them those things.

They want to change their allegiance, but are pressured by people close to them to stay evil.

They have an otherwise noble goal that they will do literally anything to achieve. Example: somebody who wants to protect their child, even if it means throwing other children into danger.

fuckyeahcharacterdevelopment

So You Want To Make A Kickass Family History?

Family Echo: Online family tree maker

Relationship Terms: Definitions for relationships between family members

Heraldry Techniques: Tips on creating a coat of arms

Heraldry Glossary: Terms used in heraldry

Motto Generator: Generator that lets you create various mottos

the-right-writing

Ways to make an invincible character interesting

Make them evil, or at least on the opposite side of the heroes.

Give them inhuman motives.

Throw them in situations where their invincibility won’t help them very much. Just because you can’t lose a fistfight doesn’t mean you can solve crimes or win debates.

Make it extremely easy for them to accidentally destroy things.

Make the conflict about finding their enemies, not defeating them.

Trap them somewhere for a few hundred years or more.

inboxstuffers

self-conscious sentence starters

“You don’t think I’m getting a bit chubby, do you?"

"I’ve never worn something this beautiful before."

"This really isn’t flattering on me."

"Everyone’s looking at me…”

“Are you sure I look okay?"

"Whenever I open my mouth I sound dumb."

"Is there something stuck in my teeth?”

“I’m not a very good dancer…”

“I’m definitely going bald on top. Do you think I can cover it up?"

"Why did I ever think I could wear this shirt with these shoes?"

"I just wish I could look good naked."

"I can’t talk in front of all these people!"

"Oh, god, I hate my ______"

"Why does my voice sound so stupid?"

"I can’t sit next to her/him looking like this!"

"Everyone saw that, didn’t they?”

“I don’t think this is my color."

"I don’t look like I was just crying, do I?"

"She/he looks so much better than me."

"Can you see the scars?"

thehappyfeminist-22

If you’re having trouble developing a character for one of your stories, here’s an idea that may help you. Create a Pinterest board for that character and pin the following things:

Things they would like

Food they would eat

Clothes they would wear

Places they like to go

Places they dream of going

Elements of their culture

Elements of their religion (if they have one)

Where they live

Color palettes that fit them

Their aesthetic

Quotes that relate to them

Seeing all of these things together in the same board may help you visualize the character more.

#imma do this

perrfectly

Credit: Eduard Militaru

#fic: maybe

heyred101

Tips for fight scenes

If you get punched in the nose your eyes will water, a lot, even if it didn’t really hurt

Your body follows your head, your head gets pushed one way and your body will want to go that way

Getting hit in the stomach isn’t good, it hurts, getting hit in the diaphragm is worse. Causes your lungs to kinda spasm and make it hard to breathe (diaphragm is between stomach and chest)

When fighting a larger person they will have an easier time forcing you back

The jaw is the knockout button. Hit it hard enough and down for the count

Back of the head is very vulnerable, can cause serious damage if hit there

Kidney punches. They hurt. A lot.

People with experience will try to be where they are comfortable. A wrestler will try to get their opponent on the ground, a boxer will stay on their feet, etc.

Easiest counter to a kick is to get closer to whoever is throwing it, then they won’t have enough room for it to be effective

If you want realism, avoid fancy, flashy moves. They’re less practical and easier to counter.

an-exotic-writer

five word prompts

[inspired by this]

“actually… i just miss you.”

“alright, i’ll leave you alone.”

“and slowly… i was forgotten.”

“and then everything just disappears.”

“and where do i go?”

“anyone could tell from here.”

“are you finishing that or…?”

“are you stupid or stupid?”

“anything, just call me, okay?”

“bitch better have my money.”

“bro… that’s so… not cool…”

“but did you do it?”

“call me now. it’s urgent.”

“can’t you listen to me?”

“cross that. don’t answer that.”

“don’t even think about it.”

“don’t you dare walk away.”

“do it. i dare you.”

“did you think i forgot?”

“eventually… you just move on.”

“even if you still do.”

“everything will fall into place.”

“fight me, you attractive stranger.”

“for once, i need you.”

“for once… i was right.”

“for once… i was wrong.”

“forget i even asked you.”

“forget it. you fucking suck.”

“fuck’s sake, what’s your problem?”

“fuck off. i mean it.”

“give and take. that’s life.”

“great. perfect. nice. fuck this.”

“have you lost your mind?”

“hello? it’s me. i was-”

“hey… that wasn’t so nice.”

“here’s a glass of whatever.”

“how about a hug, hm?”

“how about you make me?”

“i haven’t forgot you yet.”

“i can’t be around you.”

“i don’t need you, really.”

“i don’t need this now.”

“is this your first time?”

“it’s just a cut, really.”

“it wasn’t me, i swear!”

“i said i love you.”

“just don’t fuck it up.”

“just… come back alive, okay?”

“just make sure you’ve eaten.”

“kick his ass for me.”

“killed him? wait, what, literally?”

“life really sucks. feel better.”

“letting go hurts… a lot.”

“let me live, will you?”

“no, i don’t need you.”

“nothing can hurt me now.”

“nothing matters anymore to me.”

“okay it was me… so?”

“people lie all the time.”

“pipe the fuck down, asshole.”

“please, you can’t die now.”

“please don’t leave me alone.”

“quiet. they can hear us.”

“quick! give me your phone!”

“quicker, you freaking piece of-”

“quit it or i’ll bite.”

“quit staring! they’ll notice us!”

“really? do i look stupid?”

“real smooth, tripping over air.”

“rise and shine, sweet thing.”

“rise and fucking shine, motherfucker.”

“seriously? give me a break.”

“so… what are we now?”

“so… did you miss me?”

“so… can we go eat?”

“so… when’s the next flight?”

“so… how did everything go?”

“sometimes, i wish you died.”

“so what? you did it.”

“time passes slower without you.”

“then what do you suggest?”

“the fuck? who are you?”

“then you tell me why.”

“this is not working out.”

“this isn’t what i wanted.”

“this is all a fucking disaster.”

“when did it all happen?”

“who knew you’d be here?”

“why do i even bother?”

“why do i love you?”

“why didn’t you tell me?”

“you’re just… so, so stupid.”

“you can’t be here now.”

“you look like an accident.”

“you really need to go.”

“you know who to call.”

“zero fucks given. next please.”

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