On Writing : Character development by Eric White

If your main character is losing importance in your story, maybe they aren't your main character. My fantasy trilogy started out with a specific character as the planned main. Then by the time I reached the third chapter I realized that it was actually his daughter that was the main character. So I completely changed the plan for the book and wrote it with her as the main character. Consider the story that you care about telling as opposed to the one you originally planned to tell. Also, this is why outlining beforehand helps. I did not outline the aforementioned novel before starting, which is why this major change occurred. Some might say that's a good thing, but the flip side is that you don't write 100 pages and then completely change your novel.

What would you like your main character to ACHIEVE or ACCOMPLISH by the end? Both for his own tangible GOAL (like beating the Ndrangheta) and for his own personal accomplishment for himself and his inner flaw.

Once you have those two ideas, think how he can play a role in making the events in your story happen rather than reacting to them. Think about the big goal he has (like escaping or beating the Ndrangheta) and the little goals he has to accomplish as he gets there. Then you can find places to plug in the scenes you want to show like parties with European Royalty. Maybe he can use one of the Royals to get something he needs, or give him access to a place he needs to defeat the Ndrangheta.

I was actually just told this in a meeting and I think it's applicable to your inquiry. "Think in 3D." A lot of times when we're reading, we only see other people in two dimensions. But they are in 3D, just like we are. My advice would be to decide what aspects of your character's life makes them a well rounded, fully fleshed, 3D person and share that in your story. Decide your middle and your end, and figure out the path that someone like the person you're creating in your character would take to get from one to the other.

As a beginner writer, I would suggest that you don't overthink things too much, Eric White . The important thing is to get your story "on paper" - aka written out. Then you can go back and adjust things bit by bit. I learned that you go from beginner to experienced writer by just writing, instead of trying to figure everything out beforehand. Even now after years of writing, I still find that I have to just write things out and apply structure and development later. Terrence gives great advice about maybe another character is your main character. So even if you have a lot of extra content that will get cut from your final draft, it isn't wasted because at the very least, you've developed your craft, and even more likely, you've got additional material for spinoff stories or sequels.

I agree with William. It's much easier to widdle something down than to try to build something perfect from the start.

Thanks a lot guys. Great advice. Yeh I have always enjoyed writing. Yeh I noticed that too Will. I wrote out parts 1 and 2 for fun, and then I went in and said no that's not good enough or that's a story line mistake. And I edited it a lot better through 20-30 days. I think this idea to mix teenage drama/ abuse with the all powerful conspiracy theory nonsense about the Italian illuminati will work. But I mean, I'm more so doing it for fun. I signed up for writing classes, and I'll just keep enjoying it!

Hey Eric White Dir. of Global Education here. Boy do I love when posts like this come across my feed, where a member is asking for help on a very specific thing, and I get to give them multiple options because Stage 32 has it covered.

I recommend you look at: The Hero's Journey Formula: How to Craft the Perfect Protagonist it is a 4-part class with Alec Soklaw (he wrote Toy Story, so the guy knows a thing or two about the hero's journey). Also, I am not sure why, but this is currently listed 20% cheaper than other 4 mart classes on Demand, so I would jump at it before someone realizes it and changes it back.

https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944907583795

I would also recommend How to Write Memorable Characters - It's All About Your "Hero's Journey" This is another 4-week class that will help you write your hero's narrative.

https://www.stage32.com/education?p=8944830447923

I am always here to help, so please don't ever hesitate to reach out at edu@stage32.com. Cheers

I found stuff on Pinterest on characters.

I think there can be a benefit in starting with a blank slate and letting your characters and story develop to a point. But eventually, you should step back and determine who your characters are and where they are going. In the end, every story is about your protagonist. It's their story. The plot needs to be driven by their motivations, strengths and weaknesses. If plot becomes more important than the characters, you'll lose your readers. People read to experience human challenges, failures, and successes.

I wrote this very short blog post a few years ago, to encourage my fellow writers. Know that writing is a process, and that when you first start writing you will be going through many iterations of editing. My first science fiction novel - 400 pages - went through 5 drafts. As you go through each draft you revise to improve (plot, characters, etc.) and edit to make your manuscript tight. The good news is, as you gain experience, the number of drafts go down. For my last effort I had 3 drafts, and my current effort will need 2. But it should be fun! We are actually revisioners - check out my blog post to see why :) https://nancygoldenbooks.com/2019/06/21/revisioners/

@Gregory -Could you share the Pinterest? Love to see it.

Michael David just go to pinterest.com and make an account and in the search bar type what your are looking for.

Good advice from so many fellow writers. Good luck, Eric. And may you always enjoy the process of writing.