How honest should a writer be? I guess this goes along with how each piece we write is a part of ourselves.
Each character is someone we’ve been, wished to be, have known…the good, the bad, and the ugly. Why else include the safety phrase – any similarity to anyone living or dead is…is what? Coincidental? No, the writer doesn’t mean, you. Yes, the writer means, you; well, if the character fits; why do you think the writer means you; so, you did recognize yourself; hey, you are oblivious.
Every character we write is a recreation of attributes we have experienced, whether through someone’s fiction, through history, or through our daily interactions with those around us. How many writers have ever created an original character?
I don’t mean a new brilliant character who pushes the envelope a little differently than what we’ve seen before. Not a refreshing view on an old personality trait or theme. Not even a character with an added quirk.
How many writers have created an Original character? Not many. I’ll even go out on a limb and say, very few have created an original.
One definition of original is “arising or proceeding independently of anything else” and another is “new; fresh; inventive; novel.”
Can a writer create a character without them being “arising or proceeding independently” from anyone the writer has ever known?
Which brings me back to…how honest should a writer be?
Would you be as flattered if you realized the mean, ugly, petty character was based on you? Or the pompous, cold emotionally devoid being was how you have been seen?
Probably not. We don’t hold mirrors up to our own behaviours and personality flaws, unless they show us in a ‘good’ light, a laughable light. Turning and looking at the darkness within is something many refuse to see.
But, as writers we know this darkness exists. We recognize it, in ourselves and in others, how else can we write about it. Our experiences of the world and the people around us are food for our creativity. Nothing and no one is safe around a writer. We absorb each tiny nuisance into our creative well like a sponge soaking up spilled wine.
Our experiences of those around us tell us more about that person than anything. Actions speak louder than words…show me don’t tell me.
Of course, a person’s positives also influence our character writing. However, most everyone loves the flawed character…whether the hero/heroine or villain. No one enjoys a perfect person—who’s perfect?
Still, the question remains—how honest should a writer be? Simple, as honest has you dare. Besides, any similarity to any living or dead is purely…you know.
Quoted source for definitions: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/original
I really like this post. Some great food for thought.
I really liked this article, Chris. I think you've hit the nail on the head. Our characters are often composites, and even our bad guys, although I hope I don't know anyone with all the character traits one of my bad guys has!
I've always felt my characters were composites. I'd love to create an original and maybe some day I will. Until then, I will use a little of her, a touch of him, and a smidgen of those people over there. Of course, the worse thing a writer can do is use a person they know, describing them ultimately in detail and then have the nerve to use their real name for the character. Your character Sally might be your Aunt Sarah but you don't want to totally admit that… unless it is a historical tale. Great article.
Hi Chris:
Do we plan characters or do they develop with the story? Perhaps they must reveal sides that even the author doesn't expect to become originals.
I don't think I ever define a character from the start — half the fun is having them develop.
Christopher Hoare
One wonders if a truly original character could even be understood and recognized by the reader, as this suggests the character must be unlike anyone the reader has ever experienced.
Thank you for dropping by and for leaving your thoughts.
I love it when a character surprises me or when I realize a character is way too close to someone I know. Then there's the fun of bringing in some real to a character because of a strong positive attribute.
Then, again, writing is therapy…easy to do away with a fictional character that only resembles someone 😉
Thanks again
Chris