One of the things I enjoy most about writing is creating characters. Many writers develop their characters with a character profile. It will include some basic things like the character’s appearance, personality, character strengths/flaws and relationships. Some writers go further by mapping out the character’s family background, hobbies and so on. I’ve used character profiles, but if I spend too much time on them, it makes me feel like I’m organizing my closet.

I decided to research what some well known writers have to say about creating characters:

Callie Khouri: “Part of being a writer is getting yourself quiet enough and out of the way enough that the character can just speak.”

Ann Charters: “Plot is what keeps you going when you read a story, character is what stays with you.”

James Scott Bell: “Here is one simple rule to remember: Characters carry theme.”

Chris McCoy: “Good dialogue comes from character development. The better you know your character, the more specific the dialogue will feel.”

Robert Towne: “The single most important question one must ask one’s self about a character is what are they really afraid of.

“I try to create sympathy for my characters, then turn the monsters loose.” ― Stephen King

The quote I probably identify most with in creating characters is from Gail Godwin -

“The characters I create are parts of myself and I send them on little missions to find out what I don’t know yet.”

Some writers have the whole story mapped out in their heads. They create outlines and charts. That’s not me. I get an idea and then feel my way through the story. The fun begins when I wonder - What kind of mess will these guys get into today? What will they learn? Will their relationship change? As I write, I try to throw in some humor and heart wherever I can.

I’ve been thinking about a new character to introduce to Acorn and Button - Spider.

Spider is a busybody and a tattle-tale with hair rollers. I’m working on coming up with at least one positive character trait for her. It’s hard, but I’ll keep thinking. If you have any ideas, let me know. Anyway, here is a sample writing:

Acorn searched the ground for stones to add to his collection while Button sat on a fallen branch enjoying the afternoon sun.

Not far away, a black spider watched from a web in a bush.

“Look at this one, Button,” Acorn said and held up a black stone with flecks of silver.

A sudden shriek split the air.

“I see you picking up that pebble!” screamed Spider from her web. “Put it right back!”

Startled, Acorn dropped the stone.

Spider raced up to Acorn and Button and waved her skinny legs. “I have eight eyes, you know. I see everything!”

“Good heavens, Madam!” exclaimed Button. “You’re causing a scene!”

Spider waved her legs even more. “Don’t call me Madam! I’m not your Madam!”

Acorn and Button stood in shock .

“I’m notifying the authorities!” Spider continued in a high pitch. “You’ll see!”
Then, she skittered away on her skinny legs and disappeared into the bush.

“Who are the authorities?” Acorn whispered to Button.

“I dare say I don’t know,” answered Button.

Acorn’s stomach hurt a little. “I don’t want to get in trouble.”

“Don’t worry, my friend,” consoled Button. “Spiders don’t own the forest.”

Still, rock collecting didn’t seem to be as much fun. The two called it a day and started for home. They had an uneasy feeling that they had not seen the last of Spider.