Creating Character

This is a really cool post by Alexandra Sokoloff. Character is a tricky thing, and I don't go about creating character analytically. Character for me emerges as I'm writing as as I see how the characters react to their situations and surroundings.

But it is definitely worth taking a closer look at character for the good of your overall story. Approaching the creation of the people who populate your book in a clear, purposeful way can open doors in terms of insight into the motivation and purpose of your characters. It's important to know why they react in certain and specific ways.

Also, it is important to stay true and consistent to your characters. Everyone may act a little out of character now and then, but the people in your stories have their own personalities and backgrounds which cause them to think and act in the ways they do.

You may not use all the background and experiences you know about your characters in your story, but you'd best know them well for yourself. Sometimes hinting at something has more of an impact on a reader than telling them everything.

Check out the post. Excellent stuff.