On Writing
Writing
Create compelling characters

Create compelling characters

from On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

How to Apply This

  1. Pick up the truth from the real world.
    Watch people around you and their characteristic behaviors. Create believable characters with flaws, virtues, habits, and specific characteristics based on real-life conversations you analyzed.

  2. Focus on character development, not story development.
    Write about how your character changes, and describe his personal growth through the problems posed in your story.

  3. Show, don’t tell
    Describe how your character behaves, so the reader will understand how the character feels. For example, instead of "Eni was depressed that day," it’s better to write, "Eni had dirty hair and devoured sweets that day."

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