Can you visualize your characters? Not everyone has the ability to picture things in their minds. But this is a good skill for a novelist to develop. Why? You’re more apt to develop a realistic character. And your characters will be more likely to remain in characters throughout your story.
I’ve edited novels wherein two or more characters used the same terminology—often starting their sentences with “Well…” or using a pet phrase such as, “My point is…” (which you hear often on the TV show, 2 and a Half Men). As authors, we have to be careful not to bring too much of ourselves into our stories—at least when we’re fleshing out several characters. In other words, make sure each character is as different as you are from your sister, neighbor, friends, coworkers and former classmates, for example.
It helps some authors to create character boards or cards. List the traits, description, idiosyncrasies, habits, speech patterns, favorite terms, etc. of each main character and refer to this chart or list often as you refine your story.
Once you have created your key characters, visualize them—their way of speaking, mannerisms, dress style, etc. and bring these differences to mind each time you use them to move your story forward—that is each time you have that character speak, respond or take some sort of action.
PLFry620@yahoo.com
http://www.matilijapress.com
http://www.patriciafry.com