Quick Writing Tip: Assemble a ‘tag cloud’ to describe characters
When you’re reading a story with great, personable, lively characters, you probably don’t stop to analyze every adjective the writer uses for them. However, you subconsciously register those words—and use them to figure out the personality of a character.
For example, take the sentence “Elinor snorted disbelievingly at his speech.” What does the verb ‘snorted’ mean to you? It probably gives a sense of someone pretty open and loud, not demure at all. ‘Disbelievingly’ may suggest a cynical character, suspicious of other people’s actions.
Now contrast your reaction to that sentence with what you understand from this one: “Elinor shook her head, looking unconvinced.” Much different, isn’t it? Elinor is a little more mild than the last one. These words suggest polite incredulity, not in-your-face disbelief.
However, both sentences say essentially the same thing. Elinor is skeptical. However, the traits the words used suggest give us two different personalities. Clearly, words can build a character.
“So where’s the writing tip?” you may be wondering. Here it is: when determining a character’s personality, make a list of verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that you feel describe the character well. For example, a curt, slightly rude advertisement executive might be assigned the verbs “stride”, to characterize his walking, and the adverb “brusquely”, to show how he talks to people. Such a sentence for this character might look like this: “Ben strode across the foyer, giving a brusque nod to a few of his colleagues as he passed by.”
This gives a much stronger impression than a simple “Ben walked across the foyer, acknowledging a few of his colleagues as he passed by.” And Ben’s personality shines through effortlessly.
Of course, you probably do this already. Why do you need to make a list of words you use for a character? Shouldn’t you know them well enough?
You should. However, the reader won’t. Maybe you’ve always imagined your hero is soft-spoken and shy around new people. Readers can’t imagine your hero’s voice like you can (and of course, you want to show his shyness, not tell it to the reader!) but you can get across a good impression. If he is ‘inaudible’ when speaking with unfamiliar people, or is ‘indistinct’ when he’s unwillingly making small talk, readers will draw the appropriate conclusion. Establishing words to use with a character, and using those words often, make a strong impression. Believe me: if you describe someone as talking with a drawl several times, I will remember.
Long story short: word choice matters. Get a character’s personality across effectively, and make a list of descriptive words to use with him or her.
