Friday, May 13, 2016

Using Fun and Interesting Tidbits About Characters Into Your Novels

What gives a novel an added flavor? Could it be such fun tidbits that create memorable characters in the minds and hearts of readers? Such as:


  • An antagonist who so carefully cares for his flowers but is selfish and mean to those under him.

  • A character who can play a flute like a singing bird, but is awkward in social situations.

  • A woman who wants to open a restaurant but can't cook.

  • The woman who had a broken finger and constantly rubs it.


What is a Character Quirk?
It’s a peculiarity. 
Something unusual in behavior, habit or personality. 
It can be an odd physical trait that can hint at a backstory
 or part of the character personality.

* Quirks don't have to be obvious. A slight limp or lisp now and then. I habit of coughing, but only at certain times. Stroking, such as mustaches or rubbing a hand over a head, fingering a strand of hair--all of these are great--but only if they have subtle reasons for being enacted.

* Meaningful Quirks that play along with the plot. A reason why a character has the quirk that will lead to a solution, a problem or a foreshadowing of what's to come later on.

Make them fun for both the character and reader. Because of the quirk, you'll have readers laughing or smiling and rooting for that knuckle-cracking irritation. 


About Carole


Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas.

She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?


Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown
Google+:    https://plus.google.com/u/0/113068871986311965415/posts


Check out her books here


3 comments:

  1. Fun blog, Carole! Quirks can really make a character. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I enjoyed these character quirks you have described.
    Connie
    cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete