Unforgettable

Who do you find to be the most unforgettable literary character? You may have several.

Perhaps it is Fagin from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist, or Jean Valjean from Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Your favourites could be protagonists or antagonists.

It really doesn’t matter.

The behaviours, traits such as faults, personality, and physical appearance – may be elements that attract your reader to favour the character or hate.

Stieg Larsson, author of the Millennium trilogy (the girl with the dragon tattoo, the girl who played with fire and, the girl who kicked the hornets’ nest) – created two extraordinarily strong characters, but for me, Lisbeth Salander, is one of the best. Indeed, I am envious of the creative insight.

The entire trilogy was published posthumously. David Lagercrantz has picked up the trilogy and continued with Lisbeth. He is not as political as Larsson, but the character lives and breathes.

BUT how does the writer bring characters to life?

As writers, we all have different` styles and methods to bring personalities to existence for the reader.

I can only advise of my process to develop characters.

Firstly, I must become the character. Step in their shoes and at the world through their eye.

Create a style of their own - speech, looks, behavioural traits, motives and how they relate to other characters and their needs to fit and find their place within the manuscript, to express themselves.

Not an easy task.

Secondly, I tend not to provide too much description. She or he has had e enough for the readers to grasp so they form their own image.

I just keep writing and when it comes to an end, my first review begins. I add more description if it is required.

Finally, do not treat your key protagonist with kid gloves, or as a superhero, or the greatest detective that ever lived.

Challenges and conflict will be accentuated by their faults and weaknesses. These should come to light as the story unfolds.

They need to be human. No one is perfect.