Writing Advice: Characterization
Writing characters can be really hard, and conveying personality to readers is just as difficult
I'm expert in this and I'm studying so take my word with a grain of salt
Here are some tips on writing characterization
Show don't tell of characterization
I'm sure my fellow writers are exhausted of hearing show don't tell, especially cause it's difficult to remember to do or master
And there's a lot of different ways to implement it, but I feel it means even more for characters because it gives you a chance to explore their personality
Sometimes it is better to tell, but many times showing grants you an upperhand take for example:
Character A was furious. Character B's voice was annoying them only further. They were ready to punch them in the face.
This can work, however it can easily bore the reader and goes little in the character or world themselves.
Character A glared at Character B, their arms tightly crossed, and leg impatiently tapping. All they could do was roll their eyes as Character B spoke. After all it got their mind off punching B in the face.
This is sentence shows more of the character. It shows that they have an attitude, and are more prone to punching people. I'm not good at explaining show don't tell, so I suggest looking into it, and remember that the rules aren't set in stone either.
Complexity
Character complexity helps aid the reader's suspension of disbelief and makes the characters feel more people-like. Not every character needs to be complex, and sometimes complexity isn't meant for one at all.
However it helps solidify a character, add more potential conflict to a story, and remove one-dimensionality.
Often times many stories start with one-dimensional characters and as installments and exploration increases, even the most silly characters become complex serious designs.
3 ways I prefer to show complexity
Show a character's thought process. Don't drown the reader in it, but dabble in character thoughts at moderate levels. Ig can help pacing anyway.
Give character groups opposing ideologies, beliefs, and ideas. Then show how these characters respond to them.
Give your characters bad traits and flaws. Don't stray towards hate-able personality, but understand that the world isn't black and white and neither shall your character be. The easiest way to do so and keep things complex is by extending already set positive traits. A character kind. Have them be too kind, let people go or trust people who shouldn't be trusted. Or they are kind to only certain groups of people, and need to learn to grow out of it.
Action
Actions, I'm not just talking about what your character does, although that is important too. Show me the character through how they do things, especially good to split up dialogue.
For example
Character A and B watched TV
This sentence works perfectly however if it is a moment where you're trying to characterize it can be utilized. For instance
The TV was playing a horror movie. Character A's eyes stayed glued to it, ignoring the fact that Character B was already clinging to them.
This tells you a lot more about the characters, and establishes a dynamic between the two as well.
Anyway that is all I can think off I hope this helps
