In a post on Writers Helping Writers, Angela Ackerman says that your hero’s job should be much more than an occupation. “One area of characterization that is often underutilized, yet oh-so-powerful, is the choice of job,” she says. “Whether the work is so suited to them, it feels like their calling in life, or they chose it only because it pays the bills, their choice reveals their inner layers in an ultimate display of show, don’t tell.”
If your hero has a job she loves, the reader will immediately have an idea about her values, motivations, and skills. “An Animal Rescue Worker will love animals, have a lot of compassion, and be the type of person to step in and help others in need,” Ackerman writes. “A Funeral Director will be someone who is empathetic, respectful, and carry the belief that all people, regardless of who they are, deserve a dignified end to their journey in this world.” While you may want to steer clear of stereotypes, the right job can provide a fast track to characterization.
A hero who isn’t too excited about – or hates – his job can also tell us a lot. Your protagonist may take a job out of desperation or because they have at-home demands that prevent them from working a traditional job or schedule. Your hero may take a job to avoid stress or dealing with people. Maybe your character likes the anonymity of a certain job or the hours. The possibilities are endless, Ackerman says.
