More often than not characters end up being offensive and body-shaming because they aren't portrayed realistically and have no personality. Whatever the weight of your character may be, it is important to remember that your characters should have personalities distanced from their appearance and weight. When writing a novel, it is essential that your characters are well-rounded and authentic, which is why you shouldn't include stereotypes in your story. In order to accurately and correctly portray weight in your writing, continue reading the five tips listed below.
Craft in-depth Characters
The appearances of your characters shouldn’t be their only trait. Make sure to craft in-depth characters, so that their personalities aren't tied down to their weight and appearance. You should describe your character's physical appearance only if it has importance to the story. You don't want to obsess so much about your character's appearance, that they don't have any other attributes. Weight is only one aspect of someone's character. Relying on just the image of your characters won't make them realistic or well-rounded. As a writer, you don't want to perpetuate the belief that someone's personality is only their appearance, instead, they should have other features. Before writing your novel, make sure that your characters have flaws, motivations, and a backstory just like any other character. Characters are what make your story, so they should be developed and interesting. Press the button below for tips on writing detailed characters.
Show Weight Only When Necessary
As mentioned, you shouldn't constantly display your character's weight and you should only show it when necessary. Your characters should have personalities and traits apart from their weight, so there is no need to consistently reiterate it. While writing, make sure that the times you do illustrate the weight of your character are only when weight matters. Physical appearance shouldn't be a large theme in your story, but there are times when weight may be on the minds of your characters. For example, when trying on clothes or sitting in tight spaces. In these small moments, you can portray your character without spotlighting it, but make sure that a character's weight isn't exhibited so much that it becomes a central image.
Focus On the Plot, Not the Appearances
A character's weight shouldn't be a central plot point in your story. When writing, make sure to focus your story on action and conflict, rather than only examining the physical appearance of a character. Before writing your novel, ensure that the plot of your novel doesn't revolve around a character losing weight or changing their appearance to obtain a romantic partner. These tropes are often overused and can be very demeaning and offensive to readers. If weight loss or gain is part of your character’s journey, make sure they do it for themselves, instead of for someone else. A well-rounded story has interesting characters, an engaging plot, and enveloping setting, so your story shouldn't be centered on the weight of your characters. Like people, your characters should be more than their weight and appearance.
Avoid Stereotypes
Whatever the weight of your character is, it's essential that you avoid penning stereotypes into your novel. Including clichés and stereotypes regarding the weight of the characters in your novel will kill your story and steer away readers. When you write it is important that you don't incorporate clichés or stereotypes because they can be offensive and they don't demonstrate your creativity. To write characters, make sure that they are original and don't rely on old stereotypes.
Utilize Sensitivity Readers
If you are writing about an experience you aren't familiar with, it is important that you utilize sensitivity readers. Sensitivity readers are people who read literary works, in search of imagery or content that may be perceived as inaccurate or offensive to readers. Sensitivity readers help guarantee that your story is accurate and that your story doesn't perpetrate stereotypes and bias. There are many stories where the main character ends up being offensive and triggering because they weren't written accurately. If you’re going to take up the challenge of writing about characters you aren't familiar with sensitivity readers are critical.
Interesting characters are what engage readers and make your story worth reading. Yet, characters that exhibit stereotypes will drive away readers and offend readers. When done accurately it is uplifting to read stories with characters of all shapes and sizes. Including characters with different weights adds diversity and representation to your story and helps readers feel seen!
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