Tuesday, April 27, 2010

How to cast characters by Novelist Johnny Ray

As soon as I have a basic idea on what I want to write I start auditioning my characters. To me it is like applying for a part in a movie. I know the part but want it to have a full realistic person playing it.

The first item of business is the name. The name can make a world of difference on how you see that person. There are many sites available to study names and it is worth the time to do so.

Next is the specific characteristic of that character like how tall, weight, etc.

Add to this his own personal quirks , his or her own voice, words they use that no on else would use, based on heritage, race, region of the country, education, etc. I want each character to stand alone.

Then time to find a face to fit the character. While many places to find photos I use http://popcorn.oneindia.in/hollywood to find them easily.

Next I have to add what the characters motive are, what really makes them click.

I place all of the characters sketches on page one of the novel so I can always find it. I also print out a copy and have it on the wall next to me. let's face it, I will be with these characters for months as I write about them. While my creation as such, I want them to take own their own life and let me write about it. This page I will move to another file after I finish the novel and start polishing.

With all in place, I have a group meeting telling everyone what the goal of the story is and we go to work.

Johnny Ray
Award winning Novelist

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