We are often asked if characters should describe themselves at Writers Write. We are asked how they could describe themselves. When we came across this post by Stephanie Orges, we wanted to share some of her ideas with you. (If you want to read the full article, follow the link at the end)
Six Ways First Person Narrators Can Describe Themselves
By Stephanie Orges
1. Don’t describe him at all
Do your readers have to know what the protagonist looks like to understand the plot? If not, consider leaving it out altogether.2. Give it to your reader straight
If you are actually telling the story with frequent quirky asides to your “dear reader”, your hero can simply describe himself during introductions. But be warned: don’t try to force it if this isn’t your style.3. Embarrass them
Make them self-conscious about a physical flaw. She only smiles close-mouthed because she’s embarrassed by the gap in her teeth. He wishes he had biceps like the head jock.4. Compare and contrast with another character
‘My daughter has my crooked smile, but her father’s blue eyes’. These can even create a poetic effect, as you can simultaneously compare and contrast personality traits as well.5. Use dialogue
Her best friend gently explains dark roots are out of fashion. His father remarks he really ought to cut his hair (he looks like a hippie). Her enemy asks if she’s a natural redhead. Use compliments and nicknames.6. Show, don’t tell
If they are short, have them struggle to reach something most others could get. If tall, have them duck through doorways. If they are unattractive, make them self-conscious around people of the opposite sex. Your hero’s appearance is reflected in the way other characters react to it.Read the full article: Source
Source for Image
Awesome advice here! More helpful tips on describing first person narrators can be found in Literary Criticism, the Mirror Cliche, and Describing a First-Person Narrator.
-C
(via mistmountaindreamer)
ah yes…. the smell of victory
The flying fuck…?
I use Tumblr in my teaching: I’ve developed successful web sites (here and here) to see how the web network works for composition drafting, research, and interaction among the classroom’s students and with people outside the classroom.
I’m curious to see how Yahoo changes parts of the web site. As someone frustrated with continued corporate mergers, however, I am not optimistic: I just hope that the unique system of community building through re-blogging is not harmed.
It’s nice to see someone positive about this. I’m impressed!
Thanks—as I said, I’m not optimistic, so “curious” is about the best word I would use right now. But “positive” sounds better.
Oh no, he’s become self-aware.
(Source: kusheena)
Reblog If You Ever Used One Of These or Just Know What It’s Called
Ha! I still have a box full but no way to read them! xD
I’ve used many of these. Haven’t seen ‘em in forever.
Why, back in my day when I was a kid, they were thinner and floppier.
By cracky!
Yes, I remember the thinner, floppier ones—and Number Munchers!
if you ever think mythology is boring or serious business or whatever shit
just remember that cerberus, the hell-hound and guard dog of the underworld, comes from the root indo-european word ḱerberos, which evolved into the greek word kerberos, which got changed to cerberus when it went from greek to latin
ḱerberos means “spotted”
that’s right
hades, lord of the dead, literally fucking named his pet dog spot
So Cerberus was a dalmatian?
(via serza5)
ah yes…. the smell of victory
The flying fuck…?
I use Tumblr in my teaching: I’ve developed successful web sites (here and here) to see how the web network works for composition drafting, research, and interaction among the classroom’s students and with people outside the classroom.
I’m curious to see how Yahoo changes parts of the web site. As someone frustrated with continued corporate mergers, however, I am not optimistic: I just hope that the unique system of community building through re-blogging is not harmed.
Now all other cotton candy is just boring.
Ohmygawd
(via alzer)
Could this crossover please happen?
(Source: gotham2hyrule, via alzer)
the deal is done
our souls are in the hands of Yahoo.
and not in a good way either
(via eveeli)
Patty is part spider. It’s surprising that she never joined Arachnophobia.
(Source: thatanimefreakwithscars, via r1n-okumura)
(via eveeli)



