Modern Galatea: Characters as Real People

Sometimes, a fictionist is able to write a character that exceeds his own expectations that he feels a certain fondness for this character. An aspiring novelist might start out writing short stories with characters carefully measured to reach standards set by critics and literary experts. Suddenly, one character stands out; he is not just a "flawed" character, but more like a real person confronted with problems that he realistically resolves.

Creating a lovable character is like cooking a dish. A good character may be formed under a formula depending on the story’s genre. No matter which genre an author is aligned to, here are a few tips to create a well-written character.

A well-rounded character is never perfect; otherwise, the character would be rather boring. If the standard plot involves a character that must resolve a conflict somehow, the narrative would not be very interesting if the character is fully-equipped with the traits or tools that would easily resolve the conflict. A character would be even less interesting if he is somehow invincible. The audience would more properly identify with a character that experiences suffering and has to overcome shortcomings to surpass a trial.

It is not quite enough that a character has flaws. It is important to remember that whatever flaws a character may have, it has to be the kind of faults that can get the character into trouble or even hinder the resolution of conflict. It is not enough that a character is clumsy, but it can be interesting if the character cannot defeat an enemy in outlet malls in Florida because of not being able to handle weapons properly.

A good character is identifiable because of some depicted aspirations. What drives a good plot forward is that the conflict and the character’s own weaknesses keep the character from getting what he wants. A character wants to go outlet shopping florida, but has no money and is unwilling to work.

Whether or not the character gets the aspiration in the end, strengths, weaknesses, and wants are what make a well-crafted character. How the story unfolds is up to the author, but these reminders are what can make a character interesting within the confines of the plot. If the character wants something perhaps from outlet malls in Florida, there has to be a hindrance; it could be the very own faults of the character.