Thoughts on character building
Learning to create characters or scripts is a journey that requires determination, creativity, and discipline. As a writer, mastering this skill is crucial to developing compelling stories and engaging readers. My experience in learning character/script creating skills has been an enlightening and rewarding one. In this blog post, I will share some of the insights I have gained on this journey.
Firstly, I have come to appreciate that the art of creating characters/scripts is not just about putting pen to paper or typing away on a keyboard. It is a process that requires a lot of thought, planning, and research. The creation of a character or script involves building a world, a history, and a backstory that is unique and believable. One must consider every aspect of the character's personality, such as their likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, to ensure that they are well-rounded and engaging.
Furthermore, one must also consider the characters' environment and how it influences their behavior and choices. For instance, a character who grew up in poverty may behave differently from one who grew up in a wealthy family. This level of attention to detail is what separates good characters/scripts from great ones.
Another lesson I have learned is that the creation of characters/scripts is not a linear process. Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places or moments of inspiration. It is important to remain open-minded and flexible to new ideas and changes in the story. This may mean going back and re-writing certain sections of the script or modifying a character's personality traits. However, being open-minded does not mean sacrificing the integrity of the story or characters. There must be a balance between creative freedom and the requirements of the plot. In other words, the story should be coherent and follow a logical progression that is true to the characters and world that has been created.
Moreover, the creation of characters/scripts requires a certain level of research and familiarity with the genre being written. For instance, writing a historical fiction piece would require extensive research on the time period, social norms, and events that occurred during that period. Similarly, writing a science fiction piece would require knowledge of advanced technology and an understanding of scientific concepts. This research is not limited to just the genre. It can also involve studying real-life people and their behaviour’s to create believable and relatable characters. Additionally, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the writing industry. This involves reading widely and attending workshops and conferences to learn from other writers and industry experts.
In conclusion, learning to create characters/scripts is a continuous process that requires a lot of hard work, creativity, and discipline. It involves paying attention to detail, being open-minded, and conducting extensive research. Ultimately, the goal is to create characters and stories that are engaging, believable, and memorable. As a writer, I have come to appreciate the significance of these skills and the impact they can have on my writing.
