GETTING TO KNOW YOUR MAIN CHARACTERS

Undoubtedly, the protagonist and antagonist are the main characters in any and every story. We read books, fiction in particular, to identify and to root for someone. Innately, we place ourselves vicariously in the shoes of the protagonist and walk alongside him or her through a treacherous terrain of obstacle after obstacle with the hopes of obtaining victory in the end. On the other hand, we want to see the bad guy get his comeuppance because, well... it's very gratifying to most of us.

There should be a very distinct line drawn between your protagonist and antagonist. If a reader is waiting with bated breath for the coup de grace to finally do your protagonist in, then you've got yourself one MAJOR problem, Houston.

That is what the next meetup is all about. We'll be discussing clearly defined characters. So here's your homework. Answer the following questions.

What is your Protagonist's Name?
(First, Last and middle initial if it's pertinent)

Where does he/she live?
(In a small town on the outskirts of Oklahoma? On an undiscovered planet similar to earth? In a teepee in some remote Indian Village?)

How old is he or she?

Is he/she married, single or from a place where relationships don't apply?

What is her family (if relevant) like?

What does he/she look like? Smell like? Dress like?

What are his/her quirks? Habits? Private thoughts? Fears? Doubts? Motivations?

What kind of work does he or she do? (If applicable)

What does he/she want?

What does he/she need?

What does his or her world look like? (The gritty streets of New York City or the green pastures of Ireland?)

Who are his/her friends? Or is she a loner whose daily conversation consists of no more than three sentences between her and the guy at the newsstand who sells her a coffee and the morning paper?

Please feel free to add anything else you think would help to flesh out your main characters.

Do this same exercise for your antagonist and please be prepared to share your descriptions with the group.

Hope to see you all there. In the meantime, write on!

Dee