Asked by: Nikki Nichols

Here is some writing advice to help you introduce your characters as effectively as possible:

1. Don’t get bogged down in physical appearance. …
2. Give your character a memorable character trait. …
3. Start with backstory when appropriate. …
4. Introduce a character through action. …
5. Introduce the main character as soon as possible.

How do you introduce a character in first person example?

For example, a character might say ‘I saw that the building had started to collapse’. Instead, however, you could simply make your first person narrator say ‘the building had started to collapse’.

How do you start a character?

You’re done!

1. Start with a character archetype.
2. Add specific characteristics.
3. Build the backstory.
4. Give them quirks, faults, and flaws.
5. Give your character an arc.
6. Add visual references.
7. Organise & refine.
8. Create the rest of your characters.

What is a character introduction?

Character introductions have the explicit purpose of introducing us, the reader or audience, to the characters. Done well, they create several significant effects: Focus readers’ attention on what’s important. Hook readers into the character.

How do you describe a character in first person?

Use dialogue.

Her best friend gently explains dark roots are out of fashion. His father remarks he really ought to cut his hair (he looks like a hippie). Her enemy asks if she’s a natural redhead. Use compliments and nicknames.

How do you make a character likeable?

12 Tips on How to Write a Likable Character

1. Introduce your character early on in the story. …
2. Make your character a flawed person. …
3. Give them a backstory to help readers connect with them. …
4. Make sure they have goals and motivations that are relatable. …
5. Show their vulnerability, but don’t let it become too much of an issue.

How do you write a character description?

How do you write good character description? 5 techniques

1. Give character description via action. …
2. Use figurative language such as simile and metaphor. …
3. Use physical details for personality, not only visuals. …
4. Combine physical descriptions with movement and gesture. …
5. Use character description to reveal the observer, too.

How do you write a character personality?

Write down a brief description of the character’s personality, and then make a list of the things that make the character feel particularly compelling, realistic, or relatable to you. For example, maybe you are fascinated by their complexity, or maybe you find yourself relating to their flaws and insecurities.

How do you begin a story?

Starting Stories: 5 Great Beginning Strategies

1. Strategy 1: Begin with action or dialogue. …
2. Strategy 2: Ask a question. …
3. Strategy 3: Describe the setting. …
4. Strategy 4: Begin with background information. …
5. Strategy 5: Have the main character introduce himself or herself.

How do you talk in first-person without using I?

Try recasting sentences that start with ‘I’ more objectively, so that the focus is on the what – the emotion, the object, the person, the action and so on – rather than the sense being used to experience it or the I-narrator doing the experience. Use the principles of free indirect speech to reduce your ‘I’ count.