Couple times I've written characters that made me go all like "something doesn't feel right," and it turns out I'm just not really enjoying writing them.
Stuff like this doesn't just happen to side-characters - main protagonists and antagonists are at risk of this, too.
And I heard, I forgot where tho, that if a character you're writing seems bland and unenjoyable to you, chances are the majority of the audience are probably going to feel the same way.
I remember back in 2016, I thought up something which gave me some insight on writing characters, and it helped me find a strategy for coming up with ideas for them. It was something along the lines of this:
So it's kinda like when you're with friends that you've only known for about a couple days. You notice you're being a bit too nice with them and you're a bit afraid to be carefree with how you interact with them.
I get a similar experience with newer characters and/or characters I don't really enjoy writing, and I usually feel limited with what I wanna do with them.
I've thought up, so far, these that could help:
1. Try get to know the character better:
- Create/refine the character's profile/bio
- Fill in a character interview template and answer as the character (this one might sound a bit dumb at first, but it really gets you thinking about the way the characters speak as well n stuff!)
- Find already existing characters that can inspire the direction of the character
2. Try finding a "personal connection" with the characters:
- The character may have shared traits with you
- They may have shared traits with someone and/or existing characters you care about
- They may be like the person you aspire to be or not to be
- They may be like the person you wish you could be or glad you have/will never become
- Etc. etc. etc...
You probably already have an idea of where I'm getting at, here.
And I think that's all I really want to say for now...
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