I think we can agree that toddler characters are fun. From their curiosity, playful personalities, and hilarious lines of dialogue, toddler characters can liven up any story. Plus, toddler characters are undeniably engaging to write. But how do you write authentic toddler characters? Are there any differences in writing toddler characters with adult characters? Well, this article is your go-to for tips and tricks for writing authentic young characters. So, continue reading for five important tips for writing realistic toddler characters.
Give Them Their Own Personalities
Giving each toddler a distinct personality is crucial for writing authentic and engaging characters. For example, consider a story with twin toddler characters: one of the twins might be adventurous and bold, who is constantly climbing furniture and exploring new places, while the other is shy and thoughtful, preferring to sit quietly with a book or toy. This contrast would not only add depth to the story but it also makes the dialogue and plot point more dynamic and interesting. Overall, by developing unique personalities and traits for your toddler characters—whether it's a love for animals, a fascination with neon colors, or a knack for mimicking adults' behavior—you ensure that they feel like real, individual people rather than just generic child characters.
Incorporate Milestones
Toddlers reach lots of important milestones as they age. This is why if you have any toddler characters or are writing from the perspective of a toddler character in your story, you must make sure that you include certain milestones. There are a lot of milestones celebrated as a toddler with some being: losing a tooth, using a fork, graduating preschool, and riding a bicycle. Ultimately, for your fictional toddler's characters to feel authentic they should have some milestone or goal that they are looking forward to. This goal could be as simple as obtaining an object, but it could also be more complex, such as riding a bike for the first time.
Consider How The Parents Talk
When writing toddler characters, it is also crucial to consider how their parents speak, as this will significantly influence the toddler's language and how they themselves speak. For example, if a parent frequently uses playful, sing-song language, the toddler might mimic this with fun and whimsical phrases like "twinkle toes" or "splashy splash" during bath time. On the other hand, a strict parent who often uses straightforward, instructional language might have a toddler who echoes this style. For instance, they could say things like "shoes on" or "no touch" in response to daily routines. Or if the parent curses all the time, their toddler may pick up on this and do the same. In general, these little linguistic nuances not only make the toddler's dialogue more realistic but also provide insight into their family and environment, enhancing your overall story!
Don't Make Them Dumb
You shouldn't make your toddler characters dumb. This is because even though toddlers don't have the same wide range of knowledge as adults, they still understand aspects of the world. Therefore, when writing toddler characters, it's essential not to make them appear dumb. Toddlers may lack the experience and vocabulary of older children and adults, but they are still very perceptive! Plus, they are capable of complex emotions. By portraying them as intelligent and aware, you not only honor their skills. and intelligence they have, but also create richer, more engaging characters.
Research Toddler Behavior
Lastly, it is important to research toddler behavior and characteristics. If you aren't around toddlers often, whether that's your cousin, sibling, or even your own child, then researching toddler behavior can be a great way to create realistic characters. In general, understanding how toddlers think, react, and interact with the world around them is crucial! Watching videos, reading books, or even observing toddlers in common areas can all provide important insights into their unique mannerisms and behavior. For example, toddlers often express their anger through tantrums and they also show their immense curiosity by repeatedly asking "why." Overall, by incorporating these real-life details and behaviors into your writing you make your toddler characters more believable and relatable!
By avoiding the pitfalls of writing toddler characters, such as making them seem overly unintelligent, you can create engaging and realistic young characters that your readers will adore. Just remember to draw from your real-life observations, stay true to their milestones, and infuse their actions and dialogue with wonder. With these tips, your toddler characters are sure to bring a fun and authentic touch to your story.
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