On Writing : Some tips and tricks by Elmare Hendricks

Elmare Hendricks

Some tips and tricks

In character development of a story , what are some of the tips and trick you use, and have perfected over the years

1. Develop a Backstory:

2. Define Clear Goals and Flaws

3. Create Distinct Voice and Personality

4. Show Growth and Change

This model has guided me in creating, and helped me a lot.

what are some of your tips

Maurice Vaughan

I make a detailed bio for each major character and sometimes the minor characters, Elmare Hendricks. I come up with a character's personality, strengths, flaws, fears, history, daily routine, hobbies, story goal(s), life goal(s), secret(s) if they have one, and character arc if they have an arc.

Elmare Hendricks

I like how you have set out a framework for you, it helps and guides us when we get stuck

David Taylor

Keep writing the character until they talk to you, then make most of the changes they want. If they argue then let another character argue with them.

Jon Shallit

YES, DAVID!

Vidal Ramirez

For me, I try to build upon small details --- little idiosyncrasies that I write for the character. I feel the small details do matter in my opinion and you should build upon them in order to get some kind of character going.

Ashley Renee Smith

Great list, Elmare Hendricks, those are such strong fundamentals to build from. I’ve found that one of the most powerful tools in character development is contradiction. Giving a character a trait that seems to conflict with their surface identity (like a fearless leader who secretly doubts themselves, or a villain who’s deeply kind to animals) adds depth and realism.

David Taylor

Thanks Jon, I once had two screenplays on the go, finished them, then had the main characters from each living in my house chatting to each other for a while. It was quite strange but very enjoyable.

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