Reposted,
revised, on: Sun, 9 Apr 2006
CHARACTERIZATION - Version II
A story, memoir, or CNF piece is only as
strong as your characters.
In fact, some writers start with nothing but a character, and build
the plot around him or her.
For this assignment, in 300 words or less,
describe one of your
characters so we can see him or her. We don't want things like "he
had red hair," or "he was a tall man." Don't tell us she's beautiful or
ugly. Make us see "red" and "tall," "beautiful" or "ugly." Think
about the character's place in the world, his or her goals, whatever
will let us see an individual, full of life.
Use whatever you need--description,
satire, exaggeration. Dialogue's
fine, too. Think of "show, don't tell." Don't try to tell a whole
story;
simply create a character. Use any other characters you may need to
show us your creation. If a story begins in the process, that's fine,
but it's not necessary.
In your critiques, let the author know
whether the character
portrayed stands out as a unique individual. If something strikes you
as particularly effective, note that. Would you like to hear more
about this character's doings? Note any "telling" you discover.
Web site created by
Rhéal Nadeau and
the administrators of the Internet Writing Workshop.
Modified by Gayle Surrette.