Characters Talk

When developing characters, my goal is to develop a distinct voice for each. I consider voice, cadence, slang, dialect, and word pronunciation. For example, in a chapter book I’m still tinkering with, one of the characters has a lisp due to missing front teeth, so some of her words become slurred. “Great” becomes “gweat.”

The tone of voice is a consideration. Tone can be serious, funny, formal, sarcastic, cheerful, or any other attitude. In my picture book, The Munched-Up Flower Garden, Liz is excitable and upset. Her attitude is expressed through dialog and actions.

Cadence is the rhythm of the text. Does your character speak in long or short sentences? Another character I’m currently developing uses more sophisticated words than his friends. These elements give characters uniqueness.

Think of each character as a real person and remain consistent throughout the story with his/her particular speech patterns. Word choice in speech reflects the time in history. If characters are contemporary, they use language that reflects today, but if they lived in the 1920s, their word choice should sound differently than that of modern-day kids.

Realistic dialog makes characters seem real and adds appeal to their personalities. 

Call for Submissions for Young Writers:

The Amazing Kids! Magazine is an award-winning online publication created by kids and teens like you! We are proud of the amazing creative work kids can do, and love showcasing it here on our website! Take a look and get inspired to write your own stories or articles!

Submissions guidelines at http://mag.amazing-kids.org/

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

Youth Imagination is interested in creative fiction stories by teens as well as by adult authors. Make the stories awesome, inspiring and engaging. Our goal is to publish the best writing for and by teens. We particularly love stories exploring their issues, such as bullying, drugs, romance, school, parental issues, teacher issues, etc., as well as about the grit and character of teens and young adults.

Submissions guidelines at https://youthimagination.org/index.php/yi-submissions

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 48 children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK.

Leave a message or check out my blog at www.nancykellyallen.com