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@highscribeofaetherium @rae @thearcaneaxiom @theducktator @esther-c @trailblazer @linus-smallprint @whalekeeper @keilah-h @loopylin @theloonyone @grcr @anyone
I have a character who’s mostly serious, but I don’t want him to come off as boring and like a cardboard cutout. Does anyone have tips for how to write a serious character without making them as stale as left out day old bread? Thanks!
"No! Monkeys should have pets, all monkeys should have pets!"
Simply think about why the character is the way they are. Are they a pessimist, simply lack humor, quick to anger, or perhaps they are solemn and ponderous? In what way are they serious, and what lead them to be that way. Are there insecurities that are being masked by a flat face? How does this character interact with others, and how do their personalities clash?
He is perfect in Justice, yet He is perfect in Mercy, even when we fail Him. For this, He is good.
This really helps, thank you!
"No! Monkeys should have pets, all monkeys should have pets!"
To help make them interesting, I like to show the weak side sometimes. You know, they’re a tough warrior but inside they long deeply for something, they just won’t admit it. With tough charries, you need to show they are human, like with any other charrie. Even if they keep emotions locked away inside, show they still have them.
Also, if this is a side charrie and you can’t really do that, give them stuff that make readers laugh. Maybe they have a habit of chewing their lip when they’re thinking, and when anyone points it out, they deny it in a funny way. Actually, from what I’ve seen of him, Akira Toriyama nailed a tough but interesting character with his Vegeta. I’ve seen random clips, and Vegeta seems both tough and proud, hut also really entertaining at times.
That’s what I got for advice.
Keep ’em human.
"You need French Toast."
This might be more of a side thread, but it also helps to know how aware the character is of their own seriousness, and how aware they allow others to be when that seriousness pops up.
For example, the chewing-lip-denial @rae just mentioned either suggests the character doesn’t know they are expressive in the first place, or the character doesn’t want to be expressive because they don’t want others to see their “soft” side.
On the other hand, contrary to Rae’s idea –
You know, they’re a tough warrior but inside they long deeply for something, they just won’t admit it.
– There’s also truth to a serious character who is just serious because, personality. A lot of people assume silence/toughness/seriousness to be a sign that someone is hiding something, and while this is one way to go, it doesn’t have to be true for everyone. You don’t have to be closed up or have an ulterior side. You can be completely open and truthful about your backstory, and clearly admit all your longings, and still be serious. In fact I would argue this is the purest form of seriousness.
For example irl, people often think I have a mysterious aura, or I’m hiding something. Don’t ask me why XD I have to explain that I’m not secretly hiding sensitive, judgemental or filled with deep thoughts. I’m just quiet. If they asked me what my thoughts are, I would gladly share them. It’s not a matter of hiding anything at all.
All that said, think about how open your character is as well. In my mind, the less a character hides, the more serious they actually are (if you’re defining “serious” as acting or speaking sincerely).
“Everything is a mountain”
Lol my bad, I’m not correcting you! I’m saying a character can have an aura of seriousness and be hiding something, like you said, but they can also be completely honest if the author wants to go in that route. It’s really up to the person.
“Everything is a mountain”
Could we know a little more about this character, please? Is there a reason why he is always serious? What is his backstory?
@rae I like what you said about having certain habits.
@whalekeeper Interesting perspective, I hadn’t thought of it like that. I agree with both perspectives though, but for this character there is mostly a reason for why he’s serious.
@linus-smallprint The character’s name is Eldred, and he and his brother Percival are knights. He’s serious and mostly comes off as cold and emotionless to others because when he was younger he did something that resulted in his sister’s death (still trying to figure that part out) and has never been able to forgive himself for it. Additionally, he doesn’t trust himself to form meaningful relationships with others, so he comes off as rude to others (which he is completely aware of). But beneath all of that he feels lonely and really guilty, and wants to be forgiven but believes he can’t be. I don’t want him to come off as flat and really boring though, or make readers hate him for being unrealistic or something.Thank you everyone for your advice, it’s very helpful 🙂
"No! Monkeys should have pets, all monkeys should have pets!"
@theshadow
Thank you for telling me more about Eldred. How does this character try to comfort himself when he is lonely? Is there anyone he can turn to, like his brother or even a pet (maybe while he drives people away, he keeps animals around to give him some company)? Or does he just go off someplace by himself? I think these moments of loneliness would be an excellent place to show a softer, more emotional side to him like Rae was saying. that he would cover up when in public. From what you are saying, much of his seriousness is purposely put on to drive others away. He does not want others to know that he is lonely, lest they comfort him and he comes to care for them. Since this is a lot of pretending, it would make sense if he would grow more emotional when by himself.I hope this is helpful!
I’m thinking of having one part in my WIP where Eldred rescues a wolf and forms a friendship with it, and that could a show a more tender side to him.
Thank you for the help!!
"No! Monkeys should have pets, all monkeys should have pets!"
Perfect! Not only are wolves my favourite animal, but I think a lone wolf is a good pet for your character. The animal is a good reflection of your character’s lonely nature since wolves are social animals. Wolves are also seen as dangerous, reflecting how your character sees himself as dangerous. Perhaps he sees a bit of himself in the wolf, so it would make sense why he would rescue it and keep it as his companion.
Thanks! To be honest, I didn’t think of all the symbolism behind the wolf, but I like your analysis of it, it’s really good! It also sparks a few more ideas so thanks!!
"No! Monkeys should have pets, all monkeys should have pets!"
I think everyone covered most of the bases! I don’t really have anything to add 🙃
Write what should not be forgotten. — Isabel Allende
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