Here's a great blog I ran across that has some very solid advice on creating characters, as well as other things. The advice is so simple and yet so obvious I thought it deserved to be posted. Here's the link
I think I've finally found my grail.
Posted by C L Lynn (Member # 8007) on :
Thanks, luapc. It's nice to read confirming information. I love the bit about stop thinking of a sidekick as a sidekick. Admittedly, sometimes, I often like my villains more than my "heroes." The flaws they reveal to me make them so much more interesting to write. And it's the only chance I get to be "bad."
Posted by snapper (Member # 7299) on :
It's fun making the villian the likeable character. I confess, that can backfire with a few people. But I like to think out of the box, give'em something they weren't expecting.
Posted by dreadlord (Member # 2913) on :
likable or not, the thing to remember is that they are the villain, and as such must die, be crippled, or in some other way incapacitate them. so try not to get too attached.
by the way, awesome link.
Posted by Starweaver (Member # 8490) on :
There is good stuff on that site. He really boils things down to the basics, and has some good methods for making sure you don't drift off target when writing. Sometimes, it comes across as a little too formulaic, like a paint-by-number set or something. But I still found it a very useful site.