Writing characters: If you’ve already tried creating characters, don’t read this. It’ll break your heart

Quick and easy ways to character build, write character traits and show not tell

I love Mother’s Day and not just because I am one!

It is an important time of the year. 

Certainly mums shape our character, especially when we are young.

And in turn they can also shape the way we care for our children and grandchildren.

So as you sit down to create an autobiography, memoir, biography or other life-story project think about how to portray characters like VIP mums.

Next, keep reading as I show you ideas for creating characters that sparkle …

Related article – Writing tips: The ultimate guide of life-story tips for new writers

Who’s who when writing characters?

Everyone mentioned in life stories are characters.

For example, mothers are characters and also fathers, siblings, partners, children, best friends, workmates and others.

And as we write about each person we must introduce them for our readers.

In short, you need to describe them, their essence and how they make you feel.

However, this doesn’t need to be done in a long, rambling essay format.

Instead a few well-chosen points for writing characters will do a wonderful job!

Related article – Memory recall: How to fast track remembering childhood memories + long-term memory retrieval

First impressions and writing characters

A super place to begin when you are writing characters is with the facts.

For instance, if you are introducing your mother, start with her appearance.

So explain how tall she was, her hair and eye colour, and dress style.

Next include what she liked doing.

For example, what was her career or role in the family, hobbies or interests? 

Why or how did she choose these paths?

Also think about the way she spoke:

• Do you remember her saying specific phrases or words? 
• Did she have a favourite saying? 
• Did she have an accent?

Indeed, all these things might seem trivial but the power is when you put them together.

Related article – Dialogue like a pro: See how easily you can use speech marks and quotes in writing

Natural habitats

The locations you write about in life stories are called settings.

For instance, this includes towns, neighbourhoods, childhood homes, schools, workplaces, etc.

Indeed, just like writing characters, there are many to describe!

However, the good thing is the two go hand in hand.

That is to say, describing a setting will often explain or reveal more details about a character.

For example, if your mother loved gardening you could describe her garden, what she grew, her favourite flowers, how she tended to the plants or how she excitedly bottled her home-grown tomatoes!

Related article – Super settings: Setting examples and how to write the setting for your life story

Show and tell

Many character traits are more than skin deep.

For example, we can say a mother was ‘caring’ or ‘thoughtful’.

While, this is good, a more memorable writing characters idea would be to describe her acting this way.

That is to say ‘show don’t tell’ to paint a picture of a character’s nature.

For instance, describe how your mum organised a surprise party for your dad and how she let you skip school to make his birthday cake together.

Indeed this is a much more heartfelt way of showing how your mum cared and loved her family. 

Related article – Visual writing: Become a visual storyteller with visual writing techniques

Final say: Writing characters

Creating stand-out, fully formed characters is within reach.

Simply describe the facts (looks, pastimes, dialogue), settings and show personality through stories.

Certainly, mums are one of the most important characters in our lives.

So this Mother’s Day, give your mum the gift of preserving her as a VIP character in your life story.

Happy writing!

Free gift!

Want to help a loved one record their life story? I’ve created the Your Family Stories System to guide you through the process. Get the first few sections for free by signing up here.

Your say

Had a go creating characters? I’d love to read your work. Send me an email or leave a reply in the comments section at the end of this article.

Get in touch

Have you hit a roadblock planning, creating, polishing or finishing a life story? Let me know here so I can help!

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First published May 3, 2018: This article has been updated and improved.