To write a good novel, you need to know how to effectively introduce your characters. Introducing characters in a memorable way will reel in readers and get them interested in your writing. First impressions are important in literature because they can invest readers into your story. As a writer, you want to interest the reader and make them care about your characters. Many writers have a hard time introducing characters into their novels, but these 5 tips are guaranteed to help introduce characters.
Introduce the Main Character First
You must introduce the main character as soon as possible. As a reader, it can be unpleasant to search for the main character or think one character is the main character when they are not. Although you may not want to introduce the protagonist as a way of creating suspense, you should introduce the main character as soon as possible. Readers want to get to know your characters and connect to them. When writing, make sure to introduce the protagonist in the first chapter.
Make the Character Meaningful
If you are introducing a character, there should be a reason. As you introduce a character, ask yourself how they will impact the story and the scene. If you feel they don't impact the story, then you should reconsider introducing them. Characters are important because they invest readers and create conflict/tension, which is why meaningless characters should be left out. Make sure that your new characters impact present characters and change the way they feel. Before you introduce new characters, determine whether they are important or not.
Introduce a Character via Action
A good way to introduce a new character is through action. As a writer, you have most likely heard the saying, "show not tell," which is what applies here. Showcasing the actions as a way to introduce a character lets readers learn more about them and their habits. As a reader, reading flat descriptions of a character is not engaging or interesting, instead, you should incorporate action. Also, the action of a character can be used to describe more than a character's personality, like their physical appearance. For an example click on the following arrows.
Example: Telling
Example: Action
Introducing characters through action allows readers to effectively get to know them and learn about their physical appearance.
Establish Their Voice
Character voice refers to the distinctive way a character speaks and expresses themself. Each character should have their own voice and way of speaking. For a character to be memorable, they need to be their own person. Which is why it is important they have a distinct voice. When characters have unique and different voices, it makes them feel whole and not just thrown into the story without reason. Having individual and unique voices for characters helps readers get to know the characters better and understand who is speaking. There are many things to keep in mind when writing and describing the voice of a character. Remind yourself of the backstory of your character and how that might impact the way they speak.
Introduce Characters one at a Time
It is important that you introduce characters one at a time, rather than all at once. Introducing several characters at once can lead readers to be confused and overwhelmed. Focus on introducing the character that is most prevalent and important for a scene, and adding more characters later. You must introduce many characters at the same time, then make sure to separate them by scenes or moments of action.
Characters are essential in novels and provide tension, comedy, and joy for the reader. While you introduce new characters into your novel, refer to this post and make sure to include these tips for thoughtful and effective character introductions.
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