I want to know the best way for Character development and Story plotting. Like I want to have a very detailed but simple Character setup and Story setup as well. So can someone please tell me the most detailed and most easiest way?
There are two styles of writing: A plot based story or a Character based story. In a plot based story you have a story that doesn’t vary no matter what characters you have. Tom Clancy novels are like that. You need a President or some other political head honcho. You need a computer geek or some other person to read between the lines (news paper guy, research developer, scientist, military expert) someone who recognizes either the large pattern or small details to break the case. And you need a terrorist or some other international (politcal) threat. Any three names can fill those spots. They have to have a certain history to fill those positions.
Harry Potter and Frodo are characters that make the story. The characters are detailed. It is their character and motivations that drive the story. If Harry had originally just let Voldy kill him in the second book then bam, no more books. Same if Frodo had handed off the ring since just about anyone else who touched it got crazy with power all of middle earth would probably have gone the way of Pompeii.
If you are creating memorable characters they you follow them. Let them speak to you and then through you. I think my characters are a part of me that doesn’t exist but wishes she did. So I give her life on the page. First small things or a minor incident but then it becomes clearer. She bumps into a guy on the street, what’s he look like, does she notice him noticing her? Is he tall? And so how tall is she in comparison? Is she light, dark, heavy, long hair? How does he see her and describe her in his mind? Does she think of herself this way? Does he speak? Where is she going? Where is he going? Then shots ring out? How is she dressed, can she run, is she being trampled, does he try to get her out of the line of fire?
* The scene continues to grow in size and momentum as well as detail. I can see more of the street, in fact now I know the city because I know where this is happening, I know the season based on what they are wearing, I know he’s making jokes during all of this and so is she.
After about three chapters now I write a character profile. I add up all the details I have about the characters now. Their descriptions are there, their clothing preferences, a little background, etc. Just basic stuff. I like to think of characters as friends. I don’t know what all my friends will do in every single situation but I can guess until it happens. So I want my profile to be a little vague. Are they a workaholic? I can answer that just like I know my friend Jen is a workaholic she hates stockings so she wears only pants suits. She drinks tea and acts like it doesn’t have as much caffine in it. What is her deepest hope? Not sure, I guess being named partner in her firm. (Jen isn’t real)
See what I’m getting at? Know them but don’t make them cookie cutter. Make them real. My editor asked me a ton of questions I couldn’t answer about my main character. Still can’t. Some writers know that stuff. Really just depends on the writer.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:27 am
This is kind of hard to answer because it differs for everyone. I think you’ll have to show character development in your actual novel, and not in an outline. Personally, I find it easier to write a full plot than an outline. The plot is writing what will happen in my novel, so I know all the major plot points, and how it will end, but I don’t have the specific details of it. To get an idea of how you would write a plot just go to wikipedia and search for your favorite novel, and it’ll have the plot of the novel written out, sometimes including the ending. This is how I write my plots. Nothing is set in stone, so anything can change from the time I start writing. So, far, I’ve been able to stick closely by my plot, but I will eventually deviate from it depending on what my characters dictate.
Eh, I"m not sure if this was helpful, but take what you feel is helpful and discard the rest. Some people find that writing an outline is better, and others prefer to write freely without an outline or plot. I tried free-writing several years ago and it was big FAIL for me. I tried outlining, but it was too difficult. I then tried plotting and found that this works the best. Good luck to you in finding out which way works best for you.
References :
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:01 am
There is really no "best way." I have some site links for information.
This site has articles, resource links and starting points for research. http://sites.google.com/site/allusionsanddreams/home
This site has questions to help develop a character concept. http://skitten.best.vwh.net/100questions.html However, in my experience, by the time I’ve filled out the questions, I don’t care anymore.
This is an article on Knol with some different questions. http://knol.google.com/k/fiction-writing-character-building#
This site has information on whether or not your character needs more work. http://www.springhole.net/quizzes/marysue.htm#Part4
This site has information for creating science fiction and fantasy worlds. http://www.sfwa.org/2009/08/fantasy-worldbuilding-questions/
Baby name site for name options: http://babynamesworld.parentsconnect.com/
References :
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:43 am
There are two styles of writing: A plot based story or a Character based story. In a plot based story you have a story that doesn’t vary no matter what characters you have. Tom Clancy novels are like that. You need a President or some other political head honcho. You need a computer geek or some other person to read between the lines (news paper guy, research developer, scientist, military expert) someone who recognizes either the large pattern or small details to break the case. And you need a terrorist or some other international (politcal) threat. Any three names can fill those spots. They have to have a certain history to fill those positions.
Harry Potter and Frodo are characters that make the story. The characters are detailed. It is their character and motivations that drive the story. If Harry had originally just let Voldy kill him in the second book then bam, no more books. Same if Frodo had handed off the ring since just about anyone else who touched it got crazy with power all of middle earth would probably have gone the way of Pompeii.
If you are creating memorable characters they you follow them. Let them speak to you and then through you. I think my characters are a part of me that doesn’t exist but wishes she did. So I give her life on the page. First small things or a minor incident but then it becomes clearer. She bumps into a guy on the street, what’s he look like, does she notice him noticing her? Is he tall? And so how tall is she in comparison? Is she light, dark, heavy, long hair? How does he see her and describe her in his mind? Does she think of herself this way? Does he speak? Where is she going? Where is he going? Then shots ring out? How is she dressed, can she run, is she being trampled, does he try to get her out of the line of fire?
* The scene continues to grow in size and momentum as well as detail. I can see more of the street, in fact now I know the city because I know where this is happening, I know the season based on what they are wearing, I know he’s making jokes during all of this and so is she.
After about three chapters now I write a character profile. I add up all the details I have about the characters now. Their descriptions are there, their clothing preferences, a little background, etc. Just basic stuff. I like to think of characters as friends. I don’t know what all my friends will do in every single situation but I can guess until it happens. So I want my profile to be a little vague. Are they a workaholic? I can answer that just like I know my friend Jen is a workaholic she hates stockings so she wears only pants suits. She drinks tea and acts like it doesn’t have as much caffine in it. What is her deepest hope? Not sure, I guess being named partner in her firm. (Jen isn’t real)
See what I’m getting at? Know them but don’t make them cookie cutter. Make them real. My editor asked me a ton of questions I couldn’t answer about my main character. Still can’t. Some writers know that stuff. Really just depends on the writer.
References :