Characterization

When the idea for a story comes, I sometimes get in a hurry and jump right in with plot, setting, point of view, names, etc., but it isn't until about the third chapter that I realize I don't know my characters.

"Psh, that's silly, Avriel. How can you not know your characters? You created them!"

Well, I did, but it takes more than just giving a character a name... you really have to KNOW them to know how they will act, talk, respond, and react. This is important. You wouldn't have an old hermit or miser shopping at the mall, or a teen girl sitting in a gym playing tiddlywinks with her friends (well, you could, but it wouldn't be normal). Likewise, a brave, daring hero probably wouldn't shake with fright if a villain arrived in town and a unloving, callused father probably wouldn't cry if his daughter ran away. 

So how do you get to know your characters? You build their characterization. Open a Word document or grab a piece of paper and start making a list. Imagine you suddenly pluck that person up from your setting and place him or her in a chair across from you. Now get to know that character. Interview them, if you will, as though you had them on the Ellen Degeneres or Oprah show. 

Where were they born? 

What kind of home did they grow up in?

How did their parents treat them?

What was their favorite toy?
What is a hidden talent?
What do they enjoy doing?

(You get the idea)

Now create in your mind how your character would respond. By asking them several personal questions, you should be able to figure out a lot about their personality. Do this for each of your characters. 

Later, when you start the editing process, consider the character and see if what they are doing matches their characterization. The character may have some deep seeded fear or may have bitterness from an earlier occurrence, but make sure that you explain it.

Trust me, it will make your story a lot more believable and save you a headache later on if you get to know your characters first thing!
Happy Writing!
Avriel