To sketch or not to sketch Back to Blog
When I’m writing, I don’t actually sit down and draw out a character sketch before I begin a story. Sure, I figure out what my characters look like. I jot down notes to keep their images strong in my mind. And sometimes I go ahead and write notes on motivation. But often, well, the character motivation and history comes to me as I write the story.
I know many writers use character sketches. I also know some of these sketches can be quite detailed (I’ve heard talk of a sketch with 80+ questions). I found this character sketch on the internet and it got me to wondering…am I in the minority here? For any writers out there–do you sketch? Or do you create as you go?
Tweet It
I probably should do sketches, but I don’t generally. However, on one book I did huge sketches on the background of each character, setting, family ties, motives, meanings of names, whatever I could think of. They did end up being the most clear characters I’ve ever had. I guess I should get back to doing that, but I find it a little distracting and annoying up front when I just want to dive into the story.
Kate, I feel the same way! I do think the sketches would help as an outline–but I want to dive right into the story!
Like Kate, I find them annoying. I do the GMC thing and use an archtype book (which I can’t find right now–eek!). For my next book I’ll add the character’s identity–how she sees herself–and her essence–what she’ll be at the end of the book. But the religion, ethics, detailed appearance, etc. I shudder just thinking about filling all that out. It would change, anyway, as I wrote and be a waste of time.
Cynthia, I always start a story with a scene or character in mind, and grow it from there. I’ve done a character interview a time or two, but only half way through the book. Growing the characters as I go means I often have to go back and rework some things in the first half of the book, but it works better that way for me.
I generally have a vague idea of what my characters look like. As I’m writing, I flesh them out in my head and then I’ll try to find a picture in a magazine that matches how I see them. As far as habits, motivation, etc. … that appears as I go along.
Michelle, I really like your terminology–“growing the character”–yes, that’s what it often feels like to me, too!
Hi, Liz! Thanks for dropping by! It certainly seems like most of us don’t habitually use the character sketches. I think it’s nice to see the character evolve as the writing progresses. And I like your idea of finding a picture to match the image you have of your characters. Interesting!