31 Day Writing Tips - Day 15
@just4him (307773)
Green Bay, Wisconsin
May 15, 2019 9:20am CST
Yesterday I wrote on character development. I'm going to continue with that thread as there is a lot more to write about than I focused on yesterday.
Another part of character development deals with the number of characters in your story. Too many and you overwhelm the reader, too few and your story could lack interest. Though I have heard of a two-person story.
Your secondary characters help your main character by supporting them in various ways. In Scarred, Jo-Ann has a moment of doubt and despair, despite her strong faith. Too much has gone against them, when Emalei reminds her that God is everywhere and encourages her. It's not the only time she finds encouragement.
In order to have good character development in your secondary characters, you need to know them as well as you know your main characters. Don't shortchange them. Balance your secondary characters with your main characters and you will have a strong story.
When it comes to the characters in your book, it isn't good to give several characters names starting with the same letter. It can bring about much confusion when it comes to who's speaking. You don't want to confuse your reader.
I hope these tips are helping you as a writer. Thanks for reading.
14 people like this
13 responses
@just4him (307773)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
15 May 19
You're welcome. I'm only passing on what I learned.
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
15 May 19
Interesting! It seems hard, at times to make the secondary characters well rounded too... and you had a good point - I was listening to a mystery and the names were similar so I had to keep wondering - (is this the person who had the jewellery stolen? or is the the biggots' wife?)
2 people like this
@just4him (307773)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
17 May 19
@FayeHazel I have no trouble with describing friendships. Jo-Ann and Emalei are great friends.
1 person likes this
@FayeHazel (40246)
• United States
17 May 19
@just4him Ah yes, and writing about relationships (not just romantic) I would think it would be hard to describe friendships
1 person likes this
@1hopefulman (45123)
• Canada
15 May 19
Good tip about making sure taht the names of the characters don't confuse the reader.
2 people like this
@everwonderwhy (6697)
•
15 May 19
Great important tips to remember and do. Thank you.
2 people like this
@xander6464 (40916)
• Wapello, Iowa
15 May 19
Secondary characters are very important. Sometimes they become bigger than the main character.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23393)
• United Kingdom
15 May 19
More useful tips. Have you ever read war and Peace. It is an amazing book,. Once you have got your head around the characters that is. Initially you have to return to work out who was who but once you have that sorted the book is wonderful!
1 person likes this
@just4him (307773)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
15 May 19
No, I haven't read it. I think the length always put me off more than the story. I've heard it's a wonderful story.
@andriaperry (116860)
• Anniston, Alabama
16 May 19
I never thought about the names, thanks!
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (15780)
• Raurkela, India
15 May 19
It did help me as a freelance writer. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (15780)
• Raurkela, India
16 May 19
@just4him Thanks will try to follow your tips.
1 person likes this
@just4him (307773)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
16 May 19
@aninditasen You're welcome. I'm glad they're helpful.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (56302)
• Philippines
15 May 19
This is a very good and helpful tips on writing a short story or a novel. I am sorry I miss the 14 days tips. I try to go back and read them.
1 person likes this
@Nakitakona (56302)
• Philippines
16 May 19
@just4him You're welcome. I have already saved the other 14 writing tips for ready reference. Thanks for sharing them.
1 person likes this
