Describing characters

When to describe characters Describe characters early, especially the main characters or protagonist, in the plot. or Drop hints along the way to avoid divulging information that may be important to the plot. Avoid leaving a character’s description to the reader’s imagination; the reader should be able to connect to the character via the writer’s description.

How to describe characters Use descriptive words Paint a clear picture Tell the reader: What the character says How the character looks What the character does What others say about the character (Avoid depending on one method; try all four.)

Appearance Tell the reader about what the character looks like; the physical description Tall, short Rugged, neat, sloppy, well-dressed Hairy, bald, mustache, beard Gnarled fingers, manicured nails Muscular, skinny, athletic-build

Actions Tell the reader about what the character does; the character’s behavior Does the character trip when entering the room? A klutz Inattentive Is the character thrifty when spending money? Uses coupons Refuses to tip When does the character go to bed? A night owl Early bird

Dialogue Tell the reader what the character says Sarah said, “This is the day I put all my mistakes behind me and move forward with my life” The reader can infer that the character has made some mistakes which may have held her back. She is ready to take control of her life. “I have never been to the beach before. I burn so easily and the sand irritates my eyes. Where would I hide from the sun? How would I go to the bathroom?” This character worries a lot; may not like to have an adventure.

What do others say? Tell the reader how others feel and react to the character. The audience cringed when Jerry told his last joke about his mother. Martha and George laughed out loud at all of Jerry’s jokes. “I really found his brand of comedy dull, boring and derived. Surely, there are better comics than Jerry that could have hosted this benefit dinner.”