Where Do You Find Your Characters?

[Donna Sundblad]

Before the first pen stroke, does your character exist in your head, or do you find them in the discovery process? Those of you who own my creative writing book, Pumping Your Muse, may remember the flip side exercise that generated a new female character. That character grew to become the protagonist in my novel Beyond the Fifth Gate. Look what the latest review says about her:

Beyond the Fifth Gate has a strong female main character who reminded me of Xena without the long hair or possibly Seven-of-Nine without the spandex. Elita starts off a little weak in her fighting skills (but realistically, how hard would it be to practice when you live in a hive and are guarded day and night by big bugs?) but her first mystical gate provides two teachers who not only give her a crash course, but join her on her quest to freedom. There are plenty of plot twists along the way and the ending is a real shocker which truly caught me off guard just when I thought I had it all figured out.



You can read the entire review at Queen of Convolution http://cfvici.blogspot.com/2008/10/beyond-fifth-gate-by-donna-sundb...

Review written by:
Caprice Hokstad
Author of the fantasy novel, The Duke's Handmaid, and its sequel, Nor Iron Bars a Cage.
Website: www.Latoph.com

[William Butler]

Wonderful review, Donna and an interesting question. For the most part, characters in my writing begin life long before the actual writing process begins. There are instances however, when as a story moves along, supplemental characters will "pop up" without prior notice. Interestingly, the primary antagonist in my current project appeared in much the same way. Equally interesting is the fact that prior to her appearence, the conflict of the story was to be the protagonist's actions against a situation rather than an individual. Needless to say, major change came about once a "flesh and blood" villain was drawn into the picture.

Also this is my first time creating a truely wicked character. I've done happy people, insane people, normal people, and even rather stupid people--but never wicked people. We shall see, with the finished project, how well it works out.

Be well,
William

[Donna Sundblad]

Hi William,

I'm experiencing a similar situation in my current WIP. I had the first rough draft of the entire novel written, and when I went back to work on it to my surprise and new character emerged along with a secondary plot! Now I have to weave the two together to come up with a believable storyline. Isn't it great fun!

Donna

[Jennifer Childers]

HI there,
after 25 years of nursing, i have too many characters.
I write historicals which is almost cheating as you can base so much on the event.
"Clown College" has a teen who has a drunk, abusive mother modeled after my in law. He is able to rise above the hate and abuse through work with al ateen.
We get to know our characters through our writing, outlining them and creating backstory which leads to further discovery of who they are. I was going to change an historical character because i didnt like he was a dwarf then I got to thinking, he assisted a mass murderer, why would he do that? well in 1610 might he think this powerful woman could cure his dwarfism through dark magic? they believed in that back then so why not.
I would like to get deeper into characterization, its fun.
Jen

[Donna Sundblad]

Hi Jennifer,

The discovery process is so much fun, isn't it. I'm writing the sequel to Beyond the Fifth Gate and yesterday I gave birth to the villain. Didn't have an inkling about him the day before, now he has a name and I've already figured out how the power struggle will work which is something I needed to use a prophecy that will bring the reluctant hero into the scenario. It certainly is great fun!

Donna