Interview Your Characters

Friends surround the writer every moment of the day. True, most of them are imaginary, but many times, our characters as real to us as flesh and blood companions.

So, when I say you should interview your imaginary friends to understand them better, writers know what I mean. When I tell my therapist I need to leave our session early because I need to talk with President Lincoln about my latest historical fiction, he keeps me longer. Few outside of the writing world understand. However, you get it.

Get to know your characters by interviewing them. Or better yet, interrogate them.

There are many methods of character creation. Every writer concocts imaginary people differently. For our example today, we’ll take the uninvited character we need to get to know better. He’s the grungy person who has shown up for every family reunion for as long as anyone can remember, but no one knows how they’re related.

Let’s talk with him.

Step #1

Inside your mind, build the perfect setting to chat. Do you know enough about your character to create a space that makes them comfortable? What if you want them on edge to test their reactions? We’ll make believe we’re standing next to a volcano.

Step #2

Ask a question about facts you can see in the present. “Uncle Gary, what do you think about the volcano?” His answer will tell you so much. Is he bored? Scared? Rather, he tells you that 75% of all volcanoes are under the ocean. Press him for more information. You discover he has a wealth of marine knowledge. Keep pressing. He’s always studied the ocean despite being an accountant.

Step #3

Time to be a psychologist and dig into his past. Why didn’t he pursue a career in oceanography? He admits his mother was oppressive, and she blocked his dream career path. Keep pushing. Is he resentful? Does he have the willpower to change careers now?

Step #4

You’ve interrogated him over the past and present, now move to the future. What would happen if he sacrificed everything to pursue what he loved? Is he strong enough? Would he feel fulfilled?

Step #5

Reflect on how you can integrate his story into the novel. Will his past add to the storyline? Is there enough tension to keep the reader turning pages? Is the story believable?

The best writers dig into their characters’ lives through interviews. Schedule a session with your imaginary friend today!

Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of every ICW member. Photo AI generated.