How to Write Characters Who Are NOT Like You 👀

[@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>

[@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.]

[@ArchLordXarnor]

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

[@lynxfirenze4994]

This video will be my legal defense. Hopefully it goes well.

[@nandiclaasen5732]

🤣

[@erikalm6007]

Why do crime novelists run out of friends? :P

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😋

[@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

[@L_oliviarodrigosbiggestfan]

Omg that’s why im here

[@marikothecheetah9342]

Since I am not a musician I choose a song for each character, like it describes their character or something they would choose to listen to.

[@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

[@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.

[@_-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 💀

[@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. 👌🏻

[@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!

[@TooLegit2Quit84]

My character is a man. I'm a woman. He's an introvert who tends to be more pessimistic (or as I refer to it - realistic). I'm the same way. However, he's married to an extrovert. I'm not. I'm married to a fellow introvert. Although, he's not quite as introverted as I am. They also live in a different state than I do. The climate is totally different. So, there are a lot of things about my character and their environment to which I don't relate. I'm hoping I can be convincing in my writing, and not like I'm cosplaying. LOL I'm excited about this video!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@localscriptman]

The Enneagram goes so hard. What’s your type?

[@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 ... ⚽

[@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

[@littlesillybilly]

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

[@Osorochan-jp5cx]

14:37 It's a cool idea !!! I have a playlist of one of my character, but yeah i think i have to do that for all of my characters

[@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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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.

[@Deamon-kr4ur]

The easiest way to create a character is to take a person from the real world and make them a character in your story. You can use your friends' personalities, family members, or anyone you know who has an interesting character.

[@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!😁

[@LittleWaffle]

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]

​@@LittleWafflethat makes me soo happy🥹😭🫶

[@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.

[@slowmomoose]

I think that's her choice

[@unicorntomboy9736]

@@slowmomoose I never said it wasn't

[@akgwriting9481]

​@@slowmomooseI 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

[@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)

[@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.

[@erikalm6007]

Dressed down (pun intended) clothes tip (from forum theater): Give each character a hat. Then you can switch between the hats when writing dialog... (or if you have a lot of characters, give them one article of clothing... a hat, a scarf, a jacket, [likely not gloves... but hey, maybe some types will work... ;) ])

[@booklanerecommendations]

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

[@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. 👍🏾

[@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.’ ❤

[@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

[@Syd_LovesToDraw]

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!😅

[@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.

[@williamperryjr1324]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@echoingvoids]

Thank you for this Abbie

[@ViEdits00]

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❤

[@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!

[@feelinglikecinderellanaega6359]

THE TITLE CALLED ME OUT. Thank you for this video

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@chelseyhughes8284]

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

[@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

[@brembobrakesG]

i just do personality tests from the characters pov and copy paste the traits lol

[@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. 😇❤

[@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!

[@bastionbrom8927]

I'm not saying that this advice wouldn't help, but so much of what you're suggesting takes so much time. For those of us with jobs and kids and lives we need to get into the nitty gritty when we have the time to write. Some of this might be better when you're brainstorming rather than writing.

[@goopysubject]

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.

[@goopysubject]

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

[@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.

[@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!)

[@r-giireactions2235]

Figuring that many of my characters are animals, if I dressed like my character, I'd probably get arrested.

[@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).

[@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.

[@wildride_crochet]

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

[@Christ_Is_King_17]

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

[@The-Mimic_Gameplay]

I am having sooo much fun writing my characters right now

[@ChimanaBendor]

Nobody: Me: Runs into the forest to make up a fight scene and play it through

[@no_one_in_particular4690]

Ok. I know I might be a unique case, but every time someone says writing the characters base on real life people is much easy and the characters will also be more realistic, I want to put my fist through a wall. I just can't do that. I thought of including the personality of my best freind and my sister, who I am really close to, in my writing, but I couldn't come up with anything. They have a very unique and interesting personality and quite familiar with them. I can even guess what they'd do in real life situation and I always get it right. I don't know why but whenever I try to do the same in my writing I just go blank. If you can, please help 🙏🥺. Sharing your method or experience would be really appreciated.

[@deciradoxytp1771]

If it’s causing that much agony... My advice is just go back to tip 1, figuring them out. Who cares about real people? Yours aren’t. They are completely different from your best friend or your sister. This is fantasy, not biography.

[@Blabbermouth-w5w]

Don't ever change that intro. Damned snappy.

[@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

[@Travelerofthesouth]

I do the music thing too 😄 It definitely helps give me ideas!

[@SophiaAgnew-y3e]

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.

[@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.

[@Lucci136]

Enneagram is much easier to answer from the point of view of a character than from your own because there are no wrong answers.

[@landofl4614]

Thanks!

[@ZelenaStaplesLewis]

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

[@SydLovesToWrite]

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

[@andeeharry]

8:04 Try activities your characters would do huh...well now....that would be interesting to get the feel of it all. Shame that the stuff on Terrellium doesn't exist here yet.

[@laurenmasters]

James Gunn uses tactic number three as well!

[@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

[@CuriouslyCute]

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!

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@fwuffcat]

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 ❤

[@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.

[@corkscrewfoley]

Abbie, a lot of this reminds me of method acting. I learnt this in high school from my drama teacher, and I tend to do the same things you are doing.

[@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.

[@MrChrisPomerleau]

Frame one of the video is terrific.

[@coriakacoron5851]

assuming each character's favourite music sounds like a great idea. I'll try it out right away

[@jessicaoberembt]

Aesthetic boards and music for sure!

[@jarmoliebrand2005]

Most of my characters are not really like me. Or at least when using the MBTI types. (I use MBTI a lot as a reference to see if my character types are nice and varied). It’s not that, because I’m an INFP, most of my characters are too. I want to be broad with my personalities and perspectives. Adapting both what is familiar and foreign to me. I can have so much fun with the characters that are so much like me and the characters who just aren’t like me at all. The former feel the most relatable to me and they feel a lot more personal to me most of the time. But the latter can be so much fun too. Almost like a guilty pleasure of diving into a completely different mind. I think one of the most fun characters to write is an ESTP who’s a fantasy princess and is one of the few who has an aptitude for magic. It feels really natural making her a quite funny, quite full of herself. She’s always the biggest presence in the room. And as someone who is usually in the background/shadow, tending to not seek the spotlight, it’s kind of refreshing to think like she thinks.

[@JerrBaybEe]

Oh i love that she listed everything I already do 🥳 that gives me confidence to feel like I might have a shot at creating something unique and compelling 🫶🏽

[@kristilyons4757]

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

[@shimmer410-o2i]

I would also add you could try basing them on a person you know in real life.

[@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?

[@EvangelineHTown]

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

[@randomfandoms8994]

“Dress like your character” 2 series im working on that are polar opposites and im sorry but my mom wont let me have a suit vest and im not going through the trouble of making my court jester’s outfit (yet)

[@mommyscribbles]

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!

[@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.

[@erinaltstadt4234]

Method acting techniques for writing, neat

[@Fluff_Noodles]

My characters often START very different and distinct from me and my opinions but then their "character development" and events of the story end up just turning them all into me 😅 This is a great topic thank you in advance.