A Goodreads user
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
What is your go-to advice for an aspiring author in developing, naming, and choosing a main character, whose narrative would be the most helpful in making the story come to life in the way you wish it to be, yet still be realistic? Thank you!
Ruta Sepetys
Hi Miri!
My advice for developing a main character is to be specific.
Specificity is authenticity.
Give the character VERY specific likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams, etc.
If you say, "He dreams of being a football player" that might give the reader a bit of info, but if you say, "He dreams of being a Dallas Cowboy" that specificity suddenly give us so much potential information:
- He wants to live in Texas or loves all things Texas
- He loves the colors blue and silver
- He loves the star symbol
- He might name his son Emmit, or Aikman, or Landry.
etc.
When you drill down to specifics, characters and details come to life.
Hope that helps!
Ruta
My advice for developing a main character is to be specific.
Specificity is authenticity.
Give the character VERY specific likes, dislikes, hopes, dreams, etc.
If you say, "He dreams of being a football player" that might give the reader a bit of info, but if you say, "He dreams of being a Dallas Cowboy" that specificity suddenly give us so much potential information:
- He wants to live in Texas or loves all things Texas
- He loves the colors blue and silver
- He loves the star symbol
- He might name his son Emmit, or Aikman, or Landry.
etc.
When you drill down to specifics, characters and details come to life.
Hope that helps!
Ruta
More Answered Questions
Los libros de Jean
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hola Ruta! I have read twice Between shades of gray (In Spanish: "Entre tonos de gris"). I was amazed by Lina´s and her mother's strength. Thank you for this strong, moving and unforgettable story. Thank you for opening our eyes to this other holocaust. In your research, did you travel to Trofimovsk, Lina´s final destination? For what is known, was a real diary or capusule ever found? Greetings from Monterrey, México.
Kylie Flynn
asked
Ruta Sepetys:
Hi Ruta! After reading "Out of the Easy", "Between Shades of Gray", and "Salt to the Sea", I've concluded that Emilia is by far my favorite historical fiction character EVER (though all your characters are spectacular). Her story is so powerful and heartwrenching to me. What inspired you to make her particular story/perspective one of the main focuses of "Salt to the Sea"? -Kylie
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