How to Write Characters Who Are NOT Like You 👀

Are you struggling to write a character who is nothing like you, but you really want them to feel believable and relatable? A lot of writers don’t even realize how much their own voice, perspective, and beliefs influence the characters they write - and while this can sometimes be a good thing, you don’t want all your characters to sound like YOU. They should all have unique voices and personalities of their own. In this video, I'm going to share my best methods for sinking into a character’s shoes and writing their unique voice and personality even if it’s totally different from your own! (Some of these techniques might sound a little strange, but I promise THEY WORK.)
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✨T I M E S T A M P S✨
00:00 Writing characters who aren't like you?
02:27 Figure out their personality
04:48 Find the conflict you relate to
05:32 Listen to music that they would listen to
07:01 Dress like your character
08:04 Try activities your character would do
09:25 Spend time with characters with similar energy
10:48 What are their relationships?
12:53 Subscribe for new writing videos every Wednesday :)
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✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

[@ComicPower]

Every character in your story wants something even if its just a glass of water. Competing interest clash and it writes itself based on motivation

[@jackienicholson2990]

This really helped me understand my sub characters. Thank you!

[@najeeamurray323]

This is such a great reminder. I've been struggling with plot because I've been focused on what happens next instead of letting character motivation drive the story forward.

[@_-drowsy-_]

This is like Kirby when he killed several gods for a cake 💀

[@emjayviolinart]

yes as a matter of fact I am writing an epic eight-book saga about someone who is just struggling to get a glass of water. It's a very convoluted plot and he has to undergo extensive therapy for it 👁👄👁

[@ComicPower]

@@emjayviolinart Let me set this up for you. Your story is a supernatural horror tragic Sci-Fi story in which our protagonist finds themselves in literal hell after being a horrible person for their life. Down there They meet their uncle who warned them in life to not be a horrible person in life like he was but the protagonist didn't listen. Now our hero and uncle devise a scheme to bust out of hell looking for water to quench their thirst and a chance at redemption to get to heaven. its called AN ICE CUBES CHANCE. it writes itself.. LOL>

[@ArchLordXarnor]

I think she just gave us all permission to go become hitmen to get in the mind of our assassin characters. Thanks Abbie!

[@TheEccentricRaven]

I feel that the most important key to good character development is to understand people in general. It requires maturity, being observant of other people, and understanding human nature. As introvert, I would say it doesn't mean you need to be a people person, but that you will have an easier time creating characters when you understand human nature in general.

[@brandic89]

But human nature is so unpredictable and often unreasonable. Completely. I've tried. There is nothing to understand. They just "wanna be bad!" LOL.

[@soyaliovee]

@@brandic89 The most “I don’t understand human nature” comment and that was a cute lol, I think to understand human nature is not like understanding concepts like how to ride a car or cooking, there’s no step by step, but something complicatedly fascinating, and reasoning. I feel like you’re a type of person who doesn’t enjoy reading anti-heroes in stories, but that’s just a guess, I genuinely find your comment funny and that reminded me of my old self.

[@TheEccentricRaven]

@@brandic89 That's why the world has psychologists.

[@brandic89]

@@soyaliovee Yes, I guess the reasoning is still escaping me, haha!

[@chanelwaldorf9728]

I think you’re right and more pointedly, I think if you’re innately empathic you will have an easier time getting into heads and characters motivations, which goes hand in hand with being observant as you mentioned. And I would add being perceptive is helpful as well. And you’re spot on about the maturity part. I had friends and family asking me for years why I hadn’t written an actual book yet. That probably started when I was about 18, which was actually pretty annoying. My response was always, “I guess I don’t have anything to say yet.” Turns out I didn’t have anything to say until my 40’s. The words come when the maturity comes.

[@noahhurst1021]

Something I’d like to add is that you should let characters recognize the importance of constraints. Example: If a two-year-old is only given one option for shirts to wear. He will tantrum. If he has 20 options for shirts to wear. He will also tantrum. The ideal is to let them choose between three options. He isn’t overwhelmed by options given to him while also not feeling forced to wear something. This can be applied in many different ways but this is the most simple example.

[@SusieLostHerDog]

The throw a tantrum about shirts thing isn’t actually accurate for most toddlers but I completely see your point!

[@mattiOTX]

​@@SusieLostHerDogit's about lack of freedom contrasted with no boundaries.

[@5Gburn]

As someone who took this route, I can tell you it's a bad idea. "This" or "that" should be the only choices (if that), or you'll end up in an endless argument circle--doesn't matter what the age of the child. Especially if they're very smart. Constraints are good, the "leash" should be loosened very, verrrry slowly. Then tightened again when they hotrod with your only vehicle 😂 [Editrd to add: Feel free to use this knowledge to create a delightful cereal-choosing tantrum duel in a scene set in a grocery store.]

[@Cat_Steven]

We're writing a micro-novel in my writing classes and I've got like 6 main characters who are my friends, so I just ask them how'd they act in each scenario This was really helpful!

[@rexioco]

You have 6 friends?? Damn

[@ThewallofCurtis-Italy]

kzbin.infoLslcU1iKPv4?si=KseTdi3A9bH-dyRW

[@ThewallofCurtis-Italy]

✍️🎪🤹🤫

[@ThewallofCurtis-Italy]

Creepy creepy Abby

[@5Gburn]

​@@rexiocoikr

[@faithrosebrair3611]

Just in time, I really need this, this exactly what I'm struggling with.

[@MelissaAshworth-sw2mh]

You are not alone.

[@ifeomaefuribe4990]

Me tooo girlll

[@samanthahicks5034]

Holy crap me too

[@indigoopal8417]

Same! And just before NaNoWriMo 😋

[@taytay1258]

One thing that I’ve been doing is making a Pinterest board, add sections for my characters, and find pins of existing characters to take inspiration from. For example, my oc Fern is based on Nick from Zootopia for how he behaves(or his MBTI), and Astrid from HTTYD for how she views the world(or her enneagram).

[@robloxboxguy2310]

What books have you written?

[@socialanxiety9153]

I would like to provide some advice to add on to this video. It helped me a lot when I was struggling with my characters and figuring them out, so I think it’ll be useful to everyone here as well. I respect the idea that characters should be treated as people, but the realism of a character can only go so far. You may have heard the emphasis of the little traits about a character to get to know them more, and although there is value in knowing what your characters favorite color is or preferences of organization skills, noting down their shoe size is not that important when it comes to the purpose of your character. You see, a character is created to serve the plot and theme, so if you know everything from their family pet history to their favorite bow-ties and nothing about how they fit into the plot and affect the theme of the story, then what is the point of the character? Don’t cling to the little facts if they ultimately don’t have a purpose that serves your story for the better. Also, I’d like to thank Abbie. This video is very helpful! Thank you!! ❤

[@nikkinewbie6014]

I agree with what you said about the character ideally being created to prove out your theme via a plot accordingly designed. While that’s true, I think what Abbie is emphasizing here is that your character can’t be so “on the nose” / obviously constructed to address the theme. Assuming you do “nail” execution of a good character arc, you still have to go beyond that with the character development. I think that’s Abbie’s point with this video. That’s where layering dimension onto your characters can help to obscure the fact that a character just so happens to have encountered a life circumstance that gives them the perfect opportunity to work through their specific issue 🙄😂. I think there’s a trade off when we make our stories matter in that way. The plot has meaning because it transforms the character but it does so in an “engineered” fashion that generally does not mimic how real life plays out…no matter how cleverly the plot is constructed. So we need to 3D our characters to make them so much more than their fatal flaw to help the reader look past all the author’s engineering. Detail = depth. Yeah we probably don’t need a character’s shoe size, but it could be a thing about her that she doesn’t ever wear high heeled shoes. Why? Maybe because the first time she wore some she fell and embarrassed herself in front of her high school crush and the “mean girl” squad. That could be a highly relatable thing to tell the reader. To make it relevant to the timeframe years later when the story occurs in her mid Twenties, maybe it’s something she can remember and still feel mortified about as she’s trying to figure out what flats look decent enough to wear with her skirt as she’s getting ready for a first date. I’m going to exit the weeds now - but I just think the video is all about the need to lend your story more realism by making the characters feel like they could be somebody you could meet out at a party 😂😂. A small detail can be “blown up” to be relevant and matter with a healthy dose of “why it tells the reader something relatable about and further develops the character.” Just a thought! Take care!

[@mattiOTX]

And that is why I went with a character driven plot. In all honesty, I really have issues with doing plots because I'm a gardener and I have issues trying to direct it. My brain just works like that but that's also not a bad thing in my opinion. I just make sure I work on character growth, dialogue, and nice world building for those things to flourish.

[@NaveedandtheNavlets]

So as a musician, one thing I really enjoy doing is actually composing musical themes for my characters myself! It is such a fun process

[@katieblaing]

I have a wide range of stories! I love collecting Chinese clothes, witchy costumes, victorian inspired, 1920's. I collect tea sets because of my Alice in Wonderland inspired characters. I plan train rides, go to ballets, renaissance fairs, escape rooms, murder mystery board games, ice skating- doing what your characters do is soo much fun!😁

[@amelielambert2337]

Giiiirl, I don't know you but I could have written 90% of your comment 😂 that's how much I can relate to this 😂❤

[@katieblaing]

​@@amelielambert2337that makes me soo happy🥹😭🫶

[@elisabethcuningham3526]

I like the whole ‘filter your character through the energy of someone else’ idea. I’ve been doing this but didn’t know how to explain it.

[@dyingmoonshine]

Studying characters' and people's likings/things they love and dislikings/stuff they hate, and finding the reasons why they intertwine in "their minds" like cause and effects helps understanding people's reasonings too and thus elaborating the actions they would take regardless of your own opinion on the subject. Then you can get to think like them sometimes, kind of like acting. (don't overdo though... you might end up sick or completely un-you)

[@marleenstukkien5384]

Really awesome video, Abbie, thank you! I myself use MBTI instead of Enneagram and it REALLY pays off to know when which MBTI-types use what cognitive function, like, when exactly would an INFP swich from depressed feeeeeeely-mode to a much more cheerful creative mode? And how would an ESFJ react to those exact same circumstances? Then, let REAL life happen to them with all its challenges and, TADAAAAAHHH! By the way, about your tip #3: one of my many characters is a guy who lived in the 40's and 50's, so I one day decided to look up a couple of songs from that era, because he might just name a few songs he grew up with. That's how I discovered Don't fence me in by Bing Crosby, which I so love now! 😀

[@j.c.jeggis1818]

I also like how MBTI describes each type at their best, and each type at their worst. It’s like a pre-made blueprint for character development. (Also I love that song!)

[@JustClaude13]

If I have time I run through both systems to get more info on their personality.

[@arrynliu337]

Characters with the same MBTI type can behave and react very differently if they don't share the same enneagram type so I would consider both at the same time if possible

[@Philipp.of.Swabia]

About The Activity’s, since I began writing more chapters featuring Knights and Men at arms of all sorts, I’ve began attending a fencing school, started to tailor a Chainmail Hauberk (shirt) and recently started to work on a historically accurate high medieval „Heater“ Shield together with a Carpenter. All of a sudden, you feel much more connected to these people, it’s great. 👌🏻

[@kaytlynspicer6518]

I have what I call 'sum-up songs' for my characters, so a song that makes me think of them or their personality or internal conflict. Example: I have a character who's really ambitious and kind of proud: his sum-up song You got another thing coming by Judas Priest.

[@finchfry]

I take the MBTI test as each major character, create a mood board, and put together a short list of real-life people or characters that I want this character to remind me of, whether that means similar motivations, character traits, or other things.

[@vtauoyctynwbrooylm6008]

I use the MBTI archetypes as a general layout for characters, then use the cognitive functions to describe their thought processes and decisions. When focusing on character development, I make them develop their inferior function. For example, an ESTP would start off as rather impulsive and arrogant due to dominant Se, but eventually mellow out and become more insightful (tertiary Fe and inferior Ni). However, dominant Se will still triumph over inferior Ni, but the two functions will work more in tandem rather than one overpowering the other. I don't recommend using the four-letter system, because that is quite limiting and doesn't go into depth like the functions do.

[@deellaboe437]

#3 is a writing must. I can't write anything without music. It sets the vibe. I found you a few weeks ago. And your videos have helped me so much especially character development. I appreciate you!!!

[@brianwestbrook2113]

I just finished a short story based in a Jazz and Blues club. When I started I knew nothing about these two genres. I played jazz and blues in the background for the entire story. Music does really help. Thanks for sharing ‘dellaboe437.’ ❤

[@ninisilver]

Yup, thank you for the tips Abbie. I'm writing a novel about a football player and guess who has been playing football every week now ... ⚽

[@echoingvoids]

Thank you for this Abbie

[@SydDraegon]

I am so excited for this episode! I just realized I think all of the writers life Wednesday videos premiere at 12 on Wednesday, but I’m usually busy at that time.😭 I’ll watch it as soon as I can, though!😅

[@unicorntomboy9736]

I am interested in what Abbie loves about writing contemporary fiction and romance stories and what about those genres draw her to them, which are the genres I feel her books fall into, in my opinion. I would love to see her write a fantasy or science fiction novel, like Brandon Sanderson does, who I am a massive fan of.

[@slowmomoose8546]

I think that's her choice

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@slowmomoose8546 I never said it wasn't

[@akgwriting9481]

​@@slowmomoose8546I think she just wants to know why those genres specifically as opposed to just other genres that she could've picked

[@bellejane]

same i'd love to see her write something like fantasy

[@andrewah15]

Makes sense to embody the characters that you’re writing about, regarding dressing like them, getting involved in hobbies that they would get involved in. Great informative video. 👍🏾

[@Missy04]

Great video, Abbie :) When I was writing my fantasy trilogy, I had two completely opposite characters as protagonists. One flowed out of my hands while writing and the other one was giving me a headache at the start because I had absolutely nothing in common with him - at least, that's what I thought. But when I got to know him better, I realised that I can relate on a deep and emotional level with him, which I have never thought would be possible. In some ways, all of my characters are a part of me, even if it's just one trait of them or a thing they do/say. This makes it so much easier to write them. And I love that you mentioned music and playlists. This is a big thing for me too, listening to songs that fit the characters really helps to write them better.

[@nikocore]

just checked my schedule and i'm so glad that this premieres during my break!! really need this especially since i'm doing my prep for nanowrimo ❤

[@SydLovesToWrite]

This was such a great episode! Thank you so much once again Abbie!🥰

[@jennajewel986]

Amazing as always, Abbie! Your example of a happy-go-lucky, optimistic character is the exact character I sat down to this video hoping to further master the personality of and I look forward to trying out those character building tricks. As for the hacks, I adore them all! I use the music hack all the time and it works wonders for me. I also love the idea of the activities one, even if it's hard to accomplish at times, and have been unknowingly doing it. One of my characters plays the piano and the other loves to go sailing. I am not in the position to do either. However I love listening to piano music as I write character A (ties back to the music hack). And whenever I have the chance I snatch up the opportunity to go for a boat ride. Thinking up prose to describe the scenery around me as I'm on the water really does help me get in the headspace of that character. Great practical ideas! Thank you and God bless!

[@williamperryjr1324]

I feel that being in your character's shoes would work wonders! To see what makes them tick! And also character interviews!

[@hackysac4528]

Why does youtube only recommend you to me through ads. Im literally subbed 😤 Your stuff always pops back up when Im struggling in my D&D campaigns (im a DM your content really helps in making the stories and characters for me game!)

[@loveheartstopper418]

Ahhhh The Enneagram is the best thing that has ever happened to me! I love figuring out what my chraracters personality is like and how I'm going to write it like their personality... So thank you Abbie... for teaching us how to write better and how to make our author dreams come true❤

[@chelseyhughes8284]

I have loved your playlists! I listen to them to help motivate me and get into the zone for different characters!

[@mssamanthanagel]

I'm writing a dual POV novel right now, and listening to their unique playlists when I write from their POV, it really helps!!

[@zeeshanalisoomro8862]

Abbie, I been using the last tip you shared, for a long time. I not only weave personal experiences but also the funny moments of my life when I want to weave comedy into my drama. 😇❤

[@HajimeAru]

#3 totally agree. I have songs dedicated to characters in my stories, and also to their arcs. These songs also inspire me to keep writing on. Also, you should know your characters' Myers-Briggs personality types. This helps you restrict what your character can think, feel, and do, and thus keep them consistent.

[@princesserika9899]

I always wanted to make my characters unique, to have them have unique hobbies and personalities that are not my own so this helps me a lot

[@nevaehnisa]

I'm surprised you didn't mention MBTI 😂

[@cosmicprison9819]

No, because she mentioned the Enneagram again, which is about the only thing more pseudo-scientific than even the infamous MBTI.

[@jpainter7147]

​@@cosmicprison9819Both systems are pseudo scientific when applied to real people, but can be good stepping stones when you first start out creating a fictional character.

[@cosmicprison9819]

@@jpainter7147 Yes, but so can the Big Five. Which actually do have a scientific basis. And can be used in character creation just like your six go-to Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying stats.

[@jpainter7147]

@@cosmicprison9819 Exactly, there's multiple systems out there that can help you with ideas for characters. Use whichever you feel comfortable with, or none at all. It's all about getting the ideas flowing.

[@yay29823]

@@jpainter7147 I mean yes it's pseudo scientific but it's still about human psyche so it's still helpful for real people

[@littlesillybilly]

I usually take personality test acting as my characters, it helps me understand them more.

[@erinhastings6679]

I love this video!! For me to get into my characters, I use the enneagram system along with listening to music that sounds like my characters and sometimes I take which character are you quiz from a tv show, movie or book so I can be in the mind set of who my characters are and what character traits that they have.

[@andreas9094]

Great audio quality!! Really good mic!

[@user-nr1gq1wv8z]

Great video, I haven't seen one like this before, it was really helpful. My characters have different voices and stuff, but they all seem like different parts of me, except for 2 of them.

[@k0mikaru]

i prob. binge watched ~12h of Content from you in the last 48h. Just so im able to write a "good" (decent) first story. Just wanna say: i like ur style and ur advice. thank u alot.

[@kristilyons4757]

Awesome advice!! This helps a lot. Some Ideas I didn't think of before. You look great Abbie in your fall colors!!!

[@Abizzle21]

I’m writing a sequel to my debut novel and this has been a big concern for me. Thank you for your help on this topic!

[@Maerahn]

Totally agree about the music thing; I also have a Spotify Playlist I created specifically for my sci-fi/dystopian w-i-p. Some pieces are 'mood pieces,' to help me vibe with a particular atmosphere or setting, but I also have ones I use as 'theme tunes' for my characters; music that basically sums up who they are and how they see and interact with the world. My FMC. Maggi's, theme tune is 'Still Alive' by Psycho Crusher & Michuru, while her two friends and allies have their own theme tunes as well (Ricky's is 'American Dream' by Jakatta, and Joey's is 'Broken Angel' (instrumental) by Boyce Avenue.) Not sure if it's theme tunes they'd pick for themselves necessarily, but I'd hope the songs reflect the 'essence' of who they are as characters, if that makes any sense.

[@MusicNonStap]

I’ve been Looking forward to this video! Don’t know if this video will mention this, I would enjoy a video with tips on how to write different genders to your own or different sexual orientations.

[@ngtskynebula]

Thank you for this content! 😊

[@Christ_Is_King_17]

Just what I needed! Thank u so much!!!

[@snowman4821]

I adored this video. Especially the part about dressing like the characters because many of them have styles I'm super interested in trying lol. Maybe I could go on a "try-on," spree and take pictures. I have lots of characters that I have nothing that resembles their style, so maybe a thrift store would be a good call

[@suzu8253]

It’s crazy how I was just thinking about how to give my main characters unique voices and you drop this video. It’s meant to be

[@quillistolitch925]

Thanks Abbie I definitely needed this and didn't even know! 😂

[@ub-4630]

Love this upload. This will definitely come in handy.

[@najeeamurray323]

I like to cast my characters and create mood boards with photos of the actors I have in mind. Watching scenes from their work also helps me if I need references for how my character could portray different emotions.

[@PoptartPanda]

Your videos help me so much! I was wondering if you could do a video about foreshadowing?

[@baby_grogu]

Thanks for making this video Abbie Emmons. When I write my characters all sound somewhat like me and it’s hard not too but thanks for this video it really helped!

[@johntabler349]

It's like method acting for writing, the character profiles form her website we're invaluable to me, especially breaking down the relationships between characters

[@dawnlouiseofficial]

Thanks for this video! These are great ideas. It almost sounds like you are suggesting something kinda like method acting. Oh and where in the world did you get that awesome music for your intro? What genre is it? It sounds like drums/clapping. Love the energy it brings to your videos and I am looking for something similar for my intros. I just cant find anything like it! Thanks again for this video. You really do have great content!

[@PragyaSharma-bt2ud]

This video is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much🙏😍😊❤

[@nnnnhhhh1234]

I seriously needed this

[@landofl4614]

Thanks!

[@charliedanub1756]

Woah Abbie, thanks so much, these are so interesting, exactly what I needed. Literally all fifteen of my current characters are just me in different clothes :P Shame I don't have full metal plate armor and a cool leather jacket.

[@mermakes5456]

Ok, so I've tried personality tests and stuff for my characters before, but I've never tried ennagram. I went into it really skeptical, not thinking it would do much other than kinda point me in a direction, but dammmmm. It worked so well. I did it for me first, and i felt absolutely called out, so i did it for my main character, whove ive been having the hardest time with, and omg, i finally understand her now. It finally allowed me to see her arcs through 3 major plotlines. Thank you!

[@lianilgesfantasyautorin]

I love advise 6 and of course the music hack! 🤩

[@CharlotteXMoon]

I've learned so much from this thank you❤

[@taylortimeless]

I did #4 when I was writing one of my screenplays. Listened to music from the era as well. It was set in the 1950s.

[@jessicaoberembt]

Aesthetic boards and music for sure!

[@rockbandny]

I love doing music for it, i have one guy cliff. He loves jazz, like 1920s stage music. And then theres his boyfriend dana, who is texan, he loves country music so

[@whiteluna9008]

What I love is that for the most part she doesn’t say “Don’t do this” or “Don’t do that”, because there are almost always exceptions to the rules and it’s how they’re used is the important part. I’m not saying she does period but that’s something I noticed ❤

[@mr.midgardville]

The part about spending time with characters made me think. Every time i watch a show for example, the characters voices in it, especially my favourite ones, get stuck in my head so i think all my inner monologue with them. Accents, mannerisms and all pretty much. But for some reason i don't remember to utilize it in this way. Really useful little trick if i did. Lol

[@erinaltstadt4234]

Method acting techniques for writing, neat

[@MrChrisPomerleau]

Frame one of the video is terrific.

[@Ghostrob2023]

I enjoyed watching this video and wanted to say to you and your sister, "Happy Halloween!" And can't wait to write with you on Wednesday.

[@EvangelineHTown]

Sorry I missed the Livestream! This is a topic I have been struggling with for a long time.

[@adulthumanfemale8666]

Really useful!

[@V3NOM_K]

For me actually i usually write characters that are similar and i have a hard time trying to make them unique. In this case i think of how they would react in a situation, example maybe getting insulting. One character might start a fight, and the other might insult impulsively. But that’s just a method that words for me!

[@JorgenMadson]

this is such a cool video and has helped a lot!! you're awesome thank you !

[@josephinefranklin1324]

@Abbie Emmons This was awesome! These tips r so immersive!!! Thank you! 🫶✨

[@Laura41474]

One thing that has helped me with writing characters that don't act like me at all is roleplaying for fun. In my case, I love to play many different games that involve creating your own character and making choices as them. It's easy to just default to making yourself in those games, but something that helps me a lot is to commit to a totally different personality. It can be dnd, the sims, until dawn, hogwarts legacy, love island or baldurs gate... just commit to a personality totally different from you and see what happens. You'll have fun and learn a lot in the process. It starts to become natural to put yourself in other people's shoes.

[@Laura41474]

Usually when I do this I start very simple like "I'm gonna make someone who's too cool for anything and doesn't let drama get to them" and then before I know it, I'm thinking "when they were a kid, they had to take care of little siblings and get a job really early on, so they never allowed themself to be a kid and have fun, and now they need to learn how to let lose a little... I wonder what's gonna set this change in motion" and BOOM my character suddenly has a whole arc in a stupid reality tv mobile game lol

[@samikalastaja]

Awesome tips.

[@VideoGameRoom32]

Some authors write about people they know or see in public how people interact with each other. Quentin Tarantino writes on seeing how people interact with each other. Steven Spielberg creates characters on people he knows.

[@Wolfie_Silver]

9:21 A fair amount of this so far sounds like method acting. Basically living as though you are the character you're about to portray. Obviously don't take it *too* far, but don't be afraid to really get out there either if you realistically can.

[@the.writers.oasis.podcast]

What I do is take that personality quiz using the traits that I want them to have and then make or use a playlist with the same type of vibe

[@ZelenaStaplesLewis]

Once I created a character with a single music. That's all of information I could have. And she grew so beautifuul

[@laurenmasters]

James Gunn uses tactic number three as well!

[@booklanerecommendations]

I love writing characters with very different personalities from my own. I honestly find it harder to write characters who ARE like me.

[@henrykkeszenowicz4664]

As a composer who does writing as a hobby, I sometimes just compose a soundtrack with character themes that really help in writing a story. I'm still afraid that they're all likely one-dimensional strawmen or self inserts. Like the toxic wife of my MC who is just irredeemably bad and toxic, or an adventuring aristicrat who is just a generic adventurer with little restraint.

[@BlabbermouthRex]

Don't ever change that intro. Damned snappy.

[@heathertoomey7068]

The issue of personality changing mid-show happened in Star Vs. The Forces of Evil. Main character started as a clear ESFP and became an ENFP in season 2 or 3 without explanation. The Dad started off bossy and emotionless like a stereotypical ISTJ but was soon blatantly turned into an ESTP, and shown to be more of an ISFP in his youth. Not enough explanation for any of them, especially the ESTP thing. And the queen, the main character (Star)'s mom, started off an ISTJ but got amnesia and became an ISFJ, I feel like, but was an ENFP or ESFP in her youth. They do have an explanation for the changes though, with a tragic backstory changing her bubbly personality and the amnesia changing some stuff. It still dissatisfied most if not all the fanbase, at least the loud ones who leave comments on KZbin and Personality Database, because she did something completely out of character that the audience hadn"t been properly prepared for. Overall fabulous, bingable show, but it could have been done greatly better!

[@fooruu8946]

This feels the equivalent of method acting for writers. I understand the reasons to offer this advice but I find weird to try to channel another mind, personality and voice since "acting" skills are rather foreign to writing, at least the kind of writing I'm interested more (action driven instead of character driven).

[@nathenewendzel7806]

I'm surprised you use a lot of the same techniques I use to figure out the mindset of my characters. They aren't really things I've been taught to help me, just things I naturally do. With the playlist one, I also modify them over time as the character learns and grows and changes.

[@TheWorldOfDK]

Hey Abbie! Great video! This is off topic (Sorry), but how would you write technology and social media communications into a story? (i.e. Zoom communications, TikTok videos with subsequent comments/shares) and other forms of mass communication that we already take for granted these days? Thanks!

[@admeta_asteria]

hey Abbie where do you do the personality test or enneagrams for your characters ? does anyone know of free tests other than 16 personalities...?

[@zeroisland7]

Some very excellent points. However, in my mass amount of writing, I try to create characters that the cover all range in view points. What I call common characters that show up in different manuscript, the view of that character would be different depends on the main character.

[@JustClaude13]

And mannerisms. What physical quirks do they have. They brush their hair back and begin gesturing at 4:55. Do they even know they did that or is it totally subconscious? These are the little quirks that make a character seem more human when you see them.

[@MicT2231]

#askabbie question - Hi Abbie, do you write linearly or do you write different chapters at different times as inspiration strikes? I would love to know your thoughts on pros and cons of each style (linear vs non linear). I’m sorry if you have already covered this in a video! Thanks ☺️

[@mikeslater6256]

Nice. My story includes an Enneagram type 4. Chat GPT gave me a nice list of music and reading for this person.

[@msblogger349]

#AskAbbie, can u make a video on the Ultimate Insta love story structure with a printable PDF template in Google Docs?

[@Cherry-rc1zk]

Yess pleases

[@meiulleyl]

My trick is that I write characters based on my friends or people I admire, and I automatically associate them with movie, book or tv show characters I watch or read if they remind me of them, specially when they have the same interests, personality, or looks as them, that way I have a reference everywhere around me, and I can easily write them because I know what they would do or say because...well, they're my favourite people for a reason. And I'm actually happy because I do all of the tips in this video, thanks for this anyway.

[@meiulleyl]

I just realized that almost all of my characters are actually real and I've been obsessed with them at some point or another. I feel like this could somehow be bad, can anyone tell me if it's okay?

[@coreychancelor211]

#AskAbbie I've really been having trouble with figuring out how to use the enneagram: all the website does is ask questions, should i imagine the character I'm thinking about for my story and input the questions for my character?

[@SpuunSpong]

Yeah, you have to step into your character’s shoes and answer the questions how your character would! Sometimes, it’s harder than it seems though. Maybe Abbie’s tips could help…? Hope this help you

[@ceringisidors]

I don't know if it's a good way to develop characters, but being a rather complex person, I take a characteristic of mine (a quality, preferably a flaw, a fear or a desire) and start building the character from that. It's an unconscious process that makes me feel like I'm a lot like the character and yet they're a totally different person from me. Seems like a good method?

[@_-drowsy-_]

Damn you didn’t have to attack me like that 😭 My character I’m currently writing is a lawyer who’s whole thing is he constantly lies to himself 💀