The depth of a fiction character lies not in a description laid out for him/her in the story by the author, but in the scenes and decisions that define his/her role. What the character approves of, rejects, bristles to, warms to….this is how we learn who he/she truly is. Creating contrasts and enhancements in the story is an essential part of character building that shows the reader more about a specific figure. To do that, authors must fully grasp the nuances and technicalities involved. The following is a brief listing of tips on how to create contrasts and enhancements for fiction characters effectively.
· Use Other Characters. The traits of other strong characters in your work should be developed in such a way that they contrast with or enhance that of your antagonist and protagonist. Each character can provide a trait that defines him/her, separates him/her from the group, and helps to define the others characters in the story.
· Tie Repressed Feelings Into Current Reactions. What readers know about a character’s history can help them develop a better understanding of what they are capable of. Using a character’s past to justify current actions and choices, without directly referencing it, gives the character the ability to “feel” more deeply in the reader’s eyes (making him/her more realistic). Introduce the reader to a character’s past briefly if doing so will lay the groundwork for later plot developments.
· Utilize Situations That Can Create Growth. In other words, allow your characters to grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually throughout the book when possible. The groundwork is laid for a contrast here not by contradicting the character’s original depiction, but merely adding to it.
· Display Character Enhancements With Ordinary Actions. A fiction character prone to anxiety might sip his coffee too quickly, or a character who tends to be argumentative may gain attention merely through his/her demeanor and gait. Each movement can display a personality trait even more powerfully than a character’s words.
· Intrigue the Reader With Hints (in limited scenes). A character who is severely shy except when singing into a microphone, for example, gives the reader a hint of bolder actions that may be on the horizon. If your character is to grow and evolve for the reader, give him/her a chance to foreshadow the coming events.
Scenes, actions, and characters that enhance or contrast with one another offer vibrancy to an otherwise flat story. Consider creating character enhancements and contrasts for your story during the outlining and pre-writing phases of novel development.
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