I often forget to give my important minor characters a goal. But it's important to the story that each person is a unique person with their own agenda. Think over your list of characters. Do you know what everyone wants?
I definitely know what my MC and my two "major" minor characters want, but there's another minor character who still needs a purpose. *starts brainstorming*
Artemis wants to save her mother while Demetre just wants to get out alive.... and far away from Artemis. Yet he also feel responsible for her soul. With the secondary characters: Apollo wants Artemis' forgiveness, Hera wants revenge, Zeus wants to be revered, Chiron wants freedom, Kari wants to be courageous, and Melba wants to serve.
I'm guilty of forgetting about my minor characters. In my current WIP, I know what my main characters want and what my antagonists want, but I'm not sure about everyone else.
Jill, that's another terrific reminder that will help transform supporting characters from cardboard cutouts into realistic flesh and blood. Keep it up!
This definitely gives me something to think about- know what my main character and my love interest's main goals are but not minor wants. I also have a fairly large ensemble of minor/supporting characters- any tips on thinking of goals/wants and having them each well developed??
I definitely know what my MC and my two "major" minor characters want, but there's another minor character who still needs a purpose. *starts brainstorming*
ReplyDeleteMaybe he/she wants chocolate? :-)
DeleteGood thought! :D She could use some chocolate. It might make her friendlier.
DeleteArtemis wants to save her mother while Demetre just wants to get out alive.... and far away from Artemis. Yet he also feel responsible for her soul. With the secondary characters: Apollo wants Artemis' forgiveness, Hera wants revenge, Zeus wants to be revered, Chiron wants freedom, Kari wants to be courageous, and Melba wants to serve.
ReplyDeleteGood job! You've got this!
DeleteI probably spend too much time developing my minor characters...they keep wanting stories of their own! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love minor characters too. Especially when they start making noise that they want their own story.
DeleteI'm guilty of forgetting about my minor characters. In my current WIP, I know what my main characters want and what my antagonists want, but I'm not sure about everyone else.
ReplyDeleteYou'll figure it out, Tricia!
DeleteHm. That's definitely something to think about! Geesh. That brings up a lot of things I need to think about...goals for the brothers, best friend. Hm.
ReplyDeleteGoals for everyone! It's, like, Christmas for your characters. :-)
DeleteJill, that's another terrific reminder that will help transform supporting characters from cardboard cutouts into realistic flesh and blood. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rick! :-)
DeleteOops. I'm very guilty of forgetting the "little people." Thanks for the reminder...
ReplyDeleteHa ha. You're welcome, Amanda.
DeleteThis definitely gives me something to think about- know what my main character and my love interest's main goals are but not minor wants. I also have a fairly large ensemble of minor/supporting characters- any tips on thinking of goals/wants and having them each well developed??
ReplyDelete