Understanding Character and Setting

Character Development

Character development is vital to creating engaging and relatable stories. It involves revealing a character's personality, motivations, and growth through their actions, dialogue, and thoughts.

Actions

Actions are a powerful tool for showing who a character is. Consider how a character's behaviour in various situations reveals their traits.

• Example:

  • Instead of writing "John was kind," show John picking up books for a classmate who dropped them.

Dialogue

Dialogue can reveal much about a character's personality, background, and emotions.

• Example:

  • Instead of saying "She was angry," use dialogue: "I can't believe you did that! How could you?"

Thoughts

A character's internal monologue can provide insight into their true feelings and motivations.

• Example:

  • Instead of stating "He was nervous," describe his thoughts: "What if they don't like my presentation? What if I mess up?"

Descriptive Settings

Settings ground the reader in the world of the story. Using sensory language helps create a vivid picture of the environment.

Sensory Language

Incorporate the five senses to paint a rich, immersive picture of the setting.

• Sight: Describe colors, shapes, and movements.

  • Example: The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the serene lake.

• Sound: Capture the ambient noise.

  • Example: The gentle rustling of leaves whispered secrets of the forest.

• Smell: Evoke the sense of place through scent.

  • Example: The sweet aroma of blooming jasmine filled the air.

• Touch: Convey texture and temperature.

  • Example: The rough bark of the ancient oak tree felt cool under her fingers.

• Taste: Describe flavors to enhance the scene.

  • Example: The tangy zest of lemons lingered on her tongue.

Show, Don’t Tell

"Show, don’t tell" is a writing technique that involves demonstrating emotions and situations through detailed descriptions rather than blunt statements.

Examples

• Telling: She was scared.

• Showing: Her hands trembled as she fumbled with the key, her breath quickening with each failed attempt.

• Telling: The room was messy.

• Showing: Clothes were strewn across the floor, books piled haphazardly on the desk, and a half-eaten sandwich lay forgotten on the bed.

By focusing on actions, dialogue, and sensory details, you can create more vivid and compelling characters and settings that captivate and engage your readers.