I’ve tried to outline a character, but I found when I outline the plot and start to write, the character seem to find their own personality traits and looks based upon a family history I created before the book was begun.

When I was developing the character of the no-nonsense agnostic reporter Selonnah in my new novel Latter-day Cipher, I ran across a photograph in a New Mexico magazine. The direct gaze of this woman arrested me. I kept that photograph near me for her scenes.

Latayne C Scott
http://www.latayne.com
novelmatters.blogspot.com

When I was creating my no-nonsense agnostic character Selonnah in my new novel Latter-day Cipher, I thumbed through a magazine and was arrested by the gaze of a woman there. I cut her picture out and kept it handy whenever I was writing her scenes. That direct, into-the-camera look kept me on track. She wasn’t going to give an inch.

Latayne C Scot
http://www.latayne.com
novelmatters.blogspot.com

Character sheets are important for every primary and secondary character, and it helps me to take the story deeper by telling the story to myself in first person in each main character viewpoint. By the time I’ve done that, the main plot is already complete.

As for antagonists, I find it’s easy to give mine redeeming qualities when I’ve written that character’s story in first person. Then I can reveal the heartaches that have led to the action that causes so much pain to others–and makes the story people more human. Who can’t identify with someone who has been hurt over and over, and has finally given up on doing things the right way? Who hasn’t been hurt? We can then identify.

I’m always looking for ways to deepen my characters. Thanks for asking this question.
Hannah

>>>I’ve found that it helps if the charater is wrestling with issues that may be important to the author. For example, if you (or friends or family members) have struggled with alcoholism or drug addiction, it may be an issue your character suffers from, and you may be able to portray it realistically?