Some characters are already fully fledged by the time you write them, but others take more time to figure out.
Should you go ahead and write them, finding out along the way, or should you wait until you know everything before writing?
Some characters are already fully fledged by the time you write them, but others take more time to figure out.
Should you go ahead and write them, finding out along the way, or should you wait until you know everything before writing?
Victoria, I know what you mean but I'd argue that's a plot device rather than true character development.
If a person's character changes through a story (as it should), by definition he can't change once he's dead - hidden attributes, which may come out later, were already there so aren't 'developments' as such. In fact, if these unsuspected revelations change the views of surviving characters they add to the latters' character developments rather than that of the deceased.
At least I think that's what I mean ;)
I like the quote of Bronte that Adrian added above. Also to not to rule out sequels as David mentions.
Personally, I like to see the story from all the different character's point of view, so that their behaviour and dialogue is consistent with their point of view. I also like the concept of holding something back, making your readers work to understand the motives of the different characters and to allow them space to make their own judgement and interpretations.
However, I always have a very strong central MC, who leads the story. I do not change PoV when writing either. I would go ahead and write and let the characters evolve as the story flows onto paper. And also give time for editing and reflection, but not hinder the important starting step of getting it down without too much judgement.
The more I think about this question, the more I find myself agreeing with most of your other reviewers. Personally, I have never yet written a character who is "complete". They evolve as the story goes on then, when I transplant them onwards into another novel, they grow even more.
For example, a witch who played more of a supporting role to my main team in my first novel has ended up becoming a lead figure in my second novel. From being presumed human in the first novel, she's discovered to be a halfling in the second. Who knows where she'll be in my third when I actually get around to writing it. (The plot bunny is there and I'm having to stop myself from starting it just yet. I need to work out some things about Witchfinders first).
Personally, I tend to write up a very basic character outline to pin down the basics (height, hair colour, gender, etc) and then just write. The character normally evolves during the process and then I straighten out the kinks in the edit.