Character profile first, or just write?

Question

I am writing a novel and ihave found out in a few sources taht while writing the author discovered more about the character. Should I get a jumpstart on it and do a lenghty character profile or just start wirting after discovering a little bit of the chataters back ground?

Answer 1

It depends on you. Some authors do best with exhaustive notes on the characters, setting, and plot. Others can just sit at the typewriter and write away with no notes. I find I tend to do better with some planning, but not much. Try writing a one page monologue of your character speaking to you. That should do.
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Answer 2

If the story hinges on things that are significant about this character's background, it's important to do a profile of him first so that you can weave the story around him better. If the background details are more ancillary to the direction of the story, though, I'd start writing on the story first. Two examples from tv/movie writing:

In "Stranger Than Fiction", Harold's character had very specific traits that made the story specific to him (his punctuality, his affinity for numbers, etc). There was some character exploration throughout the movie, but you couldn't put another character in the same story and make it work. I'd think that his character was pretty well plotted out in advance.

In "Buffy the Vampire Slayer", the vampire Spike was introduced as a 'disposable villain' who was supposed to die at the end of the season. The writers liked his character so much, though, that he was brought back time and again--and ultimately outlived the series.

Answer 3

I've done character profiles, sketches, interviews, etc. at all stages of writing. I would recommend keeping an ongoing file of information on your character. It is always good to know a little bit about the character you're writing about, but you don't have to in the beginning. I don't think I've ever started a story where I sat down and said "okay, this person is 6'2" and their favorite color is blue" before I wrote anything about them.

Just keep in mind that, most likely, *something* will change while you're working. Be flexible - bending the character to fit your will never turns out well...

The links below are for two "forms" that I find helpful when working out characterization.

Answer 4

Character profiles are a huge help. Read the novel The Novelist in which a teacher of creative writing actually writes a book with her class. She explains how to use file cards for character notes and how she cuts out pics from catalogs, etc. that look like the character in her mind and attaches them. The book, while a novel, helps teach creative writing as well. Well worth the read.

Answer 5

Writing a book will be a lot easier if everything is your decision, so, really, whatever feels comfortable.

You might even end up doing both.

I tried to do profiles in the beginning and then ended up having my characters leave those behind. I know who they all are now and what they'll do in a given situation so I don't need a profile.

Answer 6

Give it a go and start writing . Your curiosity will peak during this process and you Will find out more about the characters.

Answer 7

a profile is one thing, but don't overthink your characters because too deep an understanding of them is actually very limitting...let them tell you their story, you just write down what they say and do...you'll be amazed at the places they take you!