Tips for Connecting with Your Character
**You don’t have to do all of these, but you never know what will knock loose the connection to character that you’re looking for.**
- If your character found $5 in her pocket, what would she do with it?
- What if it was $50?
- What about $500?
- Take him or her shopping.
- What does he buy? Does he grab the first thing he sees or does he window shop?
- Give your character a camera.
- What does he take pictures of? What does that reveal about him?
- Where would he want to eat while you’re out and about?
- Make a playlist
- What music do you listen to while writing?
- What music does your character listen to?
- Do you need different music for different series?
- Does your character’s music choice change depending upon what he/she is doing?
- Hang out in a public place and observe people but look at them through the eyes of your character. Who and what does he notice? Why?
- How will this change if the character is trying to fit in someplace new?
- If they’re suffering a loss or an illness?
- If they’re a spy?
- If you write in third person, write a paragraph/page/chapter in first person.
- This will allow you to actually become the character.
- Do this for each character if necessary.
- Have your character write a letter.
- What would she say to her mom/dad/best friend/ex-best friend/the teacher who gave her a D on her French final?
- What if that D was the best thing to ever happen to her?
- Ask the character what they want, or some other question you’re trying to get the answer for, and using a stream of consciousness, write down their response.
- Have another character describe your character. (NOT a physical description. What kind of person are they? What are they like?)
- How does the description change if it’s her mother/father/grandmother/best friend/boyfriend/teacher/pastor/coach?
- How does the character describe himself or herself?
- Does your character have a tell?
- Eye twitch when nervous?
- Duck lips when lying?
- Rub their neck when hiding something?
- Gossip about your character – by yourself, with a writer friend, or have other characters do this.
- For example, Desiree is totally in love with her boss, she just won’t admit it.
- How does he/she pack for vacation?
- Roll everything into neat tubes?
- Throw everything in and deal with wrinkles later?
- Don’t bother, buy new stuff when they get there?
- How do they open a present?
- Do they pick at the tape taking care not to rip the paper so it can be reused?
- Do they tear in with glee?
- Do they stare at the box like it might explode?
- Interview your character and ask revealing questions.
- What is her biggest secret?
- What truth would she rather die over than have revealed?
- What would make her confess that secret?
- What would she do to prevent someone from revealing it?
- What scares him?
- What terrifies him?
- What is something your character claims they would never say?
- What would make them say it?
- What is something he would never think?
- What would make them think it?
- What is she dying to do?
- What is she dying to avoid?
- What would she do if she wanted revenge?
- What is her biggest secret?
- How does she handle authority?
- Is she compliant or does she step on the gas when she sees those flashing lights in her rearview mirror?
- Does she want to be the authority?
- Read widely.