The “Character” of my Characters

Along with wanting to know how I create my characters, people are also curious about how I determine each character’s personality. Well, if you could spend just five minutes in my head, you will see that each character’s personality is their own making.

Each character is a voice in my head with their own distinct personality. The Elves, Elwyndyn explains in the post on this blog, are quite stoic. They feel deeply, but they don’t show it, unless pushed. They are very reserved and only let their emotions out in private settings among those they are comfortable with. Even then, it still takes a lot for them to show what they are feeling.

The humans in my books show emotion and personality easily. I guess that’s part of human nature. They wear their hearts on their sleeves and you know exactly what they are thinking and feeling.

Many of the other Elder species are just as reserved as the Elves. Maybe it comes from living so long and seeing so much, they tend to close themselves off. I haven’t figured it out yet. However, as I continue to write their stories, they are starting to open up some and show me deeper glimpses of their personalities. So, future books are going to get more interesting, methinks.

For example: The following is a scene in Elven-Fire, the third book in the series.

…Right about that time, Drago’s stomach rumbles and they all laugh .

Looking at Elwyndyn and Kelith, Valael says, “If you will excuse us, I need to go feed my Dragon Man. We have not had breakfast yet.”

Elwyndyn punches Drago on the shoulder, laughing, “Dragon Man. I like it. Shall the rest of us call you that as well?”

Drago blows a small amount of fire, before joining in the laughter, replying, “I am afraid not. Only my beautiful mate can get away with calling me Dragon Man.”

“If you say so, Dragon Man,” says Kelith, roaring with laughter. Drago bellows smoke over him and Kelith’s laughter turns to coughing. Valael calls up a small amount of wind to clear the smoke.

Kelith chokes out, “Thank you. I will see you later, I must go find some water.”

As Kelith leaves, Elwyndyn follows, his laughter still filling the air around them. Valael and Drago return home. Entering, they head to the kitchen to prepare breakfast…

As you can see, they are good friends and family, and their humor is starting to shine through.

Like us real life people, my characters have their own personalities and show it when they want to. I suppose I could try to force them, but I would not do that to a friend, so I don’t feel comfortable forcing my characters to be what they are not. In time, they will reveal what they want to give of themselves. In the meantime, I enjoy the little snippets they do share and wonder where it will all eventually lead.

Until next time…

Raven