Think about the classic characters in the novel:
Mr. Lu Xun's works have always been "spiritual victory" in Ah Q, Jin Yong's works have become "chivalrous" in Guo Jingli, Gu Long's works have always been charming and handsome, Chu Liuxiang and Xiao Li's flying knife Li Xunhuan, and Margaret Mitchell's wayward Scarlett in Gone with the Wind. ...
It is no exaggeration to say that the strength of characterization determines the success or failure of a novel or story.
So, from what aspects can we start to shape the characters?
1. desire
The key of the characters is desire, because desire can promote the development of the story.
The greater the desire, the longer the story. Strong desire is dangerous and can enhance the drama of the story.
The greater the desire, the greater the obstacle. Only when the two forces are evenly matched can the drama become interesting.
2. Circular and plane graphics
Carefully shaped characters should be round, not flat.
Flat figures have only one prominent feature, while round figures are multifaceted and changeable.
A mature story narrative needs to be centered on round characters, and the human shortcomings and contradictions reflected by round characters will resonate with readers and protagonists. Only when characters reflect complex human nature can they be widely recognized by readers.
Many supporting roles in the story are flat characters, but flat does not mean boring, and supporting roles can also shine. For example, the old urchin week in The Legend of the Condor Heroes.
3. Direct and indirect characterization
Indirect characterization refers to the author's direct expression of his views on the characters, such as the description of a lady:
Directly portraying a character means choosing to portray a character with details, and letting the character's language or actions, demeanor and so on speak for themselves. This means that authors must report in detail, and their notebooks are full of details such as people's appearance, property, behavior, language and so on. They should choose the content that best shows the details of the characters.
Step 4 show up
Three or four details are enough to describe the appearance of the characters. Too many details will ruin the process. If the details are brief, the author can immediately expand the action part with rich plots and go straight to the subject.
A long description of the characters will separate the reader from the development of the story
5. Actions, expressions and habits
A successful narrative report should show the actions of the characters.
A successful writer can always reveal the hidden side of a character with his typical behavior. A reporter from Oregon newspaper described how Louis, an old furniture salesman, flattered a young customer:
Lewis's indignant expression doesn't take up much space, so this kind of detail description is suitable for short news or special reports.
The obese TV host admitted that he was revealing the trauma and could not control his mouth. "I saw him smiling and raising his eyebrows."
The former chairman of the board of directors of Columbia Valley was dismissed as an ordinary employee. Although life is frustrated, her voice is "still gentle, as soft as sailing across the water".
Step 6 identify
Living in the material world, we always show ourselves through consumer goods.
Great novelists always show their character through many brand details. For example, driving a Toyota or Hummer, wearing jeans or Armani custom uniforms, and showing their social status through their own houses, furniture and jewelry.
7. Words
As an important narrative means, dialogue needs a special kind of comment.
It is worth noting that the tone and way of speaking will also reveal the character of the character, and sometimes it can describe and show the character better than the content of the speech.
Whether you speak standard Mandarin or take away the accent from a remote place, you can't tell whether you are a flat-tongued woman, a "Hunan native" or a "Hulan native". Speech itself is a sign of identity. As soon as we speak, we are immediately positioned in a certain social class. The way we speak may be the best way to reveal its hidden details.
8. Interesting anecdotes.
Anecdotal anecdotes will make the narrative arc in our story more interesting, involve the reader's heart more mercilessly, and be particularly convincing in expressing characters.
Special instructions:
In story writing, characters play a role in promoting the development of stories. Any details or anecdotes about appearance and movements, no matter how interesting in nature, should be reluctantly given up if they cannot promote the development of the story.