Navigating Character Confusion: How Writers Lose Their Way and Regain Focus

Writers often find themselves in a quandary when creating and developing their characters. Despite meticulous backstories and well-defined traits, confusion can arise when writers fail to fully immerse themselves in the mindset of their characters. This article explores common pitfalls and provides actionable advice on how to stay true to your characters, making your writing more compelling and authentic.

A Common Conundrum: Floating Between Perspectives

Let's consider a character named Zander, an 18-year-old ruthless assassin whose parents were tragically killed when he was only 10. He has pledged an unyielding vengance. From the outset, you might visualize a determined, perhaps even stubborn or impulsive, young man. However, if you fall out of the character's mindset, the portrayal may turn more reflective, even meek, resembling the writer's own voice.

Immersive Dialogue vs. Writer’s Perspective

Immersive dialogue is a powerful tool to maintain your character's integrity. Here's an illustration:

A (Immersive Dialogue)

"Zander, when I tell you you absolutely can’t accept this job, I mean it!"
"Rose—I swore to avenge my parents and this is my one chance to do so! Do not try to change my mind." And with that, he slammed the door shut, leaving Rose to worry.

B (Writer’s Perspective)

"Zander, when I tell you you absolutely can’t accept this job, I mean it!"
Zander hesitated, going over the pros and cons of this deal once again.
"Maybe you’re right... this man is dangerous and the guy offering the job has a short history of fraud..."

Wait, wait, wait. Wasn’t he supposed to be strong-minded and impulsive? Where did that go?

Strategies to Keep Your Characters in Focus

To prevent this shift in character portrayal, it's helpful to immerse yourself mentally in the character’s life. Try visualizing the scene and asking, "What would my character do in this situation?" For Zander:

"[Character] was probably shocked that Rose cared, or felt scared himself of dying and leaving her to dwell in grief. Could this potentially turn into a love story?"

Keep asking questions—both about events in your book and everyday scenarios. The goal is to understand your character fully. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Visualization

Imagine yourself in a room with your character. Ask your character what they would think, feel, and say in a given situation. This exercise can help you grasp their mindset and actions more accurately.

2. Dialogue and Characterization

Every word and action should align with who your character is. Ensure their dialogue is authentic to their backstory and personality. For example:

"Zander, when I tell you you absolutely can't accept this job, I mean it!"
"Rose—how could I let my promise to avenge my parents go to waste? This is my only shot. You can't change my mind." And with that, he slammed the door, leaving behind a worried Rose.

By focusing on the character's perspective, you ensure that your narrative is compelling and stays true to their journey.

3. Daily Scenarios

Immerse yourself in everyday scenarios through the eyes of your character. Ask questions that deepen their backstory and personality:

How does my character handle a difficult day at work? What kind of dreams does my character have? In what ways does my character express their emotions?

This process enriches your character's depth and consistency, leading to a more engaging story.

Conclusion

Characters, like people, are complex and dynamic beings. As writers, it’s crucial to stay immersed in their lives to maintain their integrity. Through visualization, dialogue practice, and scenario exploration, you can navigate the intricacies of your characters and craft a narrative that resonates with readers.

Happy writing!