Greetings,
I apologize for the additional time required in getting this blog out. They should be available twice a month from now on.
Borrowing from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary molding means, "to give shape to."
A potter uses the term molding in reference to shaping a simple piece of clay into a beautiful object. When an acquaintance tells you about the molding taking place in the plastic factory where he works, specifically designed parts are being made for all sorts of technology. But when parents and teachers mention molding in conversation, it's usually in regards to a child's character.
Writers,like parents and teachers, need to mold their characters as well.
. .
How can writers mold their characters?
1. Select your characters name according to where they fit in the story and their personality. Is the person bossy, controlling, creative, adventuress, a show-off or a risk-taker? Do they play a minor or major role?
2. Figure out the character's background story before your story unfolds? Were they an orphan, born with a silver spoon in their mouth, or raised on the wrong side of the tracks? Had they lost a spouse to the war or are they newly divorced. Were they a CEO before their company went belly-up forced to work in a family business they hated or living on skid-row before someone lent them a hand? Are they close to what members of the family they have or are they considered the outsider?Were they involved in sports or other activities?
3. Speaking-we intone our words differently. A Minnesotan's accent is drastically different from a person born in New York, Massachusetts or South Carolina. Depending on where we live we find ourselves using certain words or phrases over and over again.
4. Description of character-write a detailed sketch of each one. The face and body appearances
communicate character.What's their height, color of eyes and hair. Does their body have any
distinguishing marks or scars?
5. Goals/Challenges big and small for the characters. Is the person searching for a parent?
Seeking a better life or different job. Have something to prove to a boss or family member.
6. Strengths and Weaknesses. Who are the characters at odds with? What have they done they're deeply ashamed of or proud of?
7. Fears. Is there certain things the character has a terrible fear of--heights, spiders, horses, tight
quarters, public speaking? Have them face their fears.
Samples of character categories used for this article can be found at www.writingforward.com/writing-tips "12 Character Writing Tips for Fiction Writers."
Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
