One Dimensional Characters
I wanted to come back from my long hiatus to talk about critical error a lot of writers. Not just in books but also in television we often see one dimensional characters. Who are these characters? These are the people that have limited perspective, uncomplicated lives, and watered down reactions. Here recently I started watching a new show in which the main duo are, I guess, buddies, a man and woman. In almost every episode the man is contemplating some big life issue and the woman...well, in all honesty, she’s just there. Her reactions are limited, she has no problems, and even when something big happened her reactions was just, “Eh, whatever.” Hence, a one dimensional character. So, how can a writer avoid this dilemma? Well, take a gander at my list below!
Ask yourself these questions:
What’s my characters strengths and limitations? For example, what do they do well and what could they improve on. Knowing this can help you build the very structure of who your character is.
How easily manipulated is your character? Do they stand with their morals or are they flexible? Would they kill for the greater good? What would they if someone they loved was in grave danger?
What real life problems does your character face? Do they have allergies? Family drama? Real life issues help readers connect with characters. No one wants to read about the perfect Mary Sue who has everything she has ever wanted.
What are your character's flaws? How do they related to real people?
Does your character voice their opinion? When and why? Maybe your character doesn’t speak until the tide gets high. Maybe they like to keep their ideas to themselves.
What is your characters breaking point? What happens when they’ve had enough? Do they fight or flee?
