My writing partner Elizabeth and I like to talk about characters. In some of my stories the characters are only vaguely defined. To me, that is one of the aspects of short stories. Did Poe know or care where Roderick Usher went to college? What kind of tree the raven's nest was in? Somehow I doubt it. Still, getting a clear idea of character helps a story immensely. One of the most basic aspects of character is desire. We all want something. If a character doesn't want anything no pitfalls will come on the way to her or his goals. The character's world will be dull and meandering. If there is one thing you must know about your characters, it is what do they want? I've read books where the author clearly doesn't know what the character desires. The story can unfold and interesting, titillating events can transpire. You can even feel for the losses or injuries the protagonist bears. But you...
Blog of a struggling writer.