In a guest post on Jami Gold’s blog, Becca Puglisi says that special skills or talents can help make your characters more distinctive. “At first blush, this may not make sense,” Puglisi says. “Why does it matter that my character can bake or read people or throw their voice? These are things they do. What does a talent or skill tell people about who they are?”
Puglisi says that these talents and skill can add layers to your character:
- Personality Traits. For example, if your character is an accomplished dancer, you could infer that she is disciplined and driven, works hard, and may be a perfectionist. “Revealing a talent in the story’s opening is a great way of showing this information to the reader instead of telling them,” Puglisi says. “Then it’s just a matter of reinforcing the associated traits as the story goes on.”
- Other Strengths and Abilities. Your character’s talent will suggest others skills they need for that activity. “If your character is skilled at hot-wiring cars, for instance, they’re also going to be good with their hands, have knowledge of wiring and how electronics work, and be adept at blending in and avoiding notice,” Puglisi notes.
- Values and Morals. How the character uses their skill will reflect their values and morals. “When it comes to using skills to characterize, the how and why can matter even more than the what,” Puglisi says.
- Motivation and Backstory. The reason your character has pursued this skill will say a lot about their motivations and backstory. Is your character emulating a mentor or loved one? Using their skill to rise out of poverty or get the affirmation they need? “The reasons behind your character’s pursuit of a talent or skill can reveal a lot about their fears, wounding events, healthy and unhealthy coping mechanisms, and motivations,” Puglisi writes.
- People Skills. Some talents will require your character to be good with people. Others will let your character avoid unwanted contact. “This information can give readers a hint about whether your character is an introvert or extrovert, as well as their level of social aptitude,” Puglisi adds.
