Sometimes a stressful situation will force a character to act in an unusual manner. He or she will suddenly do something wild or crazy.But what about natural weird behaviors?
When writing, we need to be sure our characters are as diverse as real live people. Not every person in our books needs to be "out there," but at least one or two should be a little off kilter.
A violent outburst from a character prone to anger would seem perfectly natural. In fact, it would be odd NOT to have that character act out his or her frustrations or use words that might be considered harsh.
Some characters are physically capable of doing more than the average person. Take into account athletic ability or even the effects of outside stimulus, such as alcohol. And remember that some people are just natural daredevils.
If you've a character with some real mental hangups, moments of complete craziness are to be expected!
A violent outburst from a character prone to anger would seem perfectly natural. In fact, it would be odd NOT to have that character act out his or her frustrations or use words that might be considered harsh.
Some characters are physically capable of doing more than the average person. Take into account athletic ability or even the effects of outside stimulus, such as alcohol. And remember that some people are just natural daredevils.
If you've a character with some real mental hangups, moments of complete craziness are to be expected!
So, what quirky behaviors do YOUR characters possess? What "out-there" things do you like to see characters in books attempt?
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(Meanwhile, I am still trying to work a dancing cat into one of my stories...)
7 comments:
If you look deep enough I think everyone has a quirk or two and I try to pass along some sort of quirk to my characters. I like to see characters react strongly to various situations as long as it’s a natural progression and they don’t all of a sudden do something totally out of character.
Like this subject. Like Jane, I agree everyone has a quirk or two. A charcter written without ANY odd natures is too perfect - not believable.
Love the photos also - as usual. (wink)
Marvin D Wilson
Great subject! And...I like the picture of you looking menacingly at the car. Is that a golf club you're holding?!
Oh, quirky characters are the BEST! I live for them.
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
More great photos and wisdom! I want to see more of the bungee pics.
Elizabeth, that's a mallet! It was at last year's Fun Fest - we got to smash a car. Very therapeutic!
And Chris, I've got more bungee photos!
LOL The dancing cat!!! hahaha Too funny.
The chat transcripts are still up. I checked and yours is there. I think it's on page two. You have until Oct. 31 to get it.
Lynnette Labelle
http://lynnettelabelle.blogspot.com
Quirks are both individual and universal. I like the idea of knowing a quirk for each character. And I love the idea of a dancing cat.
Helen
Straight From Hel
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