How to Describe Characters | Novel Writing Advice

[@EirikHasALife]

I operate under an «always a double meaning» rule. The physical attributes should always tell the reader more than what the character looks like.

[@pRahvi0]

Seamless integration is easy with things that are already related. If the description of appearance also gives us clues about other things, it's probably easier to merge it with the description of those other things.

[@HelloFutureMe]

Harry Potter was my go-to for good descriptions too! The first few chapters of the Philosopher's Stone are especially well written.

[@andreutormos7210]

Hello Future Me Hi, glad to see you here. I also watch your On Writing series, hope to see more :)

[@beninebot1]

Oh my god you watch these too!

[@raptorimperium5757]

hello, hello future me

[@dinha10ok]

That "pig in a wig" is kinda foreshadowing

[@goth_fraggle]

I also love that it gives us information about Petunia and Harry in the process. By giving us these two descriptions of Dudley we know that Petunia loves her son so much that she is blind to his obesity and we know that Harry despises him AND that Harry is very witty. Instead of being in a (totally understandable) depression due to his abuse, he has a dry sense of humour that we get shown, not told through this little line. Lastly, since we got to knew Petunia a bit int he first chapter as a pretty unlikable woman and Harry as the poor orphaned child, we're automatically inclined to agree more with Harry's comparison than Petunia's

[@Alexfolledemoi]

😂😂😂 It is 🤣🤣🤣

[@MostorAstrakan]

Another thing about character description is that there seems to be a lot less of it. If you read Jules Verne, you can pretty much draw Captain Nemo. Hair, eyes, nose, lips and all. My favourite description is of Conseil, though: "He had a good head, such as one likes to see on the shoulders of a friend."

[@pRahvi0]

I agree. Only characteristics relevant to the plot are described and the rest is left for the reader's imagination. E.g. Harry wearing old clothes that don't even fit and broken glasses (along with the other descriptions, like being punched often) also describes his relationship to the other characters, his motives or other aspects of the the status quo. Seamless integration is easy when things are already related.

[@cristianflores2494]

Your videos have always had excellent content, but the multiple examples from different genres give so much power to your words, it helps materialize your advice and makes it feel like its already been taken, as well as giving book recomendations. Keep up the good work, your impact on aspiring writers is on a magnitude greater than may realize. Sincerely, thank you!

[@EllenBrock]

Thank you! That's so nice of you to say. I'm really happy to help.

[@Gerel69]

Hi.. I recently found you. Boy! I'm glad I did. Lol. You are amazing. I've been writing for years, mostly for roll playing adventures with friends and family. I have been on the fence about, actually, writing my "world" and publishing it. Ellen, your videos have given me the tools and encouragement to pursue my goal of novelization of my stories... Thank you and keep doing what you're doing. Again, you're awesome. :-)

[@Gerel69]

aythatsme... Um. I know she's a girl.. "Boy!" is my expression of excitement, when I found HER KZbin site... But, thank you.

[@Thessalin]

As he watched Ellen's video, he rubbed his square masculine jaw and felt his sharp stubble on his rough hands. He caught his steel gray eyes in his long sharp serrated tactical combat knife as he shaved his rugged and manly stubble, which fell into the scorched dirt which still smoldered from his flamethrower. His corded muscles bunched and relaxed under his tribal tattooed skin like snakes fighting for dominance. He snorted cigar smoke out of his angular nose when Ellen changed books. He chuckled like gravel falling from a dump truck. He... "Oh come on Cable, really? You're admiring yourself in your tactical combat knife... Does the knife have muscles too? Is your cigar flexing?" Deadpool said rolling his eyes. The author realized they were a hack and deleted Cable's introductory character description.

[@egnato1165]

One hell of a plot twist. Looking forward for the sequel

[@delyseonduty]

Thank you so much! I needed this video. In fact, I'm about to practice what I've learned from it here in a few minutes 😃

[@mysticalarchives7821]

I did something like this with the description for one character in my book's prologue. I knew that she was a widely feared admiral that always wore a specific yet unusual uniform for a field operative and that she is known for using a regular pistol in a world of blasters. As such, when I wrote her introduction, I began by having her shoot a soldier in the head and used that to grab the attention of everyone else and then proceeded to describe her according to the order of how I knew people would observe and study her. They began with the weapon she used since that's what grabbed their attention to begin with, they then transitioned to her odd apparel (picture a blue female naval uniform with a skirt and wedged healed shoes but no hat) and then proceeded to notice her emotionless face and silver blue eyes that were, and I practically quote, "the eyes of a woman who's soul had been crushed." I then moved from their to have the soldiers recognize who she was by her reputation and then begin to freak out, allowing me to express more details and information about some of the things she's done, albeit possibly exagerated.

[@Nukefandango]

I’m so glad you’re back! I listen to your videos in the car, and they always provide a lot of inspiration for my later work.

[@jojooffaraway2675]

Sometimes I feel like there is to much I want to describe about a character all at once, so it is better to have it split up into different scenes where it fits better? Because dumping it all at once doesn't sound like a good idea when I end up with half a page of description ^^

[@EllenBrock]

You're probably putting too much emphasis on character description. Try to focus only on what matters to the story. Breaking up descriptions is always a good idea if the descriptions can't otherwise be concise. Hope that helps!

[@jojooffaraway2675]

Ellen Brock thanks a lot. Yeah I have a slight obsession with character descriptions. I will see how and if I can shorten them and what isn’t as important. Your vids are super helpful. Keep up the great work :)

[@CherokeeGal123]

Thanks for this video. Pausing in the middle of the action to make descriptions is a problem I recently learned that I did in my writing. I won't fix the problems until I get a professional editor, but in future writings I will definitely use this method.

[@rainahead12]

I was JUST struggling with this in my story! This is so helpful for the current part I'm on, thank you so much Ellen!

[@CodeProvider]

Your videos are the best as far as writing advice goes. Thanks!

[@Randomcorpse]

I plow through a lot of characters, because my main characters have ended up on the move more than I expected when I started this journey, so I try to keep them vague, but I still feel a little infodumpy hoping I'll fix that in redrafts. I've occasionally worked it into descriptions of what's happening but due to the large population of passing people I 'm already begining to feel like too many people's hair has been picked up by the wind, or beards have been stroked (though in all fairness, I stroke my beard a lot), or massaged their own scalp stressed in various stages of receding hairline. I'm starting to get oddly comfortable with dropkicking a quick rundown of vague appearance the first time a POV character sees them then opportunistically reference those characteristics later when something's happening. I've found most of these video's quite vindicating and reassuring that I'm on the right track with most things, but yes, this is one of the things I'm most paranoid about as a potential weakness. I think I'm largely unimaginative when it comes to incorporating descriptions.

[@RashidWilliamsR-MAN]

Some can get Really detailish but your right,great job.

[@jakerockznoodles]

This reminds me a lot about a video I watched on film where they explained how many movies will put exposition in an action or chase scene so as not to halt the momentum (and it often works to make the exposition itself feel more exciting or important). Or how some stealth games will dripfeed you information about your target as you get closer to your goal and mix it with warnings about more immediate threats rather than just dumping it all on you at the beginning of a mission.

[@colesplay2181]

Killing it with the regular uploads! Great stuff!

[@draven9481]

ellen, your channel is like a treasure box that i truly don't deserve! i've been learning from you a lot more than from other bimbos who posts videos yet talk about how self-obssesed they were in the entire clip. again, thank, thank you. i improved a lot in my novel writing and editing from what i learned in your videos. kudos!!

[@victorlimamorais4711]

Hey, Ellen! I am from Brazil and I love your tips, they are very succint, yet complete, and they are helping me on my first adventure of writing a book. Thanks, and happy writing everyone.

[@AmericanActionReport]

You posted your video just in time because I began my novel's final (I hope) revision just last night. Possibly every one of my character descriptions in my novel desperately needs the advice in your video. Thank you very much.

[@alannothnagle]

Thanks, this is very helpful. One technique I sometimes use is to have one character describe another in dialogue. E.g., "Wait, isn't Mary that blond girl in the press office with the lisp who always wears red ribbons in her hair? Who always rides that scooter to work?" It's not always suitable, but it can be a good way of sneaking in some valuable exposition briefly and vividly, making it all seem very natural.

[@pretendihaveacoolusername7886]

My mom read me a chapter of “Roll of thunder, hear my cry” before bed back when I was in middle school😭 I got so excited when you mentioned it

[@soandso4204]

My mind is amazed. Thank you, this advice is very helpful!

[@winstalgia8177]

I found you and I don't regret it! I am decent at describing characters and find it better to do it in parts according to the scene. You have earned yourself a sub!

[@heidismit5261]

Dear Ellen, thank you for your time and wonderful advice. It helps me to go back to my work! You are so engaging. I missed last years classes and It feels so good to be back with you and The other participants I hope you are well. You might want to consider a side carreer as a teacher. People will pay good money to have you as a tutor. Best wishes from The Netherlands

[@PhoebeWritesFiction]

Great advice again, which I will definitely keep in mind. Thank you! :)

[@gustinlawis2997]

Thank you Ellen. I have been following your channel for quite sometimes, and your videos always provide helpful advices.

[@danielvickery3311]

You are just the best. Thank you for sharing your talents.

[@marissadale8011]

Thank you so much for this video. I am a teacher and this is so clear and direct. I love how you use a mentor text to show how writers can describe characters. I can't wait to watch more of your videos.

[@Aluko79]

Dear Ellen, I found your videos so helpful over the years. Thank you! If you find time, would you, please, make a video, how to handle a dilogue, when there are more than two people talking, so the reader wouldn't be confused? Happy editing, Ellen :)

[@delta_yd]

that feel when you hit the bell button and youtube doesn't send you any notifications :l glad to see you back :D

[@teachersophia]

Another great video, Ellen. Thank you for the good job!! Could you talk about how to describe locations?

[@waving_rain]

This is ironic. I just needed a video like this when you posted it

[@orangeSoda35]

She eyes me like a Pisces when I am weak .

[@mlbullbooks]

Great video! I read about how to use setting descriptions to provide information about characters to readers in Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi's book Rural Setting Thesaurus. All their books are really good sources for writers. Using the scene to explain more about characters makes a big difference than listing traits, which I'm practicing more in my writing craft to avoid doing.

[@RavenLotz]

Good advice!

[@butchbrittany1208]

My teacher! Thank you!

[@Odessarose6]

Great breakdown. Thank you.

[@enzorocha2977]

Subscribed! Love your informative, eye-opening channel. My only ultra small nitpick is I wish you could use a lavelier/lapel mic or maybe spring for a good shotgun. I'm a bit of an audio snob, and the slight echo is a tad distracting. But hey, that's just me, I'm sure everyone came here for the advice and not the audio quality. Keep up the superb content! Incredibly helpful for newbs like me.

[@ClintLoweTube]

Might need to watch this one a few times.

[@rowan404]

When I was in 3rd grade, I was so excited about the book fair that I went to the library the morning it opened even though all I had to spend was the $1 emergency money my mom had given me. Unfortunately, most of the books were out of my price range. The only book I could afford was Roar of Thunder, Hear My Cry. However, I didn’t buy it. Instead, I settled for some erasers from the register. I thought that would be my first and last encounter with that book, and it was for over a decade, until now.

[@isheeka2465]

Another super useful video, with great examples. Thanks Ellen :)

[@blackhagalaz]

Funny I just now stumbled upon this, because it wrote my MCs character discription just this morning (sometimes the YT algorithm is creepy lol). I kinda did the same thing mentioned, the MC is going to be Wed of to a lord, and is about to meet him for the first time. So after a long day of travel she is is fetched by some women who want to freshen her up for the lord, to look pretty. The while she is discribing how they chuckle at her messy hair, and wide, sun-withered riding dress. They themselves look much more noble like she does, although they are just maids, and the MC complains how the way they curl up her broen Hair, and powder her oval face she looks like a doll, wich makes her dark brown eyes look like sewn on buttons. She is also very annoyed that they change her comfy, often repaired waist-stays, with a long, sturdy one, that eliminates every curve on her body, prepering her to be wrapped in a traditional gown, that although it looks drapery, will make it impossible for her to walk proper steps. I hoped while in the discription, I could describe her appearance and character a bit, as well as beauty standards and customs of the society. This is only a short version of the scene of course, but will all those great tips in mind, I thin I'll take another look at it :)

[@drewdowdeyshow]

This was awesome! Thank you

[@officialtoofknbusy]

Solid examples, tysm

[@andreutormos7210]

I love your videos, they help lots :D

[@k.c.maiale7504]

You're a lifesaver! Really!

[@StephenC555]

Nice one, thanks.

[@rickardsamuelsson7753]

Your videos are a true inspiration, really helps. Do you write anything yourself?

[@beepbeepimmadragon8758]

and know lots of color words too like a guy saying his crush is wearing pink and green makes readers think of magenta and lime so eww but if he said coral and mint readers will think that sounds so beachy instead

[@Rise7Fall9]

Great advice as always!

[@t0dd000]

This is outstanding.

[@sehra1234]

Omg thank you so much this really helped me ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Lindavdrest]

Thanks for your great insights on the topic. To be honest, I think the way that characters look like is not all that important and should never be an author's focus (unless, of course, the character's appearance is determining where the story is heading). Blond or black hair, who cares. I hate it when uninteresting features are repeatedly mentioned.

[@teejourney4880]

Great job!

[@who2785]

Great video! Thanks for your help, Ellen! Do you have any tips for writing multiple protagonists? Like two or three characters with equally important roles and with a common goal?

[@sannh]

Could you do a video on the differences between a short story, novella, and novel?

[@thetowerfantasymusic]

Can you make a video on how to create strong characters while writing in a 1st-person (main character's) point-of-view ? Thanks

[@jenils_]

Thank you so much!!!

[@CT-zk3yo]

Hii😊 how do we keep the description subtle if we want to describe the main character of the story with using first person writing? Thank you

[@marbledfashion9616]

I really struggle with this I also struggle with paragraph starters Ex of how I sometimes do them: waking up exposed to the sunshine, I annoyedly roll around to the side and cover my face.

[@milestrombley1466]

Thank you for those devices.

[@ClintLoweTube]

Do a vid on description of the surrounds. That's my weakness.

[@pRahvi0]

Make it part of the action and/or other description. And I think it should focus on the things that the character(s) notice(s) (unless you write 3rd person omniscient) and/or are relevant to the story. For example: "She tried to keep her thoughts happy by watching the scenery. The sight was, to be honest, not a particularly breathtaking one. Half of the view consisted of a dense forest that surrounded the two houses and their small yards that formed what was called her neighbourhood. The other half was blocked by a dull, grey block of flats, built next to the exactly identical building she lived in. In fact, it was built so near that it was possible to touch the outer wall with a pair of mops tied together into a long staff, which was then held from her window. She knew that the place where half of the device had landed after falling off was still visible in the otherwise perfect lawn. But living in the 5th floor meant she could not see the lawn without opening the window. And opening the window ever again would earn her another month of grounding, as her mom had said yesterday."

[@shoalsofficial9334]

Should I try to keep all details of a full description in close proximity to each other, or is it OK that the reader may find out something like eye-color, just as an easy example, in a chapter after the character is introduced? I usually find myself spreading out character traits, mostly physical, across many chapters. I do this to find relevant places for better flow, like you were saying to avoid info-dumps.

[@EllenBrock]

The only problem with delaying descriptions of prominent physical traits is that the reader will need to re-imagine the character if they had different features in mind. Usually readers won't re-imagine the character and will stick to whatever image they had initially.

[@shoalsofficial9334]

Ellen Brock didn't think of it that way, thanks!

[@michaelramon2411]

Hmm... I have the inverse problem as most people here. I provide very little description, particularly of people. Are there any good ways to improve that?

[@EllenBrock]

Little description is not inherently bad. You don't have to include a lot of descriptions if it's not your style.

[@michaelpelegrino7936]

His eyes were like silver coins in the shade of the night. He put his index finger before his lips--darkened by nicotine, and watched my face for any reaction--there was none. Actually I can't move any muscle. He inched nearer, his nordic nose pressed against my ear; his long dark hair brushing softly on my cheek. Then he said, "I love you." He stepped backward, and looked at me again--his almond shaped eyes now covered in tears. With my dagger and burning disgust towards him and his lies, I pounced towards his irritating face in an effort to at the very least leave a cut he would remember. But he was gone--like a smoke. *Is* *that* *acceptable?*

[@clementbeziat7198]

I tried something in the novel i'm currently writing, not describing the MC. I just give some details here and there like "his beard grew thick after these weeks of travel" or "to them, he looked pretty massive" but nothing to specific... And most of the time up to one's interpretation. It might not be the best choice (and i might reconsider it along the way) but i find that i and many other rarely remember much of the character in the novels we read. To me, most characters are more defined by their actions than their physical traits so i figured that it's probably not that big of a deal to have a character description mostly up to one's imagination. That being said, every other character get a pretty accurate description. Any thoughts ? Ps : there might be mistakes, EN is not my first language

[@TheToneBender]

Quality vids these

[@bighardbooks770]

Need to read some Joe Hill, me ...

[@eatsleepplayrepeat]

I have this problem only with my main character.

[@britt3044]

Nice, but I use the beginning paragraph to describe my Male character being his looks are a major part of the book. But I use this method for other characters

[@arckocsog253]

It's HP and the Philosopher's Stone. I can't believe they made an American edition with a different title. Do they expect Americans to be so thick?

[@11gingin]

how long have you taken notes on all this stuff

[@Grifiki]

"Why hide Superman, and Spiderman behind Idiots, just to create School Bulley's in real life??"

[@seviikun]

One thing to NOT adopt from the harry potter books is her awful habit of being redundent with dialogue tags + an overuse of them. When my mom read me all the harry books, I made her ommit them because they irritated even as a seven year old.

[@LeahMouse]

I agree. I don't think anything should be compared with how HP was written. Not that I don't love the world Rowling created, but the books - especially the first - are examples of mediocre writing. I've never found them to be an enjoyable read. Those books aren't popular for the reason of being well-written.

[@SysterYster]

I thought Stacy was a girl's name? Is it one of those, both sexes names? :P

[@alexanderharaldh4831]

00:02 Yo!

[@ravenID429]

Most important thing - don't make them My Immortal-esque

[@patnull]

See, describing secondary characters from the eyes of the protag is easy. But describing the main character always seemed forced. Unless they're wearing glasses that they can take off or a hat that they can wring in their hands, most people don't think of themselves in terms of how blue their eyes are, how skinny their nose, how fat their lips, or how skinny they are. Accessories, like clothing, hats, earrings, etc... are easy, but it's hard to describe physical characteristics without it seeming forced.

[@the19throcketemperor]

Here is how I described my amateur sleuth, how is it? A coal eyed white kid with the mind of a scholar and the body of a dancer.

[@PeterMacansky]

[@spaceforcecadet]

Your audio acoustics are impossible to listen to. The metallic echo is shrill and irritating. Can’t listen to another second. Bye

[@syedfayyaz6295]

Bad