Characterization and Writing Fiction
Creating unique characters in fiction is arguably the most challenging part of writing. As writers, our goal is to create complex, layered characters that are layered and believable. Unfortunately, creating complex, layered, and believable characters is also one of the toughest parts of writing, as most writers struggle to make themselves understand and develop characters without becoming too descriptive. However, great characters jump off the page… they feel real, not like cardboard stereotypes. How do we know a person’s character from his or her speech? It’s not as hard as you might think.
Characterization is defining the traits of a character that distinguishes him or her from other similar fictional characters. For example, in Harry Potter, Professor Snape is a potions master and Hagrid the giant who travels with Harry. Although both characters have very different characteristics and are described with distinct words, they still possess the necessary characteristics of a protagonist. Professors and Hagrid are two ideal characters for establishing an interesting protagonist; however, how can we make our readers understand and identify with them?
In our second paragraph, we already know what Professors Snape and Hagrid are. We know what Harry Potter is. Therefore, we can begin by describing each character’s characteristics. Professors are described as authority figures, smart and intellectual teachers who are strict with their students, and willing to be there to guide young minds when they are lost. On the other hand, Hagrid is described as a gentle and kind landlord who is known for his compassion and understanding for all kinds of animals, as well as his patience and consideration for every person.
From these descriptions, we then establish that Harry Potter is about to enter the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and that Professor Snape is the school’s professor and headmaster. Finally, we know that Harry Potter is going to use his amazing magic wand to turn himself into an animal and escape from the grounds, where he is destined to live. The narration starts with the words “I am Harry Potter, son of Rowena Ravenclaw, and I must fly.” This is a narration that makes us know exactly where Harry, his parents and his friends are going at the beginning of the story.
In the next part of the narration, the words “It was a dark and stormy night, when I found myself in the middle of an ancient forest.” This part introduces the setting of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and how it is established in the Harry Potter books and films. We know how Harry Potter got his magical powers and how he uses his powers to do good. We also see how the students from the previous years have transformed and become like him, and how he became the most powerful wizard of his time.
In the third paragraph, the writer explains how Harry Potter influenced other characters in the series, such as Hermione Granger, and how Hermione changed the world by accepting her accidental maiming and becoming a bold and strong fighter. We also know how she became a best friend to Ron Weasley and how she fell in love with Harry in the fourth book, due to his kind nature and his intellect. Finally, we learn how Hermione became a keeper of the elder wand, which has magical powers. It is interesting how the writer blends character traits together so that there is a whole new character created. This process of blending characters is very similar to creating a character in a new light, or making an old character better in some way.
Summary – Characterization is the process of molding a character so that we know what the character is all about. We don’t actually see the character, but we get to see him or her almost every day, through description, imagination, and emotion. We get to know the person behind the mask, and what makes him tick. This is why successful screenwriters pay attention to characterization and use it to help sell their scripts. It’s a way of writing effective fiction, that can’t be explained only in words.
I hope you found this article on characterization helpful. Please leave me your comments or questions, and I will do my best to answer them. Keep in mind that it is never too late to learn how to develop stronger characters. The more characters you have, the more believable they become. The more emotions they have, the richer your script will become. Now get out there and write.
