WRITING GUIDES

Scene Setting Points

Use of imagery in fiction 

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Power of emotional writing in fiction 

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Fantasy World building 

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Creating Fantasy Characters 

I have written about character building many times before, but this time, I want to have a particular focus on character building for the fantasy genre. My books are more than often, character driven and art of characterisation can be powerful, turning plots into amazing and awesome stories.


When it comes to fantasy, creating compelling characters is crucial, as they are the vessels through which readers connect with your imaginary world. The following are some guides to building characters for fantasy:


1. Define the Basics:


Name: Choose names that suit the world you are building. Name choosing can be very difficult, so do spend some time on this. Consider the culture, language, and history of the fantasy realm the character is from.


Age: Determine the age of your character and how it influences their perspective and experiences.


Race/Species: In a fantasy setting, characters can belong to various races or species. Consider the unique traits and abilities associated with each.


2. Establish Physical Traits:


Appearance: Describe your character's physical features, from their hair/eye colour, height, build, etc. Consider how these aspects tie into their background or culture. You do not have to completely describe your character. Allow the reader to establish a view of the character or use other characters to describe how your characters might look.


Clothing/Armour: What does your character wear? Like us, the attire of the character can reflect their personality, status, or the realm they come from.


3. Develop Personality:


Personality Traits: Create a list of personality traits. Is your character brave, shy, sarcastic, optimistic, or reserved? Think about how these traits influence their actions and interactions.


Motivations and Goals: What does your character want? Their goals and motivations drive the plot and reveal deeper aspects of their personality.


4. Backstory:


Origin: Where is your character from? What is their cultural background? How do these factors shape who they are? Backstory is essential, however take note of where and what you introduce throughout the story development.


Significant Events: Highlight key events in your character's past that have shaped them. Traumas, triumphs, and experiences all contribute to their development.


5. Skills and Abilities:


Magic or Special Abilities: In a fantasy setting, characters often have unique powers or skills. Define the limits and rules governing these abilities. I believe there should be some limitation or something that can prevent the magic to be limitless – even superman has a limitation.


Skills and Talents: What is your character good at? Are they a skilled warrior, a talented musician, or a cunning strategist?


6. Flaws and Weaknesses:


Imperfections: No one is perfect. Give your character flaws or weaknesses that they must overcome or learn to live with. This is part of their growth and development throughout the story. The character growth need not always be positive, they can also be come bitter through experiences.


Internal Conflicts: I love this one! Explore the inner conflicts. These can add great depth to your character and the reader can get to experience the inner workings of the character’s thoughts. Internal conflicts can be moral dilemmas, unresolved issues, or fears.


7. Relationships:


Family and Friends: Define your character's relationships. How do they interact with family and friends? Do they have allies or enemies?


Romantic Interests: If this is relevant, consider the romantic aspects of your character's life. How do they approach love and relationships?


8. Character Arc:


Growth and Change: Plan the trajectory of your character's development throughout the story. What challenges will they face, and how will these experiences change them?


9. Unique Quirks or Habits:


Mannerisms: Give your character unique habits, gestures, or ways of speaking that make them memorable. This can be challenging; however, it will help to create differences in your characters.


Hobbies: What does your character enjoy doing in their free time? Hobbies can add depth and relatability.


10. Name and Title:


Titles or Roles: If your character holds a specific title or role in their world, define it. Perhaps it is a royal title, a knight, or a librarian. Titles can reveal a lot about a character, their traits and personality.


Try to create characters with depth and complexity, allowing readers to connect with them emotionally. The more thought and detail you put into building your characters, the more vivid and engaging your fantasy world will become.


Reach out to me, if you need a character development work sheet, that will help build your character. Character building can be very enjoyable and it is even more so, once you get inside their heads!

Letting go of a character 

Letting go of a character – a short sentence which is easy to write however relating it to a character or world which a writer has created is not very easy at all. In fact it can be quite difficult and emotional. Writers create wonderful worlds, scenes and characters and to have to delete or remove any of these is difficult. It is a process of letting go. To say goodbye to a main character in a story is never easy, having invested time in developing and being that character. The decision to let a character go will only come after much deliberation taking into account the impact the removal has on the rest of the story.


I have always found saying goodbye to a character difficult. Many times I will refuse to have a death associated with a main character or to a character which I favour. I lean towards leaving the door open for the possible return of that character at a later stage. Even if the character is never to return, it gives a life to the character to live on in that fictional world I created and they are going about a new life somewhere else! Daft as it might sound, it is a reality!


Writers become their characters in order to understand them and walk in their shoes to see how they would interact in different situations or with other characters. Over the years, I have created many characters - some interesting, fascinating and some which are boring. However I have also found that a good character will transcend story and plot lines, have the ability to interact in all aspects of other characters and storylines due to the scope and depth of the character in addition to the role they play in the overall story. However there are also times when a main character just runs its course and there is no more left for it to do. It has been exhausted. When a character reaches this point, the process of letting it go becomes a little easier – its time ends naturally.


This post is meant to reflect my thoughts on letting go of a character however the following are some techniques or options which you can use for letting the beloved character go. Letting go does not necessarily mean killing the character, however there are times when it is necessary for it to be credible for example if you are writing war stories and nobody dies, it might seem a little odd! Environment will have an impact on how your characters will depart.


1. Spin off: If the character is strong enough, why not write a spin off giving the character a new lease of life in a different story. Introduce the character to new readers or with new characters allowing for expansion and scope, developing the character even more.


2. Prequel/Sequel: Write a second book or screen play series, continuing onwards with a new or existing story. Use the foundation created for your character and build on it. Even jump forward in time and develop your character in old age. Go back in time and develop your character further from an earlier period in their life.


3. Standalone: When a character is to depart why not write a standalone novella or script revolving around that character following their departure or during another period in their life.


My final point to mention is not to forget the readers. Readers might not share my decisions in letting go of a character. Rogue, loyal, lovable and dishonest characters are loved by the reader who may become upset on seeing someone go, especially concerning ongoing series. Listen to the feedback on what the readers have to say which will become a part of decision making process when it’s time for letting that character go. It’s never easy however it is something which has to be faced at some stage in the writing process. 

character development in writing

What are your views on Character Development? How much emphasis do you put on your primary and secondary characters?


When I began to focus more seriously on my writing, I turned my attention to script writing and my love for its style but more importantly I loved the concept of developing characters. My attraction was to live through the character lives, understanding how they would react in different situations. On reflection, my emphasis was more on the character than on the plot line created. One of the books I loved studying during this period was a book written by Rib Davis called “Developing Characters for Script Writing”. This book forms a series of “Writing Handbooks” by different authors covering everything from writing for television, radio, newspapers, fiction, travel, freelance etc. It is a good series to have.


I am going to discuss a little of what is important for me in developing characters. There is no right or wrong way and it can all differ based on the type of story you write, its length, its genre, its style, etc.


The Character Now:


In setting out a story whether based around a character, event, etc the reader will discover the character in a certain time frame. They will be of a certain age, in a specific time or place in their life, single, married, have a family, employed, unemployed, in prison, dying, their beliefs/views, etc. It is important that the reader understands where the character is now as they will begin a journey from this point forwards or backwards depending on the style of the story. Draw comparisons to our own lives. We are all on a journey and through those experiences, we grow. For example, I am not the same person now as I was when I was twenty. We evolve over time, changed by our environment, circumstances and lives. Situations and circumstances might alter our view on life, perhaps make us see things differently both positively and negatively. We can become bitter with life, depressed, despise certain things or form a great love and respect for life after some harrowing event or accident. All of this leads to my next point, which I feel is the most important aspect in character development and that is the “Back Story”.


Character Back Story:


Each of us has a history and the same applies to our characters. Our history is what helps define us and our outlook in life. Without it we are almost two dimensional. Your type of story will determine how much of the character’s back story will be revealed. If you are writing a short story or flash fiction the time does not allow for a strong development of a character, however it is important that the character should at least be given a name or some form of identity to help the reader relate. For me, I like a back story to be introduced gradually throughout a story as it is like bringing the reader on a secondary journey with the character. The reader should be allowed to develop a relationship with the character so they can truly understand the emotional thought process and why they take certain actions in different situations. Building a strong back story will bring the character to the current moment in the story where the reader will find them. On saying that, do not reveal too much so easily. To keep the interest of the reader you should allow for some mystery, keep the reader questioning but not too much as it will lead to confusion. Finding a balance is important.


Character Description:


I believe in not providing straight forward detailed character descriptions. Readers are intelligent, so craft character descriptions to allow readers use their imaginations. I believe if a character is developed strongly, showing their emotional state, their thought process and interactions with other characters, this can provide a good sense of what the character is like, allowing the reader to draw their own image. There is nothing worse for me when reading a book to create an image of a character only to have it altered by a descriptive reference later on by the writer. There is nothing wrong with giving slight descriptions for example, “she had a slight shake in her right hand”, “he had a limp in his left leg”, “the sun highlighted her auburn hair”, etc.


A suggestion would be if you wish to provide character descriptions and I use this technique is to have your characters give a description through their eyes. In life each of us will see people differently whether they are our family, friends, acquaintances, lovers or complete strangers. By knowing the character who is observing another in the story the reader will make up their own mind whether this is a truthful description based on the relationship the two characters have.


Character Growth:


The Character will go on a personal journey throughout the story. The reader discovers the character at a certain point in their life and as the story progresses the character should grow and learn as we do in our own lives. I love writing my main characters, if I did not, I would or could not write them. Whether they are the protagonist or antagonist, I love them both equally. Personal development, life lessons, emotional and spiritual growth must all happen to make the character a fully rounded individual. Based on the type of story you write, it does not necessarily mean that the character’s growth will be positive, it can also be negative even to change the character and their outlook in life.


Some Other Points:


The following are some other points to take note of concerning Character Development:



To recap, the reader meets the character in a certain moment, a back story must be present to tell the reader how the character got to be where they are today. Then as the story progresses you should take the character on a journey of growth and development. How you describe your character is your personal choice, whether you write it directly in detail or through small physical hints or allow your other characters to do the describing for you through their own thought processes.

character types within writing

The fusion of characters types can excite, entertain and transform writing. A well-rounded main character (Protagonist) becomes a character the reader can relate to. The reader will be exposed to the first encounter with the character including the importance of the back story and how the character grows throughout the story as we do ourselves in life.


Story, Discourse & Plot


There can be different variables driving a story but firstly let us have a look at the difference between a plot and a story which our characters find themselves a part of. Edward Morgan Forrester, (E M Forester) English novelist, short story writer and essayist in his "Aspects of a Novel" (1927) defines that “stories are events that happen in chorological order and the plot is the casual and logical structure which connects these events together”. 


Of course the difference between the two was defined much earlier by Aristotle (Greek Philosopher) who showed a distinction between story and discourse. Discourse is only what is available to the reader as this is how the story is revealed. When analysing discourse we understand whose point of view the narrative of the story is presented. How the character and his/her thoughts are presented including the style used and the chronological order of events which in turn helps the reader to identify with certain characters over others.


Plot could be considered discourse as it connects the events of how the story is to be revealed to the reader. However with the case of many stories, we can have multiple plot lines running simultaneously involving different characters through the telling of the story. This makes for more interesting reading and more complex writing, engaging the reader. Often an event in the story or a character can drive the outcome for the reader.


Character Types


There are numerous character types which can be created within different forms of writing.


Protagonist: This is the central character of a story with some novels having more than one main protagonist.


Antagonist: This is the character that is opposite the protagonist – the rival character to the protagonist and is the reason for character conflict.


Narrator: This is the fictional story teller. The writing for the narrator can be in the “first person” as they are telling the story. There have been occasions when the narrator has been written in the “third person” style.


Cardboard Character: This is a typical or stereotyped character. These characters can often be a representation of certain stereotypes that we see in society and not how writers would build a character through their own thoughts and actions. They are easily recognisable.


Round Character: A complex character that takes time to understand and to discuss their thoughts, views and actions. This character can often be portrayed as conflicted or contradictory.


Developing Character (Dynamic): The protagonist of the story is often a developing character. Change brought on by an event in the story which alters the outlook of the character. Personal development, life lessons, emotional and spiritual growth can all be experienced which can be both positive and negative giving a different outlook by the character towards the end of the story.


Confidant Character: This is one of my favourite character types as it allows the protagonist to reveal her/his inner thoughts and true personality to. This is a trusted character and what can be interesting here is the point of view the confidant can have, even though they rarely if never voice their own thoughts to another character. It can also allow for the writer to question the actions/views of the protagonist.


Static Character: This is a character that does not change over the course of the story.


Minor Character: These characters support the main characters and help with the plot development to move the story forward.


All character types are necessary to compliment the story with connecting plot lines enhancing the direction of the protagonist. Characters are developed according to their roles within the story and how their actions/thoughts affect different plots however they need not always be defined by character trait as the beauty of writing is to push the boundaries expanding the scope of characters and their roles. Characters may include more than one particular character type. A character can be round and developing which may not mean the same thing. A round character might relate to its personality, thoughts or values (its complexity) as a character while the other relates to how it develops over time.



Revealing a Character:


Characters can be revealed many ways in a story. It can depend on how the writer wishes to introduce the character and the impact it will have on the scene. The following are suggestions on revealing characters:


What are your favourite types of character? We each are different character types in our own lives depending on the situations, events or circumstances we find out selves in. Which is your dominant character type?

researching tips 

Research is an essential part of writing. It helps create authenticity, allowing the reader to really experience the timeframe the story is set in. Even when writing fantasy, where the concept of “anything can happen”, it requires research to keep events/situations credible within aspects of the plot and characters. “Write what you know” is a great saying and it is true however it is the little things which create a setting for an environment to make it more realistic and these should be researched to ensure accuracy, even if it is speculative fiction.


Research can transform writing from being “good” to being “amazing”, creating a “wow” experience for the reader where they can almost taste the food, experience the smells and feel like they have both feet planted physically in the scene of the story.


The following are steps/guidelines to help with researching:


1. Carry out research even when you know what you are writing about


2. Research before and during writing


3. Allow the research to enhance the story


4. Don’t let research control the story


5. You will never research too much


6. Researching does not need to be costly


7. Research from your own environment


8. Research using all of your physical senses


9. Don’t include everything you research – information dumps can distract the reader


The research process which can also be creative and fun, enhances the whole experience of writing your novel/book.