In DIY MFA‘s “Ask the Editor” feature, Elisabeth Kauffman fields a question on character descriptions. Is character description important and how can writers describe a narrator/protagonist without having them look in a mirror?
Some have argued that defining a character’s motives, history, habits, tastes, and failures will give the reader a greater sense of a character than knowing her eye color or clothing style. However, some idea of the character’s physical attributes is key to helping the reader immerse themselves in the story.
Kauffman’s tips for creatively describing characters include focusing on exceptional traits – is the character unusually tall or have hair down to her knees? Mentioning these types of physical attributes will go a long way to creating an image in your reader’s mind.
Kauffman also suggests writers consider their character’s insecurities – is the character self-conscious about their age or weight, their big ears or freckles? Using a compare/contrast with other characters can define a protagonist’s looks and personality at the same time.
Image by Ichigo121212 from Pixabay
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