Creating Real Characters

Creating characters the reader can relate to is a challenge for
every writer. Plotting out the basics of the characters helps
the writer to describe the him to the reader. Beyond conveying
the height, weight, hair color and other vital statistics to the
reader, it's important to describe any unique traits they could
identify with in the reading. 

To get to know the character better, the author can use a couple
of techniques. One technique many authors use is interviewing.
Using a set of standard questions, the author gains more indepth
knowledge of his character. For example, asking about the
childhood home, allows the author to find out more about the
character's background. Some questions I typically ask are:

~ Describe your childhood home.

~ Tell me about your first pet.

~ Where did you meet your first love?

~ Describe your best friend. Why is he/she your best friend?

~ Describe your favorite place to visit.

~ What is your favorite drink?

 Asking these questions and others like them allows the writer
to gain a deeper understanding of his character as well as
determine areas of concern and opportunity in his story. Knowing
the character better helps the writer bring the story to life
for the reader. Another technique often used by writers to is
writing a monologue. 

A monologue explores the character's feelings on a particular
subject. In a romance story, it's often helpful to write a
monologue on what the main character thinks of love. What is
he/she looking for in a partner? Why is he/she still looking?
How does he/she feel about love in general? Any of these topics
have the potential to reveal the personality of the character. 

Use these tools and others to get to know your characters. The
better you know them, the more realistic they will appear to
your reader. If the reader can identify with the characters,
they are more likely to enjoy your tale.