Creating Characters for Stories Part 02 - Bethany Anne.

Hey there folks,

I can't thank you enough for not just diving into my stories, but also sticking around to read these tucked-away notes on my personal blog. It's like we're having a little chat… kinda one way, but no worries about that.

Creating Characters: Playing with Traits I Dig

One of the best parts of being a writer is getting to create characters. You know, those folks you cheer for, sometimes get mad at, or even love to hate. And I've got a pretty straightforward way of doing it: I pick out traits I like and then build on them. Let me break it down for you.

Usually, I start with a basic idea of who the character is, what they're doing in the story, and what kind of personality would make them interesting. But instead of getting lost in the weeds with tiny details, I zero in on one or two traits that I find cool or endearing. These traits could be anything - a weird sense of humor, a strong sense of right and wrong, or even a love for a certain food or drink.

Bethany Anne and the Epic Coke vs. Pepsi Showdown

Now, let's get into a specific example of how I use this character-building method in my stories. Bethany Anne, one of my favorite characters, is a die-hard Coca-Cola fan. And I'll admit, I'm a Coke guy myself. But why did I decide to make her such a big fan of this particular drink?

Well, besides my own taste, I thought it would be a fun and relatable quirk for the character. Most folks have a favorite when it comes to Coke vs. Pepsi, and by giving Bethany Anne a clear favorite, I hoped to create an instant connection between her and readers who share her taste.

Plus, this small detail also gives a peek into Bethany Anne's personality, showing her strong beliefs and unwavering loyalty, even when it comes to something as simple as her choice of soda.

It worked so well some of you sent me the following image (those who love Pepsi):

You know you did something right when fans send you this stuff!

Does this method always work? Well, as I mentioned earlier, I haven't tried it with a character who loves liver and onions, so there might be some limits. But overall, I find that focusing on a few key traits that I really like helps me create characters that readers can really connect with, and that's what storytelling is all about.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into how I build my characters, and I'll see you in the next book!

Michael

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