Getting to Know Your Character: Five Places of Origin
Some people are naturally gifted when it comes to characterization. Drawing multi-faceted, interesting, and engaging protagonists comes easily to them. I don’t think I am one of those people. I’m much more drawn to plot than figuring out the deep roots that guide my characters to each new decision. I think I feel like I know who they are therefore my reader does, too! But of course, that is not true. And it is definitely something that I am working on.
One simple exercise I came up with was to identify three to five places my characters are from. The places from which we originate shape us in ways we don’t always even realize right away. These places don’t need to be geographical, but they certainly can be. It’s more important that they are places that influence who you character is, where they want to go, and how they make their decisions.
As an example, I put this to work on my new work in progress. I give you five places my main character, Daphne, is from:
1. A middle-sized midwestern town: it is large enough that there are multiple schools, but small enough that during her summer baby-sitting job, Daphne is expected to walk her small charges to the local park. Her town is economically diverse, allowing for her own modest house to be not far from the incredible house she works at. Being from here also has given her a yearning for a bigger life on the stage.
2. A fragmented family: Daphne’s parents divorced about three years ago. This influences money decisions in her home and gives her a bit of a chip on her shoulder when it comes to her performing and proving that it is worth the money her mom spends. She is closer to her mom, who she feels understands her more. She resents having to watch her dad’s girlfriend’s kids during her time at his house.
3. The stage: Daphne feels immensely comfortable on the stage. It is a second home. (She is aptly named for Daphne Rubin-Vega.) When you have spent so much time in theatres that the wings and the ghost light are as familiar as your own bedroom, it is your safe space. Daphne misses preforming and rehearsal during the first half of her summer when she is forced to take on a job to pay for her summer camp.
4. Middle School: Daphne is twelve years old, in her summer between 6th and 7th grade. She has made it through a year of lockers and changing for gym class and navigating being the youngest students in the building. (And in the music program!) Now, she is hoping to make more of a mark, specifically in the school musical. Her best friends are also part of this world. She is starting to maybe be interested in boys but it doesn’t rule her life. Social media plays a huge role in her social interaction.
5. Sullivan Park: Later in the book, as she works with other kids and young adults to achieve a common goal, her park allegiance will become evident and very important. Other parks in the city are competing in an end of city Parkpalooza Talent Show and being a member of the Sullivan Park Squad will become an integral part of her identity, shaping her ultimate decisions in the narrative.
These are not terribly deep answers, but they certainly provide a framework for Daphne’s thoughts and actions throughout the plot. By identifying where your character is from, you can get a better idea of why they act the way they do, what they truly want, and how they will respond to the various things your throw at them throughout your book. Try applying this strategy to your work in progress. If you can’t come up with three to five places that your main character is from, it may be a sign that you need think more about it and give them a little bit more development.
I’d love to hear if this worked for you and about all the cool places your characters are from. Writing can be solitary, but it’s so much more fun when we make it a team sport!
