characters and conflict
by Collette Anderson
(Chicago, IL )
Question: How can I keep my characters and their conflicts interesting for my readers?
Answer: Start by making characters interesting to you. Really interesting. So interesting, you absolutely have to tell their story, even if it takes every evening and weekend for the next year or more.
There are lots of other tricks and techniques on this site and others, but nothing trumps your own passion.
Also, try to make them interesting in different ways. Interesting on the outside, and on the inside. In appearance, in action, in speech, in feeling, in thought. In desire, in love, in victory, in anger, in defeat. In the past and the present. In perspective, in ignorance, in error, in stupidity, in talent.
(Okay, not every character has to be the most interesting person in the world, but your major characters should be unique and intriguing, especially to you.)
As for conflict, unique characters will have some pretty unique interactions, as long as you let them be true to themselves.
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