Backstory here, backstory there, backstory everywhere!

The Twirl and Swirl of Letters

I like backstory far too much. So much that I end up working on it for months, little minute details of characters’ lives that will never see the light of day.

It leaves me drained. Writing about what happens in the actual context of a story shouldn’t be that hard, but with all the backstory I come up with…to quote my roommate, “Why don’t you just tell the backstory?” It would be a lot easier.

I should. I really should. But I’m a glutton for punishment in the creative sphere of things.

Should I just wing it? To Hell with the backstory? Or should I continue with my insane planning, as ultimately every action has a reason, even if said reason is twelve years in the past?

And so I’m back (from outer space)

General Geekiness
CC Syd Daoust

CC Syd Daoust

My exams are done. I’m back and should have slightly more time for blogging.

As of late, I’ve been steadily working on my novel, now tentatively titled Summertime Blues but that will probably change. Proofreading is draining, especially since I’ve realized the novel needs far more help than previously expected. I’ve determined that this draft is repetitive and boring, and that Will annoys the crap out of me with his emo-lite whining. Primarily first person POV is not conducive to this story.

At least as the writer I realize that it is by no means a masterpiece. Better that I recognize its faults than praise its few (if any) virtues.

On character development (part VI)

The Twirl and Swirl of Letters

The Character’s Wealth, Power, and Influence.
1. Does this person have much money? Does it provide position or respect from others for him

He’s 19. He only has what he’s earned, and doesn’t get any respect for it.
2. Is your character generous or selfish with their money and possessions?

He’s generous with food, but is a bit of a miser.
3. Is the character socially prominent? Are they prominent from wealth, position, office, family history, ability or accomplishment?

No. He hasn’t done much.
4. Does the character rate high in the “pecking order” within their own household? Town? Area? Nation? World?

Nope. In his household, he ranks below his younger sister (or perceives it as such). In his town, he’s known as his parents’ son. Apart from that, no one has any idea who he is.
5. Does this person wield much clout? Over whom and by what means?

No.
6. Can they command others to do their bidding, by word or manipulation?

Only in his dreams.
7. How do they get their desires?

He goes after them himself, using his own money.
8. To whom are they subservient? Is this submission willing or unavoidable?

He’s subservient to his parents and bosses. It’s unavoidable.

On character development (part V)

The Twirl and Swirl of Letters

The Character’s Emotions and Personality

1. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert?

He is very much an introvert. He doesn’t enjoy party situations and has a difficult time meeting new people. He’s talkative enough, but it is very difficult for others to get to know him.
2. Do they get along well with people? Do they have charm or charisma? Are people naturally attracted to them?

He gets along well with those he knows. He’s a bit charming, but it takes time to find it.
3. Do they have many friends? Any close friends?

He doesn’t have a lot of friends, but the ones that he does have are very close. His best friend is actually his cousin/penpal, who he’s never actually met.
4. Would you describe your character as hot-blooded or cool headed?

He’s cool headed.
5. Do they have a narrow or wide range of emotions? Do they show, or are the emotions concealed? Why?

He’s a very emotional person, but does his best to conceal how he really feels. He doesn’t like the idea of people knowing how to get the upper hand when dealing with him.
6. Do they indulge in emotional peaks, outbursts, or valleys? Often?

He tries to limit the amount of emotional outbursts that he has. Exposing his emotions makes him feel weak.
7. Would you describe them as sensitive or callused?

Sensitive.
8. Is your character suspicious, cautions, trusting, or oblivious about people or situations?

He’s cautious and would rather observe a situation than jump into it.
9. Are they an aggressive or reactive person? Act or react?

He’s a reactive person, and waits for things to happen to him rather than seeking out new and exciting things.
10. Do they typically take positive or negative action?

Positive. He likes to be happy.
11. In a dangerous or emergency situation, would they go toward the situation or run away?

He’d hover at the edges, able to help if need be, and just as easily run away.
12. Is the character basically nervous or calm?

He’s primarily calm.
13. Does the character have a sense of humor? Do they appreciate jokes? Can he see humor in any situation? Can they laugh at themselves?

He has an off beat sense of humor based on observation. He likes a good joke, but not the typical teenage sex jokes. He finds Judd Apatow boring. He can laugh at himself.

14. Do others find them amusing? Are they a practical joker? What do they think about tricks or jokes played on other people?

Others find him amusing enough. He’s not a practical joker, but loves when other people (not himself) get pranked.
15. Is their humor ever cruel?

Sometimes it borders on cruel, but it never involves the physical or emotional harm of others. Sometimes his humor falls in the black comedy variety, like the work of Martin McDonagh.
16. Are there any conditions that would cause them to be harmful, mean, or cruel to another person?<br />
17. Are they a loving person? Are they capable of relating to one specific person in a romantic way?

He’s a very loving person, but someone has to earn his trust in order to gain his affection. He’s capable of being in a romantic relationship.
18. Is the character loved by any other person, in what way?

He’s loved by his parents in a nurturing way.
19. Is the character romantically in love now? With whom? Is this a happy, rewarding or frustrating situation for them?

He’s not romantically in love, but has a strong attraction to his friend Linda. It’s frustrating for him, because Linda is dating someone else, and he’s too honorable to make a move.