One of my favorite parts of writing is creating characters. It gives me a taste of what the Lord must experience when He creates each of us. What joy it must bring Him to weave together our unique features and characteristics.
TRUE-TO-LIFE
One thing I’ve learned as a writer is that readers enjoy characters that are true-to-life, ones they can relate to and root for. Characters that are perfect aren’t as enticing to read about as ones that are flawed. That’s because we as people are flawed and imperfect.
Readers want characters they can identify with, ones that change and grow as the novel progresses. For more on flawed characters check out my post: Flawed Characters ~ Making Them True-To-Life
IMAGINED AND REAL
There are two basic types of characters in novels: imagined and real. The characters in my Prairie Sky Series came almost entirely from my imagination. The series is full of flawed characters that must learn to rely on God’s strength instead of their own.
The Civil War novel I’m currently writing, Beyond These War-Torn Lands, is much different. Though the hero and heroine stem from my imagination, several of the minor characters are based on actual people. General Grant makes a couple appearances as well as a few other historical figures, though I won’t divulge their names to avoid spoilers. =)
General Ulysses S. Grant.
Though photos are helpful in providing vague insights into historical figures, they don’t provide all the necessary details: the color of eyes, their stature, their interests, etc. It takes a lot of delving to find out these sort of details. But then, the research is half the fun for us historical writers. =)
THE KEY TO MEMORABLE CHARACTERS
. The key to creating memorable, inspirational characters stems from a desire to connect with readers. When characters face difficulties and rise above them through faith and growth of character, readers are drawn to them and to the story..
~ What characters (real or imagined) have inspired you over the years?
INSPIRATIONAL FICTION
Cynthia Roemer’s PRAIRIE SKY SERIES: Stories of faith and resilience on the Midwest prairie Inspirational Historical Romance
UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~ BOOK ONE
UNDER PRAIRIE SKIES ~ BOOK TWO
UNDER MOONLIT SKIES ~ BOOK THREE
~Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
**Connect with Cynthia Roemer on Facebook, Goodreads and Twitter.