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#22 Characterization – Using Reactions To Characterize

Actions and Reactions Reactions are one of the most visceral ways to bring characters to life because it makes them relatable. Indirect characterization is where the author leaves clues in the text on what the character is like. This week, we study how character reactions characterize. There are two main sets of reactions: Firstly, your focalized character's responses to external stimuli and secondly, the other character's reactions to your character.   Understanding Reactions I am going to stand on the shoulder of a giant with this article. Arlene Prunkl, a freelance editor, wrote a...

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#21 Characterization – Using Dialogue to Characterize

Dissecting Characterization Through Dialogue Indirect characterization shows readers your characters? traits without explicitly describing them. It includes the use of action, dialogue, other characters? reaction to the specified character, and physical descriptions....

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#20 Characterization – Using Action to Characterize

What?s in An Action One of the ways to write indirect characterization is to use action, because it reveals a lot about the character. For example, it reveals the way they move, their mannerisms, their habits and out of character actions. This technique is one of the...

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#19 Characterization – The Direct Method

The Direct Method This week we study the direct method?of creating a character. This method entails the author telling the reader what the character is like so It includes the details authors explicitly describe. The direct approach is especially helpful in certain...

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#17 Plotting 101: Writing Shocking Plot Twists

Plot Twists According to Wikipedia, a plot twist?is a?literary technique?that introduces a radical change in the direction or expected outcome of the?plot in a work of fiction. It may change the audience's perception of the preceding events, or introduce a new...

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#16 Plotting 101: Bridging Plot Gaps in Your Writing

Plot Gaps in Your Writing Your writing couldn't possibly have any plot gaps. You're too legit and your story is amazing. For your sake I hope that is the case. When I sent my manuscript for professional editing, I was surprised at the whoppers I missed in my own...

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#15 Plotting 101: The Elusive Magic of Subplot

An Introduction to Subplot Writing subplot can be elusive. We learnt in past weeks that plot is the dramatic restructuring of your chronological story. This article explores the idea of subplot. What is subplot, and what purpose does it serve in our narrative? Why is...

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#14 Plotting 101: Unravelling the Elements of Plot

The Elements of Plot The Elements of plot can be as simple as beginning, middle or end. Alternatively,? you can use complex structures that would make your literary professor salivate. In this article, I share my plot structure methodology because it's simple,...

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#13 Plotting 101: An Introduction to Plot

A Proper Introduction to Plot This article is an introduction to plot and the first of a 5-week series which answers two questions: what is a plot and which elements make up the plot? If you are an aspiring author, use this guide because it will help you craft a solid...

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