Writing Main Characters: Don't do anything until you watch this.

What if I told you there was a super practical way to writing main characters that DIDN’T include the usual common-sense, “your character has to have X...?”
Believe it or not, you can build a character just like a carpenter builds a table. You just need to understand the framework and have the right tools.
In this video, I’ll be covering a little-known book called Creating Story People by Dwight V. Swain, and it's a must-have if you want to be a long-term writer.
Get a copy of Creating Characters by Dwight V. Swain: Amazon (paid link) geni.us/IAII
How I People Watch (Podcast episode): www.michaellaronn.com/episode18
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[@AuthorLevelUp]

Hey Level Uppers! What's your favorite main character tip? And be sure to check out my podcast for more writing tips! www.michaellaronn.com/episode18

[@carrieloman6489]

Author Level Up My favorite tip would have to be the part where you mentioned “being a student of people.” I’m more observant than most people that I know but I usually zone out before I get the chance to analyze what I’m seeing. That’s a very useful piece of advice for me because I write so many random blurbs that I don’t have many ideas for. I’ve got a bit of a habit of making my works a bit too fancified and I need to get used to writing things about everyday life. Thank you for the useful information, Michael. I’ll be sure to take these points into consideration from now on.

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Being a student of people is definitely a skill you can build. It just takes practice, but the good thing is that once you start, you’ll see immediate benefits.

[@nikecoro2606]

A favorite main character tip of mine that I've learned is to remember not to make them the most perfect beings ever. I always enjoy the struggle of main characters and how relatable they can be when they make mistakes or show their flaws. If I ever see a main character that doesn't seem to have any kind of flaw than it rubs me the wrong way and they come off as a show off jerk plus it'd be awfully boring.

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Yep, OP or perfect characters definitely aren’t the way to go.

[@wiseauserious8750]

I would say try to avoid the Reader thinking "what if he were me?", but rather have the Reader think "what if I were him?" (Or she/her)

[@ThomasHeyen]

2:49 Ability to care (Dominant Dynamic) & friction caring about different things 4:10 Rationalization = Relating to real world 9:40 Treat Characters as if they were real 11:08 Character must interact with their world in real time on the page 13:05 Main Characters first impression to the reader (Dominant Dynamic) 14:50 Understanding the Main Charaters personality over time so we can care 15:50 Second impression = Age, Vocation, Sex, Manner 18:30 You build relationship over time 18:58 Ability to Care, Rationalization, First impression, Second Impression - 7 things can destroy it 19:36 #1 Avoid Falling out of Characters Viewpoint 20:22 #2 Not enough research 20:37 #3 Avoid Telling instead of Showing 20:42 #4 Failing to suspend disbelief 21:04 #5 Failing to foreshadow properly 21:35 #6 Avoid Morally reprehensible action 22:11 #7 Avoid Racism & intolerable ideology Review of Dwight V. Swain's Creating Characters Thank you for your thoughts

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Thank you for doing this my friend!

[@thecaptain3594]

I think the best way to write characters is not to assign them a particular attribute and build the character around that attribute (neat freak, tough silent type, etc.), but instead to think about generally what their personality is like, and then just let it flow from there. I have seen a lot of writers who construct a character around a particular trait, and they very rarely if ever branch off from that single trait. If a guy is the strong silent type, he is ONLY the strong silent type without any moments of levity or softness. If a girl is a tough independent feminist icon, she has to be that in every moment of the book from beginning to end. But if you think generally of what your character's personality is, and then let them flow with the story from there, I think they can be better. The strong silent man can have a moment where he laughs out loud, or holds a baby; the tough woman can have a tender feminine moment. When you construct a character around a single trait, then they become stiff and two-dimensional. But if you think generally who they are, then you can have their characters fluctuate on a spectrum, just like all people do, instead of being boxed in on one personality trait.

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Well said!

[@chasehughesofficial]

I’m a behavior profiler and ‘The Writer’s Guide to Character Traits’ is one of the best books on human behavior.

[@kaugummigeschmacke6905]

Your cannel deserves so much more attention, man

[@luisaah5707]

Agree! I really like your involvement and responses to questions and insecurities.

[@wretchelttv]

So do his books!

[@jakebones3290]

היי

[@happinessyogateacher]

Building the character over time. Great point, Avoiding destroying characters was so good it could almost be its own video! Very important to me.

[@litalmk3]

I'm only on 9 minute in but i want to say that i'm learning from you and you motivate me to keep going. Big up from israell🇮🇱🇮🇱👏🏾👏🏾

[@pedrokoury1352]

Exactly! Are you still writing?

[@litalmk3]

@@pedrokoury1352 yes, actually... I'm writing short stories online.

[@pedrokoury1352]

@@litalmk3 I was thinking of doing that. What site is it?

[@jakebones3290]

שלום

[@Banguelas]

It’s a crime that you don’t have more subs. Great content.

[@pedrokoury1352]

When you talk about the little moments of characterization...I totally agree. I made my character stare at himself on the mirror sink, touch his beard and wonder what the f😬😬k happened to him during the years just...because I felt like it would be very "him" to do that in that moment. I didn't plan that in my "character bible" or anything like that. I totally agree that those moments are very much real-time and that's one of the most sugary things in writing, I would guess.

[@2020Stryker]

Great video! I am one of those that like practical application of theories presented. Often times I'm left scratching my head trying to figure out how to use super complicated theory X. Looking forward to the next vids on character.

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Yep, practicality is one thing that sometimes gets missed. Glad you found it helpful.

[@jodijones2862]

What splendidly uncommon advice. I've seen a lot of videos on writing, but I'm finding that Michael, in addition to giving advice I have heard, often gives great advice that I've not heard before. He also explains it very well and in a concise way. I subscribed and am looking forward to seeing more of his videos.

[@gussiefick2590]

Thanks so much for this great video!

[@utkarshgupta4276]

You hit every point so perfectly... Thanks a lot for the video!

[@MrVeeBlog]

Thank you for this. Well said and well explained.

[@RevolutionGamingShorts]

thanks for the tips man! videos like this are SO appreciated

[@juliesit5344]

I love your videos. They are always so great. I like you helping use them in a practical way.

[@damianjonsson1688]

Thank you for the practical advice - you show where most others tell

[@rachellevigil9004]

I am absolutely loving all of your videos. Your advice is so helpful. I appreciate your style and well thought out content. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with us.

[@lordavatarlordavatar713]

Awesome information. I am excited to listen and find out more. I am new to writing but have a few different books in the works. Thank you for helping with this, and will be commenting more as time goes on.

[@wiseauserious8750]

Great, great stuff man. You were born to do this

[@jwwmitchell]

Great common sense advice given in a succinct, no nonsense manner. Thank you.

[@thayouth]

I'm binge watching your videos, lol. I really like your videos and approach. A high quality writing course for free on KZbin, who ever thought it was possible!

[@henryhamilton9574]

Really great advice!

[@intrinsicawareness896]

Click that little bell ding ding ding...the way you say that keeps me smiling every time I watch your videos 😝

[@ThatsJustMyBabyDaddy]

Excellent commentary.

[@sylverbright]

Thank you!

[@allosaurustime]

1:20 Often when I look for character advice I instead end up seeing character analyses for characters that already exist (ESPECIALLY The Joker) so it’s nice to hear someone say this

[@robbiewilson9606]

Man, I love your channel. I am working on a science fiction novel now. :)

[@rexkutzli7752]

Really enjoyed this video - I've watched a few other author-tubers - but you really connected with me. I agree with you about film. And I also agree it is very different to write characters in prose. My background is as a playwright. When writing a character for performance you fill in some important bits - but ultimately the director and performer have the responsibility to bring the character "to life". But as a writer of prose - that is your job - besides all the other essentials of plot, time, place, etc. I am on a steep learning curve. Lol - But this video brought out some excellent points. Thanks!

[@chococookie3348]

Let's go Sensei, im so ready 4 this!

[@CreatureOfGoddess]

Hey Michael, Christopher here, I just wanted to take a quick moment as this video begins to let you know, the first word or two of your videos is being blurred if not completely covered by the proceeding ad. Perhaps it's my connection, as I'm absolutely oblivious about video editing. I shall now consume some knowledge! Be blessed y'all!

[@joemoya9743]

Excellent

[@bandanadhiman]

great advices sir. Salute you 🙏

[@wellDUHitsSarah]

This is a fantastic video with so much good information! I’m already making notes on my work in progress

[@AuthorLevelUp]

I am glad it helped you. Thanks so much for watching and good luck with your WIP. :)

[@Trollbot007]

Best channel on writing by far

[@heli0mancer]

Very informative. I appreciate the level of practicality you bring to the discussion. So tired of hearing good examples in other mediums. I needed genuine advice for awhile.

[@annie_stasiaaa8982]

Your videos help me write. Thanks, yo!

[@iwassold1813]

Just want to tell Micheal I love your channel. I just never comment because i watch KZbin on my xbox. Keep up the good work.

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Thank you very much. :)

[@richarddow3918]

great video! thanks

[@stfu209]

You are SO helpful! Thank you so much! :)

[@elbib908]

Thanks!

[@Kyg1kek2]

No one has ever said this especially not in this way, absorbing the Mandane to create some thing fantastic has only been described to me in describing settings never for this, thank you so much for your genius mind

[@brodiaimson7093]

thank you for the inspiration :)

[@StephaniaBonnet]

I love your vids. Down to earth. Do you think all writers should go to writing school? Thanks.

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Hi Steph, generally speaking I don’t think writing school is necessary for commercial fiction writers because schools only train you to teach writing. Far better to save the money and invest it in online learning, books, and the creation of your own books so you can learn on your own. That’s just my opinion though.

[@pedrokoury1352]

@@AuthorLevelUp I hear ya

[@animetrip18]

Great!

[@helium73]

I could never finish reading it because it got me so excited about writing I had to write immediately.

[@Seekarr]

I'm not a huge plan of film plots either. They're usually fairly simple 3-act structures, which doesn't work very well in books. While the 4th act "falling action" sounds like things are slowing down, the reality is that it's a transitional phase fairly similar to the rising action, except the rising action is the journey from what's normal to uncertainty and the major climactic event that changes everything, and the falling action is the journey from uncertainty back down to a new certain world - and usually in that final moment of clarity is where the resolution (fifth act) reveals the hard final decisions that need to be made. Some films do the 5 act structure (Vertigo, Chasing Amy, Rebecca), but those are the exceptions.

[@DalCecilRuno]

Taking stuff from real life and finding them a spot in your story. Oh yeah. :) Great video. Thank you.

[@pedrokoury1352]

I recently read The Mist, by Stephen King, and was struck by how marvelously he made real characters engage with an alien world, you know. I NEVER doubted the mist. And that's because of the characters involved-THEY never made me doubt the mist :)

[@DalCecilRuno]

@@pedrokoury1352 I'll have to read that book. Thank you for the recommendation! I love stories where the characters feel like real people who simply made it into a story. It's the best feeling as a reader.

[@dynnlopez5606]

Any tips or videos on how to write spy fiction novels like the "Bourne" movies style?

[@jancheema6776]

Thank you. Nj-usa

[@pauline_f328]

6:15 That's genius!! Omg O_O; 12:40 Researching psychology is a hobby of mine. Both because I'm interested, but also because it gets my mind going thinking about characters and because I know I'm bound to use it irl. Similarly to how I used to have a plot in my mind but couldn't rework it because I used to not be able to outline, I also tend to write characters and character interactions in a way that mostly makes sense on a psychological level but that I can't use efficiently because I don't understand what it is that makes it work. For instance, recently I was writing a character with a certain backstory. Then I did some research and realized that the way he behaves as an adult really reflects what happened when he was a kid. Although I had done this instinctively in the first place, now that I realized the connection I understand the character a lot better as a whole and it makes him both a lot easier to write and a lot more realistic

[@mrsushi845]

I watched this video because I am working on a story myself and needed a bit of guidance to help push my thoughts. The moment you started talking about professions and the audience pondering what it’s like to work in those professions, I asked myself “What is it like to be a bounty hunter?” Then, without warning, all I hear is “readers might be curious about what in the day of a life a bounty hunter’s like” and I was like “WOAH!”

[@AbigBlackcat]

I've recently starting getting into writing. Almost makes me wish that i should have double majored in the field of English along with my Psychology degree. One thing I like about your videos is that you provide resources. I have purchased 3 books already because of your recommendations. Thank you. DO you think it is okay that I did not study English. Is it possible to just get by on KZbin videos?

[@AuthorLevelUp]

I would recommend reading as many books and maybe even taking some courses from established writers if you can. That will help round you out. Then I'd recommend a good editor who can help you eliminate any additional language issues. It's definitely doable, and I wish you luck!

[@andrinep9085]

I’m currently writing a fantasy book ( it’s kind of my way to ‘escape’ reality, and everything that is going on ). I LOVE writing.

[@Kyg1kek2]

My biggest issue was head hopping

[@pedrokoury1352]

You're too good to exist in this plane of existence. :)

[@jonathanmarks3112]

Quick question about the "reprehensible behavior" part: sure, that's not OK for protagonists/ heroes. But if I want to establish a character as a villain, such behaviors can be included in an audience-appropriate fashion, right?

[@AuthorLevelUp]

This is just my personal opinion, but I wouldn’t make my villain for reprehensible things just for the sake of it. Murder, violence, theft, etc is fair game but the “reprehensible” stuff is a different matter altogether. Unless it is an expected trope in the genre, I find that many readers are turned off by it. But that’s purely my (subjective) opinion and YMMV.

[@maryspeerbiz]

Interesting...I do remember someone doing something similar in a mall bathroom...lol

[@jameschristopher5601]

Their is a youtuber that changed my view of characters in stories. I think you should watch her videos on character development. I like her videos because she brings her view in works of books and in movies. Why does your book matter? Abbie Emmons videos teaches how to write a character development. Characters are the heart of the book.

[@r.nicogorodetzky3084]

I don’t see anyone talking about it in the comments yet, but I’ll just go ahead and agree loudly that some types of trauma should be left off the page, unless of course the author has a great reason for including it (type of genre, for example). That’s even if the main character is unwilling to commit any acts. I have read a few books (one unpublished) that tried to use really dark themes like this to get us to like anti-hero-ish heroes. For example, in the unpublished work, the main character was in love with a demon. That in itself is workable and interesting enough to engage the reader. But the demon slowly became terrifying (and worse yet, the main character didn’t even seem to notice! And it WASN’T supposed to be a horror). In an attempt to prove that the demon loved the main character, he very violently murdered some people who (randomly; it completely jarring) kidnapped her and were apparently going to kill or rape her. Again, this wasn’t supposed to be a horror. And so when the demon finished (in horrible detail), the main character very excitedly hugged him and was somehow completely fine. Meanwhile, and this was maybe the weirdest part, the demon was concerned that he did traumatize her. The author of this is a smart woman, by the way, and someone who otherwise writes well. But there is a reason this ended up unpublished. (And not just the fact that there was gore, to be fair! But everyone is learning.) The published ones I simply never finished. Sometimes they were too personal to something I knew, and other times, it was just a drastic change in tone that just can’t be recovered without changing the meaning of the entire novel. Some books can and should do this, but most of them don’t need to, and really shouldn’t. Even people who haven’t been in something traumatic by age 30 don’t really want to be left TOO uncomfortable!

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Yep, better to play it safe. Sometimes people chase the “shock” factor without realizing that people just don’t want to read that.

[@Suprkpa]

I guess it depends on your target market. I personally love these stories. A little off from a pure novel, but Ito Junji is fantastic if you do like horror.

[@kawaiilemming5487]

@@Suprkpa Junji Ito's work is a great example :) that sort of stuff I think is great for thriller/horror stories (which I love to read and am currently writing) But I can totally see how it would feel out of place if it's too dramatic or in the wrong genre 😅

[@msGirlyest]

Yeah I think the difference is whether it is being romanticized or not. I do love reading a good story where a character who commits the evil acts gets justice, and not when it's glorified

[@ubacat1617]

I know this is an older video but I just happened to find you recently. In regards to your topic in this video I always hated when characters would act out of character. What I mean by that is if a person is supposedly a caring and reserved person and then does something that would be way out of character for them. It's at those times, I just stop reading and wonder why the writer did that. Did they just try to push it in because it was part of the outline or was there something from the character's past not revealed?

[@JoanieDoeShadow]

If you're only getting plots from watching film and not character you're watching mediocre to trash movies. Solid character writing is necessary to excellent screenplays.

[@DrakeDarkvision]

I didn't understand "failing to suspend disbelief" :-(

[@AuthorLevelUp]

Basically, readers know that fiction is fake when they sign up to read your story, and they’re willing to tolerate the fictiony parts of fiction (magic, flying, dragons, talking robots, etc). They’re willing to sacrifice logic for the sake of enjoying the story. But if you do things that take it too far, they’ll stop believing in the story and focus instead on the flaws in your story. Hope that makes more sense.

[@DrakeDarkvision]

@@AuthorLevelUp Ahh ok yes now I get it thanks! You speak and explain your ideas very clearly and in an organized manner, so love your videos bro! Respect from South Africa!

[@ELMENDORFX]

Sorry, going back to writing apps for iMac, iPads and iPads... would a Shrivener be a good writing app for songwriting? Would a Ulysses or other writing app be a better app for songwriting? Or is it just apples and oranges preference? Could you suggest a writing app with an iPhone, iPad iMac for songwriting. Thank you

[@Yatukih_001]

1. Use public domain protagonists first. 2. Start with the villain. 3. Refuse to ignore the power of your fantasy. 4. Avoid plotting everything first. 5. Write the introduction. 6. Rewrite the first paragraph. 7. Rewrite the first paragraph again. 8. Give the protagonist and the antagonist an opportunity to produce a sequel. 9. Use public domain fantasy creatures first. 10. Use your own fantasy creatures later. 11. Put yourself into your characters´shoes. 12. Watch documentaries about the history of the countries you want to set your story in, unless its a country you made up. 13. Refuse to let your belief about the shape of the Earth be in the way of your writing style. 14. Be open - minded. Everything you believe might be wrong. 15. Try to use real life examples as inspirations behind your characters. 16. Let everything lead slowly to the climax. 17. Avoid making the climax look too unbelievable. 18. Put yourself into your character´shoes to make them say memorable quotes. 19. If you want to write demonic possession, try to use new ideas. 20. Study the people who live close to you. 21. Study more people. Thanks for your video man! Kind regards from Ásgeir in Iceland.

[@teddewberry9324]

If I wanted to read one of your books, what one would you recommend?

[@AuthorLevelUp]

For writing, I’d start with Be A Writing Machine. For my fiction, check out my Book Wizard tool: www.michaellaronn.com/bookwizard

[@teddewberry9324]

The book wizard said to read “Android X”

[@josephcrews6423]

I think U might have put down the wrong link

[@aidenv551]

techniques of the selling writer

[@deckrect]

Your detective is not doing this because he is in a hurry to catch a criminal. He does it because he needs to solve problems. This is his mark. Everything in his life spins about the fact he feels he is someone, by solving problems.

[@oskarwinters1873]

I do that soap thing, if u asked me i'd probably just say are u not smart enough to do that too. It's not that I don't want to rationalise my behaviour it's that you just asked a stupid question. It doesn't need an explanation you know why his is doing it, it is faster. If you find people not wanting to explain things to you, it's because they think you are stupid. people like to rationalise their behaviours, in fact retrospective rationalisation is a thing humans do constantly.

[@southking_8903]

While I found the video interesting, and informative, I would say that playing safe is aiming for mediocrity. Luckily George R. R. Martin and Quentin Tarantino didn't get the "play safe" memo.

[@garynaccarato4606]

One problem with using movies as a guide to write characters or to create a book/novel is that movies don't really do as good of a job of enabling the watcher to get into the heads of the characters as well as what a novel/book is able to do that.

[@GatAtTube]

Writing like Steven King ...u have to be extremly lucky being published...

[@bearvillebear1468]

Keep strong. Dont forget that despite the evil in this world, God is full of justice, mercy and love. Justice said we broke His perfect law - causing the world's previous perfection to be destroyed - and therefore we deserve Hell (like a punishment in any legal system but this is eternal as His perfect law is eternal too). Don't think you fit in that category? Ever done one of these?: lying, stealing - regardless of how small the object EVER, hating others - which is murder in God's perfect law, lusting (plus God sees our entire thought life). Justice says "the soul that sins shall die". BUT, mercy said "I dont want to give them what they deserve. I don't want them to be cut off from Me. I love them despite all they have done/will do against Me. I want to give My children another chance. I want them to come home and live in My love again". And love said "Jesus, God's Son, came down as a Man, our representative, suffering every temptation, pain and struggle we have ever faced, yet without sin. He took all our sins (past/present/ even future) to the cross and then crucified EVERY ONE on our behalf. Justice was paid on the cross so that we can be free from Hell's punishment, experience Gods mercy of forgiveness of sin and live in His love. If we turn from the sins we have committed and repent (turn away from our sin and pursue the opposite direction of love through Christ) He will, overtime, recreate us back into that previously perfect image through The Holy Spirit which Jesus sends to all who accept Him as their personal Lord and Savior of their life. He is in Heaven right now preparing a place for us so that He can take His faithful, believing children home with Him when He returns. He will ressurrect us from death when He returns, giving mercy to those who accept His love, instruction and teachings in their life, and give justice to those who refuse it. He doesn't want ANY of us to go to Hell and die for continuing in evil and rejecting His way to life, thats why He died FOR us. He wants us to be His and begin to follow His life of love and service through Him (not ourselves as it's impossible without depending on His power and instruction). So long as we keep our hearts near to Christ through His strength, strive to obey His will of perfect love revealed in the Bible, and ask Him to help us in the midst of (very certain) pitfalls and struggles, we will, in time, win the victory over sin, pain and DEATH through Christ. Even if you are willing to be made willing, or struggling or doubtful, simply be honest and tell Him that. He is not intimidated by ANY sin or struggle you are facing. ANY. He hears and will answer. If we pray for Him to come in, regardless of the condition, then He will. NOTE: You are NEVER too sinful or messed up that God cannot turn your life around through Jesus. EVER. If you have any questions let me know X

[@joepissman9493]

why was my comment deleted? tiny tooth distracting btw

[@timflatus]

By the way, older British viewers respond to "What's up?" with "Nothing!". It's fine if you want to limit your audience to millennials. All right?

[@jenilynneful]

Sorry, but film is great at detailed characterization

[@jurikase1683]

What a crap, you can learn a lot about characters and character development from tv-series, movies, and stuff, I learned more about creating great villains, from the movie "The Dark Knight.", than from any book, I've ever read, and I read a lot in my life.

[@elliebarrett449]

Thank you!

[@donarnold8268]

Thank you!