Blog @ Work

Who's the main character?

It’s not that I don’t like exploring my characters, but this one is more difficult to me. I have to invent a male serial killer who murders three women. Because he is the main character I sort of must make him likable enough to make an acceptable story. A villain with no identification to readers will not suffice.

How do I accomplish this?

First I make a map of personalia: biographical notes including his name and what he looks like. Maybe I search for a photo that’s fitting the description or try to picture his home. I don’t have to use it in the story, but I have to know this as the writer.

Then I Google search on character development in a story (Writer's Digest): I need to develop his driving need, desire, ambition or goal. I explore the secret in his life, stumble on a contradiction or tap into a vulnerability. No better way than making this serial killer more human.

There are methods for deepening characterizations: fleshing out the character can begin by reflecting on real life people, or exploring emotional triggers like moments of shame, guilt, or failure.

When I construe all this material into the personal world of this killer I am convinced I have the frame work of a good main character.

There is work to be done.