Another of my favorite aspects of working as an independent novel editor is working with authors on character deep dives. Truly knowing and understanding the characters helps to shape the story, and the more characters are known to the reader the more the reader can emotionally connect to them.

Overall character outline: These are the things that you want to establish for every main character in your story. This will allow your readers to visualize and humanize the characters that they are reading about.

• Physical appearance (Hair color, eye color, body type, clothing choices, accessory choices, tattoos, piercings)
• Backstory (Where were they born? What is their relationship like with their family? Are there any skeletons in their closet?)
• Personality (Personality type, temperament, mannerisms, bad habits, loves, hobbies, ambitions, desires, pet peeves etc.)
• Strengths/weaknesses (Are they really physically strong but emotionally immature? Are they really quick tempered? Knowing what they do well and what they struggle with helps to humanize them.)
• Communication style (Are they bold and outspoken? Are they more likely to avoid conflict than have a difficult conversation?)
• Relationships (Both family and any key romantic relationships that impact who the character is at the time of the story.)
• Mannerisms (Do they always clear their throat before speaking? Do they pick at the cuticles of their fingernails when nervous? Are they prone to picking at their skin?)

It’s important to note that you don’t need to come out and tell your reader all of these character traits in a summary. Integrate them into the story to make each character feel human and real. For example, when revealing a mannerism you can also include a physical detail such as this, “Shelly knew that she needed to stop pulling at her blonde hair when she was nervous, but half the time she didn’t realize she was going it until a few strands were in her hand.”

If you’re stuck in your story, a great place to go is deep into the character. Take them on a journey that will reveal more about them, and likely get your story back on track too!

I’d love to talk more about your characters and story, so please feel free to shoot me a note at sam@samspeedreads.com if you need a sounding board!

Until next time!

XOXO

Sam Speed Edits