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As an author, there’s a certain allure in creating characters out of thin air. It’s like playing God, but with the added bonus of not having to worry about climate change or politics. But sometimes, the best inspiration for these fictional beings resides right under our noses – in real life.
Now, I’m not suggesting you should start stalking your neighbours or eavesdropping on conversations at your local café (although that could be fun). What I am proposing is that we can draw upon our everyday interactions and observations to craft compelling characters that resonate with readers.
The Art of Observation
First things first – let’s talk about observation. As authors, we are professional observers. We watch people. Not in a creepy way (well, maybe just a little), but more in a ‘let’s-study-human-behaviour-and-put-it-into-words’ kind of way.
Take note of mannerisms, quirks, speech patterns and physical traits. The lady who always carries an umbrella regardless of the weather; the man who speaks so softly you have to lean in to hear him; the child with a lisp that makes their words sound like music – these are all potential character traits waiting to be explored.
Personality Traits from Real Individuals
Beyond mere observation, consider borrowing personality traits from people you know well – friends, family members or even yourself. After all, who knows your Aunt Mabel better than you? Her obsession with collecting porcelain cats might seem eccentric to others but could make for an intriguing character trait.
But remember – it’s important not to simply copy someone wholesale into your novel. That’s a one-way ticket to a potential lawsuit and a whole lot of awkward family dinners. Instead, pick and choose different traits from various people to create a unique blend.
Real Life Experiences
Another great source of inspiration is real-life experiences. Remember that time you got lost in Paris and ended up having dinner with a group of friendly locals? Or when you had that summer job at the amusement park? These experiences can be transformed into engaging backstories for your characters, providing depth and authenticity.
Again, it’s not about replicating these events verbatim but rather using them as a springboard for your imagination. Let’s face it – reality can sometimes be stranger than fiction!
The Delicate Balance
Crafting compelling characters inspired by real life requires a delicate balance. It’s like making a good cuppa – too much milk, and it’s bland; too little, and it’s bitter. Similarly, directly transposing real individuals into your story can lead to flat, uninspiring characters. However, if you don’t include enough realistic elements, your characters may lack depth and believability.
The key is to mix things up – take bits and pieces from here and there; combine traits from different people; add in some imagination; stir well, et voila! You have yourself an original character that feels both fresh yet familiar.
A Word of Caution
While drawing inspiration from real life can be immensely helpful in creating compelling characters, it’s important to tread carefully when dealing with sensitive topics or personal stories. Always respect privacy boundaries and avoid causing harm or offence.
In the end, remember that our aim as authors is not just to tell stories but to tell them well – with authenticity, sensitivity and creativity. And what better way to do this than by finding inspiration in the wonderfully complex, beautifully flawed, utterly fascinating characters that populate our real world?
So next time you’re stuck for character inspiration, just look around you. The world is teeming with potential muses – each one a unique blend of traits, quirks and experiences waiting to be discovered and transformed into compelling characters on the page.
Happy writing!
