9 Things Your Character Needs to Be Awesome

Summary

In this video, Jason, the 'Nerdy Novelist,' shares nine key characteristics for crafting compelling characters in literature. He emphasizes the importance of motivations, external and internal conflicts, creating compelling traits, character wounds, arcs, realism, unique voices, and distinctive silhouettes. These elements help writers build well-rounded characters that resonate with readers and drive engaging narratives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Characters need a set of characteristics to succeed and connect with readers.
• 🎯 The first characteristic is proper motivation, which is the underlying reason for a character's goals.
• 🤔 Conflicts, both external and internal, are essential for character development and plot progression.
• 🐱 'Save the Cat' moments create compelling characters that readers can empathize with.
• 💔 A character's 'wound' or flaw is a significant aspect that drives their arc and personal growth.
• 🛤️ A well-defined character arc is crucial, showing how a character changes from the beginning to the end of the story.
• 🌐 Realism in characters involves making them well-rounded with history, likes, dislikes, and unique traits.
• 📚 A unique voice for each character can significantly enhance the depth and engagement of the narrative.
• 🌑 The silhouette concept suggests that characters should be recognizable even from their physical outline alone.
• 🎨 Physical descriptions and unique attributes help distinguish characters and make them memorable.
• 📘 The video offers practical advice for writers to create characters that resonate with readers and enrich the story.

Q & A

What are the key characteristics of a good character according to the video?

The key characteristics of a good character include proper motivations, external conflict, internal conflict, being compelling, having a character wound, undergoing a character arc, being realistic, having a unique voice, and having a distinctive silhouette.

Why are motivations important for characters in a book?

Motivations are important because they are the underlying reasons behind a character's goals, which can change. Motivations help to create well-rounded characters and can lead to conflicts that drive the story.

Can you explain the concept of 'saving the cat' in the context of character development?

The concept of 'saving the cat' refers to creating a moment or action that makes a character compelling to the reader, often by evoking empathy. It doesn't necessarily make the character likable but gives a reason for the reader to care about them.

What is the role of external conflict in character development?

External conflict involves events that happen outside of the character's control and force them to react or take action. It helps to reveal the character's personality and how they handle challenges, contributing to the plot.

How does internal conflict contribute to a character's depth?

Internal conflict arises from a character's conflicting motivations, wounds, or flaws. It adds complexity to the character, making them more relatable and driving the story by creating tension and dilemmas.

What is a character wound and why is it significant?

A character wound is a past experience or flaw that affects the character's behavior and outlook. It is significant because it sets the stage for character growth and change throughout the story, often serving as the core of their character arc.

What is the purpose of a character arc in a story?

A character arc represents the transformation a character undergoes from the beginning to the end of a story. It is crucial for showing character growth, overcoming flaws, and providing a satisfying narrative progression.

Why is realism important in character development, even in fantasy or science fiction?

Realism in character development helps to create a suspension of disbelief, making characters relatable and their experiences more impactful. It involves giving characters depth, history, and authentic reactions to events.

How can a unique voice contribute to the authenticity of a character?

A unique voice allows each character to have their own perspective and way of expressing themselves. It makes characters more distinct and engaging, helping readers to identify and connect with different viewpoints in the story.

What does the silhouette concept mean in terms of character design?

The silhouette concept refers to making each character physically distinct so that their outline alone can identify them. This contributes to their uniqueness and helps readers to visualize and differentiate between characters.

What is the speaker's recommendation for creating a compelling character arc?

The speaker recommends understanding the character's flaw or wound and building the character arc around overcoming it. He suggests using a plot module to guide the character arc process, ensuring a well-structured transformation.

How can authors use the 'save the cat' moment to build empathy with their main character?

Authors can use the 'save the cat' moment early in the story to create an act of kindness or a compelling action that makes the character relatable and evokes empathy from the reader, thus building an emotional connection.

What are some examples of making characters compelling as mentioned in the video?

Examples include making characters funny, like Samuel Jackson's character in Pulp Fiction, or having them excel at something, like the characters in Ocean's 11. Another example is creating a tragic event, such as the death of a dog in John Wick, which builds empathy.

How can conflicting motivations create a more realistic character?

Conflicting motivations can create internal conflict, making characters feel more human and relatable. It reflects the real-life struggles people face when their desires or needs come into conflict, adding depth to the character.

What is the significance of a character's history in making them well-rounded?

A character's history provides context and depth, making them feel more real. It helps to explain their motivations, actions, and reactions, and gives readers a more complete understanding of who they are beyond their role in the story.

How can authors ensure that each character has a unique voice in a story?

Authors can ensure a unique voice by considering each character's background, personality, and worldview. They should use specific idioms, perspectives, and attitudes that reflect each character's individuality, making their viewpoint distinct.

What is the role of a character's silhouette in distinguishing them from others?

A character's silhouette helps to visually distinguish them from other characters. By having unique physical traits or postures, readers can identify characters even without seeing their faces, contributing to their individuality.