Episode 2: Characterization

How do you prevent characters from being clones of yourself? How do you differentiate characters from each other? And how do you ensure your protagonist isn’t carrying the “idiot ball”?

Diane Callahan draws on her experiences as a writer and editor to share advice on these questions and more!

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[olivierdelain]

I love the podcast so much, and your voice soothes my soul!

[jermainerucker]

The novel “Every Heart is a doorway” does different types of accents and personalities very well.

And I found that story because you referenced it, so thanks.

[jrf]

Some excellent advice. Thank you! And thank you to those who asked the questions 🙌

[elizabethtemplton]

Not me going through a draft specifically looking at characterization and seeing this pop up

[starriousinventor]

This is simply life-changing... I finally am even HOPING to finish my first draft 😍Thank you!

[regevvino]

Hey, write to you regev 26 from Israel. I wanted to express my gratitude for the content.
I'm sure you'll be part of my book someday. You seem to have such a GREAT personality and I envy your friends. I wish you to be the happiest, and gain success and appreciation from readers around the world!

[Jasonwolf]

Characters are the easy part for me. Picking which of the infinite options of situations they will go through is my problem. I have A, G, K, Q, and I have Z. The rest of the letters could be anything. In short, I've got Schrodinger's plot.

One day I'll collapse the wave function.

[matthope]

I love your views on all things writing. Could you do a video on when not to info dump and when it is appropriate?

[noahinamerica]

Insightful and thoughtful answers to excellent questions!

[TC]

i really apreciate your videos, well estructurated and simple to understand, thx

[jermainerucker]

I took a creative writing class in college. Which I excelled in by the way 😝.

My biggest issue is I tried to give my serial killer protagonist a southern accent…….I’m from California lol

I know nothing about that world.

And I couldn’t make it feel authentic.

I couldn’t put myself in that characters shoes.

Hardest assignment I’ve had.

[Khatoon]

How are you doing mrs Diane . Iam Arabic lady subscriber to several British and American YouTube channels since Christmas 2019 . We are as foreigners subscribers as overseas students want to increase our cultural level, improve our English, but first of all make friendships with people from different countries. My name is khatoon it’s Turkish origin means Nobel lady as princess. Your name is French version Diana . It’s popular name in mid 20 th century. In old English means denu ( valley) . In Roman mythology Diana goddess of moon and countryside. Thank you for your wonderful cultural channel about creative writing. I looked up for meaning of quotidian in literature is fancy way of saying daily or ordinary or everyday details of life . Idiot ball is term used to describe when one character in order to make show work has to behave uncharacteristically, like complete idiot . In the past only travel aboard or looking for books to learn new information. Nowadays YouTube channels as open universities, google is our library. Best wishes for you your dearest ones . I hope I can learn a lot from your knowledge.

[TheMusicscotty]

I struggle with seeing new Quotidians post and not feeling guilty I'm leaving my characters to gather dust. I gotta get back writing!

[zizzix]

I love these so much. I wish they were longer honestly. Looking forward to the next one!

[DreaLightrider]

Writing man of few words is a thorn in my side

[danibanani]

I've been watching your video for years now. They've been extremely helpful to me and my path to becoming a writer. You're amazing and I look forward to more! ❤❤❤

[rockbelisa]

Thanks for answering my question! Mine was the last one.
I loved how you mention readers perspective on the matter, bc what prompted me to ask was a comment from an old fanfiction of mine which, admittedly, I wrote at 18 so I was less experienced, and my story required a bit of suspended belief as it involved my MC being lied to by her love interested but nothing that hasn't happened irl. The comment simply called my MC 'dumb af' and I didn't even bother to look up what chapter or part of the story it was about but that unfortunately stuck with me.
But your response REALLY helps to put it into perspective and inform my future writing, actions/reactions in a plot are truly what makes a character in a story. 💕💕💕