The YA and Middle Grade Fiction Group discussion

I was writing a character-driven novel and was wondering what you all do to create compelling characters worth caring about?

I just found this article that answers the question so well. http://inkandquills.com/2015/01/04/ho...

I especially like the hopes and dreams. They have to really drive the character to drive the plot. What people want makes them do what they do.

That's a great article, Jen.

I'd like to add something to it though... When writing your novel, adding in some details about your character's actions can help bring them to life. For example, if a character just seems to be standing there while talking, it can sometimes feel a bit flat. However, if you add in some details like say he's nervous so shuffling his feet slightly... That kind of thing helps to make your character feel more like a person, and less like a cardboard cut-out. I mean, you don't have to add stuff like that in every paragraph, but throwing a few details in to make the character feel real can help.

It can help with a story in general, actually... Character driven or not.

Victoria wrote: "That's a great article, Jen.

I'd like to add something to it though... When writing your novel, adding in some details about your character's actions can help bring them to life. For example, if a..."

Oh, yeah, that's true! Instead of "he said" put in things that show a) how he's feeling and b) hints at his personality. Maybe "He pushed up his glasses enviously."

Jen wrote: "Oh, yeah, that's true! Instead of "he said" put in things that show a) how he's feeling and b) hints at his personality. Maybe "He pushed up his glasses enviously.""

Exactly!

I have recently tried this method, and it seems to be working. You take a character with your desired personality and through someone who is the exact opposite into their lives. This helps to bring out and strengthen certain qualities while making each other more dynamic.