The Author's Journey with Gary Khan

#21 Characterization - Using Actions to Write Compelling Characters

July 22, 2020 Gary Khan Season 1 Episode 21
The Author's Journey with Gary Khan
#21 Characterization - Using Actions to Write Compelling Characters
Show Notes Chapter Markers

Life is filled with action. We are what we do after all. The characters we create are no different. What a character does – their habits, mannerisms, nervous ticks, the way they move tells us a lot about them. This is one of the techniques of indirect characterization. 

In this episode, we explore the first method of indirect characterization – action, and why it is so effective at revealing character. Then we look at how to write character using action, and as a bonus I share a great distinction between strong verbs and weak verbs to help this process along. 

 

Key knowledge you will acquire in this episode:

  • Definition of Indirect Characterization
  • Difference between Strong and Weak Verbs
  • How to Write Character Using Action
  • Examples from Literature

 

For more information on related content check out my website at www.TheRealGaryKhan.com 

 

Music Credits:

Is it fine if i kiss you? by Barradeen | https://soundcloud.com/barradeen
Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US

Intro: Quotes
Indirect Characterization Definition
Strong Verbs vs Weak Verbs
Characterizing Using Action
Examples From Literature
The Big Takeaway: The Indirect Method - Action
Outro