How to write good characters in novels?

Answer 1

Here are some ways to make the characters in your novel look good:

** 1. Multi-dimensional Shaping **
1. ** Physiology helps to show personality **
- Appearance descriptions did not have to be long and inflexible. Although the description of the appearance was part of the character, it should not be limited to the same description, such as over-emphasizing white skin, beautiful long legs, and so on. The description of appearance should be related to the character's personality and the plot of the novel. For example, a character with a determined personality might have a weathered face or a determined gaze. For example, Wei Yu and Liu Cixin rarely described the appearance of the characters in their works. Instead, they used other methods to highlight the characters 'personalities. This kind of writing method could also make the characters vivid and three-dimensional.
2. ** The background dimension affects the formation of personality **
- They focused on the background dimensions of the characters, including family, education, environment, reputation, prestige, wealth, intelligence, social circle, power, and other factors. These were the hard parts that formed a character's personality. For example, a character who was born into a poor family and suffered from social discrimination (environmental factors) might develop an inferiority complex but also a desire to stand out and have a strong self-esteem. This personality would affect his behavior and decision-making in the novel, resulting in contradictions and conflicts, thus promoting the development of the plot.

** 2. Use typical personality templates and create new ones **
1. ** Classic personality type reference **
- ** Perfectionist **: This type of character has a strong sense of morality, is clear about right and wrong, and is upright and staunch. They are very rational and temperamental. They use courtesy before resorting to force, and have strong principles. They were often neatly dressed, had bright eyes, and were hardworking and loyal to their duties. In terms of the way he spoke, he often said,"I can." "This is what I should do." "This is not allowed." "Absolutely not." When they walked the bright path, they would let go of their reservations and become humorous. When they walked the dark path, they might be depressed or narcissistic, self-pitying, denying themselves and blaming others.
- [** Helper **: Willing to help others, generous to others without asking for anything in return, emotionally invested and compassionate, words full of encouragement.] He looked warm and friendly, with a sincere smile and innocence. The way he spoke was like,"You're so thoughtful to come and see me." "I'm so happy that you're here." "There are always two sides to everything. You just haven't discovered the good side of it." When they walk the bright path, they can persist in their wishes and eventually succeed. When they turn dark, they are uncontrollable, rude, and impose their ideas on others.
- ** Career-type achiever **: Full of self-confidence, high self-esteem, firm belief in their own values, energetic and adaptable, strong sense of purpose, strong execution and consistent. He had a charismatic appearance, good taste in life, and was positive and optimistic. The way he spoke was like,"Don't worry, I'll handle it." "No problem, I can do it." "If I work harder, I will succeed." Walking the bright path would confirm one's own value and even sacrifice oneself. When one turned dark, one would lose self-confidence, care about other people's thoughts, become hypocritical, and even have split personalities.
2. ** Using the personality template in an innovative way **
- When using these templates, one could adjust and combine these personality traits according to the plot needs and overall style of the novel, or create unique personality traits based on classic personality types. For example, in a science fiction setting, the perfectionist personality was combined with a high-tech environment, making the character show perfectionist tendencies in scientific research or universe exploration.

** 3. Pay attention to the dynamic changes in personality **
1. ** Design the growth trajectory **
- He designed the character's growth trajectory so that they would change as the novel developed. This change could be caused by the events they experienced or the people they met. For example, an originally timid and cowardly character would gradually become brave and strong after experiencing a series of adventures and setbacks.
2. ** Consider different directions **
- Setting up different plots to influence one's character, such as the character's different reactions to success and failure. When a career-oriented person encountered a major failure, he might go from being confident to self-doubting. If he could overcome the difficulties, his character would develop in a more tenacious and mature direction.

** 4. Increase the uniqueness of one's personality **
1. ** Anti-routine setting **
- He wanted to avoid the common and cliché personality settings. He could set up some unique characters. For example, some novels had female protagonists who were two meters tall, had short curly hair, and were strong. They used bras as weapons. This kind of anti-routine character setting could make the characters more attractive.
2. ** Combining multiple personality elements **
- Combining seemingly contradictory personality elements into a character, like a character with both a kind side and a cunning side. This kind of complex character combination would give the characters more depth, showing different personalities in different plots, increasing the interest and legibility of the story.
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