One of the questions people ask most often when they learn I write fiction is, “Where do you come up with ideas for your characters?” I love this question, because the art of character creation is one of the most fun parts of fiction writing. Nothing gets me invested in a story faster than a character I like. Today, let’s take a look behind the scenes at some of the places you can find inspiration for creating your next great character.
Eavesdropping Extravaganza
Picture this—you’re sitting in a bustling café, sipping your favorite brew, when snippets of conversation tickle your ears. Fiction writers have a knack for eavesdropping. Not because they’re nosy (well, maybe a little), but because every word, every gesture, every nuance is a potential spark for character inspiration. That quirky barista with the rainbow hair? She might just morph into the protagonist of your next novel!
People-Watching Paradox
When you’re a writer, every passerby becomes a potential muse. From the elderly gentleman feeding pigeons in the park to the freckle-faced child clutching a tattered teddy bear, each individual possesses a story waiting to be told. Observation is the key to unlocking the hidden depths of human nature, and fiction writers are the ultimate sleuths. Something a small as an interesting accessory or physical characteristic can spark an entire character!
The Melting Pot of Memory
Behind every character lies a tapestry of experiences, memories, and emotions. When it comes to the art of character creation, many fiction writers draw from the wellspring of their own lives, infusing bits and pieces of real people into each character they create. That childhood fear of the dark? It might morph into the haunted past of your brooding anti-hero, or a monster lurking in the shadows. By tapping into the rich tapestry of memory, writers breathe life into their characters, making them pulse with authenticity.
The Quilt of Quirks
What makes a character memorable? It’s those quirks—the idiosyncrasies and eccentricities that set them apart from the crowd. Fiction writers are connoisseurs of quirks, sprinkling their characters with traits that elevate them from mere figments of imagination to beloved companions. Whether it’s a penchant for quoting Shakespeare or an irrational fear of clowns, quirks add depth and dimension to characters, making them leap off the page and into the hearts of readers.
The art of character creation is a delicate dance between imagination and observation, empathy and experience. It’s about breathing life into the blank canvas of the page and watching as characters take their first tentative steps into the world.
Who are some of your favorite characters? Let me know in the comments, or shoot me a message!
