Hi everyone,
I wanted to ask if there was any techniques that you use to outline your characters. I'm starting the first chapter in an idea I have that involves fantasy and was hoping to find good ways to outline fantasy characters. any advice or useful links would be great.
Thanks :)
Write the characters name and list phases they go through. Then descripe there physical appearance and their personality. Draw a picture of them, this may help you understand them. And Jimmy, you are everywhere.
All characters, of whatever genre, start out at Point A and end up somewhere else changed by the experience. No matter what they are - talking horses, little green men from outer space, rock stars or historical lords and ladies - they are all basically as human as the writer who creates them.
Your characters are pawns, there to act out your story. They need to fit the brief - they will be required to travel in some way, to meet challenges, to suffer, to win or lose, within the parameters of the world you are creating for them. Doesn't matter what kind of world it is - it's the same process for all.
What matters is that you get the narrative voice right, and the plot sorted out; then you set your pawns onto the imaginary chessboard and make them move. You can come up with a cast list in advance, based on how many people/creatures you need to fulfill the tasks you set and the roles required, but after that it's the same as any other writing. Immerse yourself in the fantasy world. Hear it, see it, smell it; your characters will then become a real part of it.
Lorraine
I agree with, Jimmy.
You could also try an do what Malorie Blackman does. She writes a two to three page synopsis on each of her rounded-characters. An excellent reference to ensure that each of her characters functions accordingly throughout her novel.
There is also a brilliant book, Characters Make Your Story - Maren Elwood. She was a teacher of creative writing. The book is a bit dated in places, but it's still an excellent guide.
I hope that helps.
Good luck.