I have problems finding different "voices" for each of my characters. Could you help me by maybe explain the different aspect that can change one's voice? Thank you!
Hi, love! Ā Thanks for your question and your patience :) Ā I love writing unique character voices, both in dialogue and narration, just because it can make a story completely different just through the way itās told. Ā There are a lot of different aspects to a character voice, though, so Iāll just go through the basics I run in my mind when I develop voices.
Aspects of Character Voice
EducationĀ ā To be as realistic for your character as possible, you need to consider the level of education they received growing up. Ā There are too many characters in modern fiction who speak eloquently, confidently, and grammatically correct, yet donāt have the educational backstory to support this. Ā This is especially important if the character has to speak publicly, which many overlook as a skill that must be developed.
InfluencesĀ ā People learn how to speak, how to joke, and how to appeal to others from their family, friends, and idols. Ā For example: my aunt is much more reserved than my father and uncle. Ā Sheās a quiet, thoughtful psychologist ā but every once in a while, she shows her roots over her education by engaging in some of the awful puns that run in my dadās side of the family. Ā Puns seem uncharacteristic of her at first glance, but it adds depth to who she is by reaching back into her childhood.
Communication Style ā I touched on this in my post on character traits, and it probably applies even more here. Ā Your characters arenāt all going to speak up at the same times, about the same things, in the same ways. Ā Some people avoid confrontation; some people canāt ignore irritants. Ā Some people are open about their personal affairs; some donāt feel comfortable sharing their middle name with friends. Ā Some people think out loud, and occupy the room subconsciously. Ā Some people use humor to mask their feelings, and rarely speak without a hint of irony in their voice. Ā Some people are horribly self-aware, and some people talk without really hearing or filtering themselves. Ā Itās all important.
DemeanorĀ ā Mood, countenance, disposition ā basically, what is the characterās general attitude? Ā If someone were to describe them in a couple of words, what would they be? Ā Some people are generally positive, and some are generally negative, or irritable, or uncomfortable, or emotional, or just really strong in whatever direction. Ā I had a friend in theatre describe me asĀ āanxious at restā, and I think that pretty much covers my demeanor. Ā Now, no one behaves one way all the timeĀ ā this is just more of aĀ ādefault emotionā that colors how they approach certain situations.
Example:Ā Because Iām āanxious at restā, I feel happiness like butterflies in my limbs, and sadness like itās raining bullets in my stomach. Ā Because my brother is naturally chill as hell (my words), he feels happiness like a warm, gooey piece of pie, and sadness like a thin, wet sheet clinging to his skin.
Social SkillsĀ ā This can tie into education and influences, but also has a lot to do with personality. Ā A character can be raised to know and value social convention, or they can pick it up themselves; or they can disregard socialĀ ārulesā despite any kind of education. Ā How does your character handle awkward situations? Ā Are they blunt with strangers? Ā Are they respectful to authority? Ā Do they keep their opinions to themselves, or speak up no matter what? Ā Do they at all change themselves or their behavior to adapt to new situations? Ā Thereās a spectrum there, between 100%-Integrity and Chameleon status, and your characterās somewhere on it.
Sense of Humor ā Iāve talked about this before, too, but for posterity, Iāll add it here. Ā When writing a characterās voice, you have to think about what amuses themĀ ā and itās not necessarily what amuses you. Ā I think of the show The Office, which is basically a playground of different senses of humor. Ā Thereās Michael Scott, who works with things likeĀ āthatās what she saidā and celebrity impressions; thereās Jim Halpert, whoās both sarcastic and a diehard prankster; thereās Pam Beesly, who can only offer puns along the line of,Ā āIāll put out an A.P.B. ā an Ask Pam Beesly.ā Ā These small details make characters sound distinct from each other.
Introversion/ExtroversionĀ ā Lastly, a lot of how a character communicates depends on how they experience social interactions. Ā Are they energized by conversations and social events, or do these things drain them? Ā Do they seek out others, or do they wait to be addressed? Ā Are their thoughts focused outwardly ā on whatās going on around them, what others are saying or thinking, on how they appear to others ā or inwardly ā on their internal thoughts and interests, on what theyāre thinking and feeling? Ā This will affect how they speak and how they narrate the story, even if youāre not writing in first-person.
Anyway, thatās basically what came to mind when I saw your question. Ā If this doesnāt help you, be sure to send us another ask with more information :) Ā Good luck!
If you need advice on general writing or fanfiction, you should maybe ask us!
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