Creating Memorable Characters

Do you know who this character is and what book made her famous?

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In preparation for my class at Central Piedmont Community College on “Crafting Characters that Connect,” I wanted to find an example of a memorable character. I leafed through the books on my daughters’ shelves and finally decided on this selection.

Reading through these two short paragraphs, what do you learn about this character FAST– about her feelings, actions, speech, or thoughts?

As a reader, you are privy to her thoughts and can hear her naive beliefs about sex and marriage; this may make you wonder what time period is depicted. The author also informs you that this character is prone to impulsive actions–even to the point of marrying someone she doesn’t truly love. Her obvious discomfort during her wedding night is emphasizied in five short, belligerent lines of speech. 

In less than 150 words a famous author artfully shows us a woman who finds herself in a difficult position and handles it by refusing her new husband.

Internal conflict precipitates external conflict. Delicious conflict that hooks the reader, leaving you wanting more.

Memorable characters keep readers turning the page. Creating them is the goal of every writer. If you are a new or established writer looking for ways to create your own unforgettable characters, I hope you’ll consider joining my CPCC class which begins on June 16. You’ll write, do lots of fun exercises, and learn how to wiki–all within the space of six lessons.  

Now, back to our mystery post. If you insert “Ashley” in the blank above, then you know that the infamous character depicted above is none other than,

Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara

If you guessed Gone With the Wind you were right!