Hi. I’m Casey Hudson, and I write sci-fi novels. I’m working on character building within my narratives, and I want to make sure I don’t create flat characters in my Drifting Amalgams universe. Here are a few ways I develop character depth.
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Character Development to Create Nature and Nurture Traits
I usually build just one or two societies when establishing a species. While a large species–like humans–is likely to have thousands of cultures, only one or two is likely to affect the story at hand. So I focus on building those in detail as a baseline for a character build.
From there, I imagine how genetic factors or mental makeup (like anxieties or mental illness) could result in my character fitting or deviating from the societal norms they grew up in.
Then, I look at what’s happened in their life to affect their perspective or interactions.
I’ll admit, it’s a lot to keep in mind as I’m creating a character, so I’m careful to outline each of these pieces in detail as I’m making a record of my world.
Hard work, sure. But well worth it if I manage to cement dimensionality into my storytelling.
Character Development Using D&D Style Player Sheets
It can be hard to keep track of a wide universe of unique characters.
To recall nuances, I employ a D&D character-building approach.
By scoring each of my novels’ characters on a skills sheet, I can reference the intended character traits.
While writing a scene, I can check if the character’s dexterity or strength would allow them to do something physical. Or I can look at their charisma to confirm that a conversation could go well.
Plus, my sheet has a set of attributes for multi-dimensionalism. Optimism, introversion, and industriousness are a few additional traits I score my characters on.
Just one more way to maintain a consistent and recognizable voice for each character.
Comfort with and use of Technology in Character Development
In science fiction, there are a lot of cool things. And the assumption is that everyone will use all the technology available because …well… it’s available.
But one way I like to make my characters unique is by thinking about why a character may not use an available technology.
Of course there can be physical or intellectual constraints. Especially when cultures at different stages of development are concerned. But I also consider religion or moral concerns (like some of the real-life arguments concerning artificial intelligence).
Sometimes, a person’s age or even a general fear of new things could affect an individual’s inclination towards technology use.
And remember, all tools are a form of technology. So knives for cooking or hunting and sticks–think ‘arrows or straws’–are fair game.
…now, I’m imagining a character who’s scared of straws. Awesome.
Until next time, keep creating.