In this week’s Story Works Round Table, Alida, Robert, and Kathryn discuss:
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traits that can make or break a character,
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defining traits that become identified with a character,
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how to create a defining trait (and make sure it’s “cool”),
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whether it has to be a negative trait,
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if physical or psychological traits are better, and
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much more.
VIDEO
AUDIO
SHOW NOTES
What do we mean by cool traits? And why do you want to make your character traits cool? How do you make cool character traits? And how can you twist the known into something awesome?
What we talked about:
What are “cool traits”? And why do you want them? (0:31)
When do traits become more interesting? (5:50)
Use your traits for subplots! (9:35)
Traits as byproducts of the characters main skill. (10:30)
How can you twist things to create unique traits? (15:05)
LINKS
Things we mentioned:
Monk
Big Bang Theory
Kojack
Columbo
Ironside
Want more about these topics? Check out:
SWRT 34 Developing Your Supporting Characters
SWRT 021 Distinct Characters
SWRT 047 Unlikeable Characters
SWRT 078 Fatal Flaw
SWRT 098 Capturing Your Characters Shadow Side
Have thoughts, questions, other examples? Join the conversation at the Story Works Writers Facebook group.
Do you enjoy the show?
Do you learn something every week?
Do you feel like you have company on your writing journey?
About Your Hosts
Alida Winternheimer is an award-winning author with an MFA in writing from Hamline University. She pursues her fervor for all things story as a writing coach, developmental editor, and teacher. Two of her short stories were nominated for the Pushcart Prize. She is the author of The Story Works Guide to Writing Fiction Series. Alida lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her Golden Retriever, Seva the Wonder Dog. She camps, bikes, and kayaks in her free time. Unless it’s winter, in which case she drinks chai by the fire. You can find more at www.alidawinternheimer.com.
Kathryn Arnold writes fantasy and anything else that sparks her creativity from her home in Kingston, Washington. She currently earns her living as an insurance underwriting assistant, where she also creates marketing and web copy. When not writing, she plays (and teaches) piano and keyboard in a band (or two), and is working on starting a ministry team with her husband. You can find Kathryn at www.skyfirewords.com.
Robert Scanlon was born in Australia, but whisked off to England when only a baby. After many years complaining about the weather, he did the sensible thing and moved back to Australia. Despite a career in the music industry, followed by decades teaching public speaking, Robert is an introvert who adores reading. Robert grew up on a diet of sci-fi masters, eventually discovering he had read the library’s entire science fiction section. Now he has to write his own. Robert is the author of Constellation, book one of the Blood Empire space opera series. Find out more at www.RobertScanlon.com