Character Development

Hey everyone!

While working on All I've Wanted, I have been diving into the development of the characters.

Tip: It's important to plan out the characters (personality, habits, mannerisms) before writing the story, but it is also important to develop them while writing.

My main character, Finley Madigan, is very much like me, in many ways. She's quiet and reserved, but she has a heart for the written word. As this is my first Christian fiction novel, I feel that as I write, my own personal story is being shown through it (in parts).

Okay, so here is the part that you are probably waiting for :)

This is an excerpt of my character plot chart:

Physical Description: Finley is 22 years old; graduate of high school. 5’6” with a petite frame. She has long, wavy, medium-brown hair that she often wears in a low ponytail or gathered at the base of her neck. Finley has soft, blue-green eyes. Soft face features with a small, pointed nose.

Personality: Daydreamer. Finley easily adapts to social situations, but she prefers to be alone with her thoughts. In the public eye, she comes off as meek and gentle, whereas in her family life, Finley is forced to defend herself from her mother. Anger, fits of rage and  yelling are commonplace in the Madigan household, but Finley’s nature is anything but hostile. 

Habits/Mannerisms: Soft-spoken. Carries a journal with her everywhere she goes.

Background: Finley Madigan was raised in a single family home with her younger sister Avery Madigan, by their mother Priscilla. Her father Arthur left the home when Finley was 8 years old. Her mother was forced to work a full time job as well as 2 part time jobs to provide for the family. Because of this, many times, Finley is left to care for Avery

As I continue to work on this project, I learn more and more about myself; my inner thoughts, my personality, how I understand people, etc. It is something that is very insightful, if nothing else.

I now leave you guys to think about your own story...who you are and how you present yourselves to the world. Who knows? Maybe a story can be developed from those thoughts  :) And as always, if any of you have questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you.

In the next post, I will be releasing an excerpt from the prologue of All I've Wanted.

Stay tuned :)

A.