Vernacular: active protagonists

An ACTIVE PROTAGONIST, in the pursuit of desire, takes action in direct conflict with the people and world around him.

[Robert McKee--STORY]

Vernacular: character arc

CHARACTER ARCS: The finest writing not only reveals true character, but arcs or changes that inner nature, for better or worse, over the course of the telling.

[Robert McKee--STORY]

Vernacular: true character

TRUE CHARACTER is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure. The greater the pressure, the deeper the revelation, the truer the choice to the character's essential nature.

[Robert McKee--STORY]

Alpha Heroes

According to wikipedia, an alpha male is the individual in the community whom the others follow and defer to.

What this means in terms of characterization is that this type of hero is a can-do hero. He's a proactive hero. He's intelligent, self-assured, self-confident, skilled, successful, opinionated, respected, proud, strong, courageous, passionate, and powerful.

Your alpha hero will be in a leadership position. He doesn't work at the corporation; he owns it. He doesn't advise the king; he IS the king.

This situation means that plenty of responsibility--for himself and for others--rests on your alpha hero's shoulders.

In contrast to all his good traits, some character weaknesses emerge.

Your alpha hero's independence may lead him to a "needs no one" or distrustful nature. Your alpha hero's talent and charisma often leads to arrogance. Your alpha hero's natural leadership abilities can come off as demanding and bossy in other areas of his life. His power--whether physical and/or social--often leads others to fear, resentment, or subservience.

Your alpha hero may be aggressive, angry, hard, forceful, high-handed, hostile, tough, jealous, or dark--but he is also heroic: honest, loyal, dependable, capable, honorable. He is not abusive, selfish or cruel.

Heroes

HERO:

1. In mythology and legend, a man, often of divine ancestry, who is endowed with great courage and strength, celebrated for his bold exploits, and favored by the gods.
2. A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life: soldiers and nurses who were heroes in an unpopular war.
3. A person noted for special achievement in a particular field: the heroes of medicine.

Thesaurus Synonyms:

* Artificer
* Champion
* Character
* Defender
* Discoverer
* Fighter
* Guardian
* Inventor
* Leader
* Mythical Being
* Paladin
* Protector
* Shielder

Vernacular: character

CHARACTER brings the story the qualities of characterization necessary to convincingly act out choices.

[Robert McKee--STORY]

Action Heroines

Action heroines need to be strong, not silly, but they do not necessarily have to be a "tough as nails" warrior.

They have self-confidence, grace, skill, poise, humanity and expertise. They are independent, smart, classy, emotionally strong, self-confident, pro-active.

They are not angry, bitter, brash, clumsy, over-emotional, cold, sarcastic, snappish, weepy, hard, crude or incompetent. They do not "need" to be rescued.

Heroines

HEROINE:

1. A woman noted for courage and daring action.
2. A woman noted for special achievement in a particular field.

Thesaurus Synonyms:

* Artificer
* Champion
* Character
* Defender
* Discoverer
* Fighter
* Guardian
* Inventor
* Leader
* Mythical Being
* Paladin
* Protector
* Shielder

Publishing Tuesday: Harlequin Category Romance

The various Harlequin lines are very different, and may prefer things such as feisty heroines who don't want help even if they need it, alpha males for heroes, gritty protective heroes, heaps of sexual tension throughout, forced proximity, serious emotional baggage, babies, excitement, characters the reader can relate to, and heroines who can match wits with anyone.

www.eHarlequin.com

Female Villain Archetypes [more info]

THE BITCH

abusive, autocrat, lies, cheats, steals, success-oriented, self-involved, doesn't care about anyone but herself


THE BLACK WIDOW

beguiling siren, luring, takes what wants, seductive, charming, liar


THE BACKSTABBER

two-faced friend, dupes others, exploits secrets, betraying


THE LUNATIC

unbalanced madwoman, unfathomable, illogical


THE PARASITE

poisonous, desires security, sees self as victim, blames others, merciless


THE SCHEMER

lethal plotter, plays with others, elaborate plans, traps others


THE FANATIC

uncompromising extremist, does wrong in the name of good, ends justify means, if you're not with me you're against me


THE MATRIARCH

motherly opressor, smothering, controlling, knows what's best, enabler

Male Villain Archetypes [more info]

THE TYRANT

bullying despot, power-hungry, ruthless, conquering, crushing, powerful, people are pawns, destroyer


THE BASTARD

dispossessed, resentful, hurtful, provoking, rebellious, boyish, hateful


THE DEVIL

charming fiend, judging, charismatic, destructive, cajoling, exploits weakness, tempting


THE TRAITOR

double agent, betraying, untrustworthy, two-faced, plotting


THE OUTCAST

lonely, outsider, wants to belong, tortured, unforgiving, willing to sacrifice others


THE EVIL GENIUS

malevolent mastermind, show-off, superior intelligence, contemptful, enjoys elaborate puzzles, pulls people's strings


THE SADIST

savage predator, cruel, violent, brutal, psychological torture is fun


THE TERRORIST

dark knight, warped code of honor, self-righteous, believes in own virtue, judging, ends justify means, amoral

Hero Archetypes [more info]

THE CHIEF

leader, dynamic, workaholic, tough, decisive, goal-oriented, overbearing, inflexible


THE BAD BOY

dangerous, wild, rebel, bitter, volatile, crushed idealist, wrong side of tracks, charismatic, street smart


THE BEST FRIEND

sweet, safe, kind, responsible, decent, nice, anti-confrontation, unassertive, cares about others


THE CHARMER

fun, irresistible, smooth operator, playboy, rogue


THE LOST SOUL

sensitive, understanding, tortured, secretive, brooding, unforgiving, vulnerable, wanderer, outcast, creative, loner


THE PROFESSOR

cool, analytical, intelligent, logical, introverted, inflexible, genuine, fact-oriented, honest, faithful, dependable


THE SWASHBUCKLER

exciting, adventurous, action-oriented, physical, daring, fearless, daredevil, explorer, thrill-seeker


THE WARRIOR

noble, champion, honorable, reluctant rescuer, knight in shining armer, tenacious, relentless, protector, rule-breaker

Heroine Archetypes [more info]

THE BOSS

Pro-active, successful, takes charge, respected, goal-oriented


THE SEDUCTRESS

Enchantress, mysterious, manipulative, distrustful, cynical, tough, survivor


THE SPUNKY KID

gutsy, loyal, honest, moxie, team player, helpful


THE FREE SPIRIT

optimistic, unique, playful, fun-loving, spontaneous, follows heart


THE WAIF

damsel in distress, innocent, naieve, enduring


THE LIBRARIAN

controlled, clever, prim, proper, passionate, shy, intelligent, know-it-all


THE CRUSADER

fighter, meets commitments, on a mission, headstrong, tenacious, goal-oriented


THE NURTURER

serene, capable, nourishing, caretaker, good listener, optimistic

Enneagrams: The Reformer

Rational, idealistic, principled, purposeful, self-controlled, perfectionistic [more info]


Enneagrams: The Helper

Caring, interpersonal, demonstrative, generous, people-pleasing, possessive [more info]


Enneagrams: The Achiever

Success-oriented, pragmatic, adaptive, excelling, driven, image-conscious [more info]


Enneagrams: The Individualist

Sensitive, withdrawn, expressive, dramatic, self-absorbed, temperamental [more info]


Enneagrams: The Investigator

Intense, cerebral, perceptive, innovative, secretive, isolated [more info]


Enneagrams: The Loyalist

Committed, security-oriented, engaging, responsible, anxious, suspicious [more info]


Enneagrams: The Enthusiast

Busy, fun-loving, spontaneous, versatile, distractable, scattered [more info]


Enneagrams: The Challenger

Powerful, dominating, self-confident, decisive, willful, confrontational [more info]


Enneagrams: The Peacemaker

Easygoing, self-effacing, receptive, reassuring, agreeable, complacent [more info]

Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ISTJ
Introverted - Sensing - Thinking - Judging
Serious, quiet, peaceful, thorough, responsible, dependable, supports tradition, well-organized, hard-working [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ISTP
Introverted - Sensing - Thinking - Perceiving
Quiet, reserved, mechanical skills, risk-taker, uncomplicated, extreme sports, loyal, ends justify means, detached, analytical [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ISFJ
Introverted - Sensing - Feeling - Judging
Quiet, kind, conscientious, dependable, follows through, puts others first, stable, practical, value security and tradition, perceptive [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ISFP
Introverted - Sensing - Feeling - Perceiving
Quiet, serious, sensitive, kind, anti-conflict, loyal, faithful, appreciation for beauty, non-controlling, flexible, open-minded, original, creative, enjoys the present [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: INFJ
Introverted - iNtuitive - Feeling - Judging
Quietly forceful, original, sensitive, persistent, intuitive, concerned about others, high values, well-respected, does right thing, individualistic [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: INFP
Introverted - iNtuitive - Feeling - Perceiving
Quiet, reflective, idealistic, serves humanity, high values, loyal, adaptable, laid-back, intelligent, understanding, helpful [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: INTJ
Introverted - iNtuitive - Thinking - Judging
Independent, original, analytical, determined, action-oriented, knowledgeable, competent, structured, driven, needs meaning, long-range thinker, high standards, natural leader [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: INTP
Introverted - iNtuitive - Thinking - Perceiving
Logical, original, creative, capable, driven, values knowledge, competence, logic, quiet, reserved, individualistic [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ESTP
Extroverted - Sensing - Thinking - Perceiving
Friendly, adaptable, action-oriented, a "doer", risk-taker, faced-paced lifestyle, impatient, loyal, rule-breaker, good people skills [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ESTJ
Extroverted - Sensing - Thinking - Judging
Practical, traditional, organized, athletic, loyal, hard-working, in charge, capable, organizing, leadershiip, values security, peaceful [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ESFP
Extroverted - Sensing - Feeling - Perceiving
People-oriented, fun-loving, lives for moment, loves new experiences, serves others, center of attention, has common sense, practical [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ESFJ
Extroverted - Sensing - Feeling - Judging
Warm-hearted, popular, conscientious, puts others first, responsible, strong sense of duty, value tradition, security, serves others, needs positive reinforcement [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ENFP
Extroverted - iNtuitive - Feeling - Perceiving
Enthusiastic, idealistic, creative, capable, good people skills, inner values, open-minded, flexible, many interests, many talents/skills [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ENFJ
Extroverted - iNtuitive - Feeling - Judging
Popular, sensitive, great people skills, externally focused, dislikes being alone, dislikes impersonal analysis, manages people issues, serves others, puts others first [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ENTP
Extroverted - iNtuitive - Thinking - Perceiving
Creative, resourceful, smart, skilled, enjoys debates, "one-up-manship", outspoken, assertive, enjoy people, stimulating company, logical [more info] [more info]


Myers-Briggs Personality Types: ENTJ
Extroverted - iNtuitive - Thinking - Judging
Assertive, outspoken, driven to lead, problem solver, intellignet, well-informed, public speaking, value knowledge, competent, no patience with inefficiency or disorganization [more info] [more info]

Character Types

What kind of characters will populate your novel? The different types can be grouped in three overlapping categories: Role, Personality, and Inspiration.

3 CHARACTER ROLES

Primary Characters, such as protagonist(s) and antagonist(s)
Secondary Characters, which support the primaries and/or provide subplots
Walk-on Characters, such as waiters, taxi-drivers, cashiers, etc

Primary and secondary characters should only come on-screen with an agenda. This agenda may or may not be verbalized (action and subtext give the reader many clues). On that note, the other characters' agendas may or may not be at odds with the POV character's goals.


PERSONALITY

All characters should be consistent. This means they must stay true to their personality and environment. The arrogant warrior will not burst into tears if the heroine doesn't like his haircut.

That said, watch out for stereotypes. Librarians are not necessarily shy and mousy. Yours might have put herself through college by moonlighting at a strip club. Think outside the box.

Some writers group characters into three general personality types: alpha, beta, and gamma. An alpha character is strong-willed and agressive. A beta character is sensitive and low key. A gamma character is a beta by nature, but his alpha tendencies come roaring out when his back is against the wall.


INSPIRATION

One method of generating ideas for characters is to consider established character archetypes, such as The Swashbuckler and The Spunky Kid. We'll look into archetypes more deeply next week.

Another method of generating realistic characters is to utilize established personality types, such as the 16 combinations described by Myers-Briggs, or the 9 Enneagram types.

A third method of idea generation is to combine traits from people you know or other characters you've seen in TV, movies and books, or to use horoscopes and other personality generalizations as inspiration.

Imaginative Character Names

What do you do with all that junk email that pours in day after day? You’re not wasting your spam, are you?!

Next time, before you hit that delete button, take a glance and who those cosmetic pharmacy emails are from, and you might find some inventive new character names. Many authors espouse such traditional sources as baby name lists and high school year books. Bor-ing.

Where else but your junk mail folder will you find such gems as Isidora Halley, Augustine Castro, Fancisca K. Davison, and Clifford Castaneda?

Characterization

Make sure your characters are complex and multifaceted, or they will come across as cardboard and boring. There should be many reasons why they feel/think/do what they do.

Fear

What is your character afraid of? Baring his soul? Being inadequeate? Disapproval? Show this to your reader through dialogue, action, and/or internal thoughts.

Characterization in Romance

A strong woman needs an equally strong man who is mature enough and self-confident enough to let her BE strong.