hello, how are you, the question is
when writing, How do you convey a character's traits through description ?
give me anything, hints, examples, reasons, etc.
thank you so much.
hello, how are you, the question is
when writing, How do you convey a character's traits through description ?
give me anything, hints, examples, reasons, etc.
thank you so much.
I'm not sure exactly what you are asking, so I'll answer what I think you asked :)
One thing maybe is point of view. That can affect characters traits through description. For example, when writing from first person you would get someones OPINION on someone else, whereas with third person you would get a fairly less bias opinion on the person, which is more accurate as you don't have the other persons opinion affecting the characters traits.
I know there's more but I can't think of anything clearly, I hope I'm right with what I just said and if I think of anything I'll post again :)
Generally speaking, no, one does not "convey a character's traits through description," but that would depend on the kind of trait one was seeking to convey. If you were trying to convey the idea of someone fidgetting, then yoou would describe fidgetting. If it were a personalty trait, then it would be easier to show it through dialogue. There are other traits that it would be easier to convey through other characters.Quote:
Originally Posted by portugall
It seems to me that in a lot of today's imo "inferior writing, page turners" the author describes the character by just telling the reader what particular traits the character has, such as "Bill was a cunning thinker, but he often lacked confidence in voicing these thoughts in front of his overbearing father."
Rather, in some of the "classics", a more talented author would just describe a scene from book in great detail with exceptional imagery. This style of writing will give a a more in depth look into the character's traits and let the reader make the inferences about the character himself.
I, as I'm sure most of you do, prefer the latter.
Show, don't tell. Avoid "description" like predatory lenders. If you must describe keep it brief -- suggest rather than tell us the person's complete personality profile. List a couple of objects in the person's living quarters IF it points to what you're getting at.
Look for ways to do it in his dialogue -- word choices, tone, etc. Don't fall into the "Tom Swift" abyss: " 'Step back," he said threateningly.' " A better way is to SHOW how the protagonist treats secondary characters.
If you want a good example, say of a miserly person, read how Charles Dickens depicted "Scrooge," by the way old Eb
treated Bob Cratchit, what he said to the men soliciting donations.
Thank you guys, you all have been an exceptional help.
portugall, some years ago when i was teaching a history class, i had my students reading a semi-historical fiction novel and i gave them a worksheet to fill out as they went along. one of the categories was about character development and i asked the students three things, one, how does the author describe the character, two, what does the author have the character actually doing, and three, what does the author have the character thinking.Quote:
Originally Posted by portugall
ive not read any of the other comments---im sure someone disagrees....smiles...