Main Characters: 12 Tips to Help You

All of my books are available through your local bookstore-- Ask them to special order if they don't have my books on the shelf. Thanks for your support!! ~Mark

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[EVITANDY]

"Carrot Boy" was a nickname for me at school in the 1970s
I was a red head, and my mum bought me a t-shirt which said "Karate Boy"
Children can be so cruel
😰

[edelgrane]

As I'm developing my own story, I realised the importance of three things about character's personality:
1 - He/she has to have disadvantages.
2 - He/she has to do things, make decisions, take their life into their own hands. They cannot be passive, because the story won't go further.
3 - some time ago I came across a picture on pinterest which said "Bad decisions make good stories" and I think it's also a good advice about writing. Character needs to make mistakes, argue, harm somebody, and later on fix it (or not).
To sum up, our hero cannot be perfect.

[iideathxgodii]

Mark wish me luck because I'm going to try and publish a manga

[DeathOfTheGoodUser]

I think having your narrator refer to things that haven't happened yet can be compelling if you do it right. In My Hero Acadamia, the main character starts off the show telling you that he becomes the greatest hero. What makes it work is that you want to find out how he GOT there.

[ookaookaooka]

It is honestly such a relief to see a successful artist with so much variety in style. I always worry I'm not being consistent enough to gain a following, but here you are doing just fine.

[zoikya]

I remember going to the school library and your drawing books would always be checked out or everyone would be at the drawing section of the library racing to get your books. Then I discovered Miki Falls, it was the first manga I ever read and it became the reason I started to draw and love reading. I didn't find your channel until 2 years later when I got into YouTube. I love your work and how you captivate the reader or the people watching your videos.

[KaliTakumi]

Mark I just finished reading The Drawing Lesson and I have to say that it is a fantastic book for beginners and seasoned artists alike! Im gonna recommend this to anyone that wants to learn how to draw and those who already do draw

[emmaadams]

I agree with some others who have said this. I found this video quite helpful, however I personally need a bit more help in story telling and character design. idk if anyone would agree with me but I think it'd be helpful to see you start to finish create a mini story. I tend to learn better that way and I think it'd be helpful, like I said to me at least, to see something like that.

[OfficialMarlow]

I feel the need to buy every single one of your books due to geniune interest

[LTDLimiTeD]

I like stories that are about one character but told by another.

[Skides]

I dont know where I'd be as an artist without these videos

[tommywildman]

In my first up coming novel I have multiple main characters. it's definitely risky I'll admit. In another book I wrote too one of the side characters became a favorite as well. I love writing and creating these new worlds and people.

[WhiskersGoingMid]

Not sure if you'll see this, but just wanted to say I really enjoyes your presentation today at the library in Abilene. I've been interested in creating my own manga-inspired comics, and I think a lot of what you talked about gave me some inspiration to put that dream to reality. Just so you know, I was the redhead near the back of the seats.

[Arparagus]

I never understood why people disliked the big chins in Miki Falls. It was such a neat style.

[salem]

amazing work Mark, you're actually so talented honestly I have no words before I started doing a lot of art I looked at your videos and they are honestly blew me away there are so many tips that you've taught me throughout the years and you honestly inspired me to go out of my comfort zone and explore new things thank you so much Mark

[ArtbyGalen]

SO many great tips here. I'm gonna go over this one a few times, for sure.

[juanmanuelpenaloza]

Okay, honest opinion wanted:

I tried writing a story with six main characters, taking place in a fantasy bend war setting. It does focus more on one person, being the leader, but I also focus on the others fairly. To avoid spoiling the others, I'll give a brief description of each.

Main 1: A teenager who lost his father in a war and goes to fight in it, not to win the war but to end it quickly. Instead of enlisting in the Army, he forms a private company. In short, he's a blend of George Washington and Billie Joe Armstrong.

Main 2: A girl who joins Main 1's company in terms of financial interest. Coming from an aristocratic family, she has little knowledge of the rough life, but is well versed in the business life and the 1 percent.

Main 3: A guy with a spotty history and one of Main 1's friends. Thought he isn't academically smart, he is street smart and machine wise.

Main 4: A girl that joins Main 1's company as a personal test of strength. She's a bit reckless and will openly jump into the line of fire.

Main 5: A foreign refugee that joins as a medic knowing firsthand at a young age what war is like.

Main 6: A computer expert who does whitehat jobs for companies and joins as a computer technician. Emotionally reserved and quirky.

Overall, I try to make each character recognizable yet uniform with the rest. Individuals in a unit, a family of sorts.

Any opinions? I really want to know.

[abstract_note]

I like how these videos are actually helpful and I'm not just watching someone draw amazing stuff.

[JohnWilsonComicsGuy]

Congratulations on the Eisner nomination, Mark. It is well deserved. I reviewed The Drawing Lesson for a former website and enjoyed it greatly. It was a unique take on the "How-to" genre of books and a good read

[brendaevangelista]

Yes Sir!! Very useful! Again, congrats on your nomination! You deserve it for the amazing content you always produce 😊