Characters?

[Nyx]

I was wondering if anybody could recommend an online resource or a book about character development? Creating realistic characters is still the hardest part of writing for me.

[Shaun]

Well, I've never read it, but Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card would probably be a good start, mostly because Card is an amazing writer and I would trust his judgment on character development more than most people.
One thing that you will learn is that a lot of writers recommend learning from real life. If you want to know how to write character dialogue, learn from real life. Watch how people interact and take some liberty with it.
But yeah, maybe that book would help.

[Nyx]

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm in the middle of reading my second book by Orson Scott Card and I completely agree that he's an amazing writer. The local library doesn't seem to have this book but I'll look for it the next time I go to the bookstore (hopefully that'll be soon).

[Shaun]

There's an Amazon for Canada, try looking there. You might save a few bucks.
Also, if you write SF or fantasy you might consider Card's book on how to write SF and fantasy. It's really good.

[Andy]

I posted two guides in the Guides section: one for creating characters and one for characterization. I know they're not books or online resources, but they might be helpful.

[Nyx]

Thanks Andy, I'll take a look.:)

[Nyx]

Also, if you write SF or fantasy you might consider Card's book on how to write SF and fantasy. It's really good.

My friend recommended that book as well! I've checked it out of the library but unfortunately I haven't had time to start it yet.:(

[Shaun]

It's darn good. You'll find it endlessly useful. I still remember it to this day.

[Ichigo]

Umm... I know about a site...that sort of helps I can't remember it though... I'll go and find it on TW if they haven't deleted it yet...

So after like ten minutes of looking, here it is.

Seventh Sanctum (http://www.seventhsanctum.com/)

[Carraka]

Wow, that's a very interesting generator site! I don't see where it helps with character development, but it definitely helps with character ideas, and naming, and place naming, and magic-spell naming, tavern-naming, etc. xD

Unfortunately, it won't let me thank you. I have to "spread some Reputation around". I'll try again later. -bookmarks-

[Nyx]

Thanks Ichigo, that's a cool site. I'll definitely use to it when it comes to adding some more characters to a story I'm working on.:D *bookmarks*

[Zuzy]

I have this book called Characters, Emotions & Viewpoint by Nancy Kress, it's in the "Write Great Fiction" series. I wouldn't say it's amazing, but it was an interesting read, and it help me... a little bit. If you struggle developing characters and would like more help, this book is for you, but if you're looking for advanced help (which is what I was doing) you might find it a bit of a waste.

[Nyx]

Thanks, I might take a look through it and see if it's right for me. I am so far behind on reading and writing though so there's another book on my to read list! Thanks again for the suggestion.:D

[Zuzy]

Here is a site that might help you out, as well. http://www.fictionfactor.com/characters.html

The whole site is good, but that's the character section. Another book I love, though it is on writing in general, is Writing Fiction by Gotham Writer's Workshop.

[Shaun]

Writer's Digest has a series of books. One of them is on Characterization. I think it's by Orson Scott Card, but I'm not entirely certain...

[Andy]

Writer's Digest has a series of books. One of them is on Characterization. I think it's by Orson Scott Card, but I'm not entirely certain...
Do you mean "Characters and Viewpoint"? I think I've got that book back at home.

Yeah, here's a link:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0898799279

[Shaun]

Don't link them to Amazon yet....we have surprise you goof!

Nobody buy anything from Amazon until after this weekend! Please! I beg of you...

[Nyx]

Oh wow a surprise? -starts snooping-