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Describing people what do you prefer...?
When describing characters I fall into three categories, which do you prefer or does it matter or would you use all three?
The generalizing description: The popular boy flaunted his perfect complexion and matching wardrobe, and spoke in a mocking tone.
Or
Small details added in: The tall brown haired boy was as popular as the expensive clothes he wore, tones of high-society played in his mocking voice.
Then really detailed: The wavy brown haired boy looked down on any student not wearing the latest fashion trend. Trends he normally set, his popularity made him practically royalty. His pompous attitude cut to the bone with his educated vocabulary.
When I introduce a character I typically go into one of these templates. I normally don’t reflect on witch one that would have worked best until my second rewrite. I was just wondering what one (if any) you found best, or related best to you?
Thx for reading and any comment you might leave…
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Depends. I like to look at my characters through another's eyes, not the things they note.
ReplyDeleteIf I do describe a character, I like to find a single distinctive feature, one that someone might notice, and use it until I can name them. Like...
The taller boy, his long black hair pulled into a braid, shook his head at her, putting a finger to his lips, before he removed her gag.
The shorter of the two, who had striking topaz colored eyes, bent to her binding, a knife in his hand. His eyes were hard as stone, too, and his face and furious. His hands, however, were amazingly gentle. After the ropes fell away, he took a moment to rub her hands and feet, before helping her to her feet.
I try to tell as much as I need to get an impression and no more unless someone is studying one of my characters in detail.
Great sample... thx
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of the seemingly random but potent detail thrown in to a general description. I find it much easier o describe characters physically than to describe personalities (I think it is easier to show these).
ReplyDeleteAs for really detailed: I like that only for major characters - seems gratuitous if used with supporting characters.
I also like to have others character's reactions to another character serve as my descriptor for them. This kind of gives you a two pronged approach as Character 1 reveals something of him/herself in the reaction to Character 2.
Cheers, Jill
Must. Proof. Comments.
ReplyDeleteRedone blurb:
The taller boy, his long black hair pulled into a braid, shook his head at her, putting a finger to his lips, before he removed her gag.
The shorter of the two, who had striking topaz colored eyes, bent to her binding, a knife in his hand. His eyes were hard as that faceted stone, his face furious. His hands, however, were amazingly gentle. After the ropes fell away, he took a moment to rub her hands and feet, before helping her to her feet.
When I'm describing people in my stories I usually do it little by little unless its a major trait or description that needs to be described right at that moment.
ReplyDelete