Creating memorable characters

I use a system I created called Compass Characterization: North, South, East and West. NORTH, or the character’s true north, his strong central core values. They should be admirable and identifiable to the reader. SOUTH, or shady side of North. He/she may be honest to a fault, but the flip side is that his father did nothing but lie so our character will tell the truth even if it hurts someone he cares for, or even if it gets him in deep trouble. A heroine might now be passionate about women’s rights, but she had an abortion as a teenager. It’s the things our character doesn’t want anyone to know and can include some not so flattering traits. Remember: All villains have a heroic trait or two and all heroes have a couple of villainous traits. Because nobody is perfect. EAST, or the supportive/silhouette traits. Should be consistent to the core traits. They can be things like loves the outdoors, big on family and friendship or trustworthy. WEST, or the fatal flaw. Traits consistent with core and supportive traits and overcoming them helps the character grow. Such traits as deep caring can also become controlling to the point of losing loved ones. Or so honest that the bluntness offends people. The same trait that makes the character ambitious can also cause him to bulldoze his way through life until he has no close relationships outside of his career.

Show, Don’t Tell

As writers we hear that phrase from editors and agents but what does it mean and how important is it to getting published? It’s extremely important and here’s why. Part of the joy in reading is allowing imagination to flourish. Readers want to use their imagination to envision your story almost as if they are watching a movie. They want to feel the emotion. They don’t want to be TOLD how characters feel or think. Show them. Instead of a character saying, “I’m so mad I could strangle him!” Paint a word picture describing a reddened face, hands balled into fists and heavy breathing. Then when the character says, “I want him dead.” We see the rage, feel the dark moment.