How to start creating fictional characters?
Creating fictional characters is an art that combines creativity, patience and technique. It is an exciting but also challenging task for any writer. It all starts with a desire or a concept that we want to explore. For example, a writer may have a dream of writing a detective story. From this idea, unique and memorable characters can be created.
What tools are needed to bring your characters to life?
Before bringing your characters to life, it is essential to have a set of tools in your writer's belt, which you will acquire over time and with constant practice.
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Character Concept: Define what you want your character to represent. In the course example, we created the concept of Pulpedro, an underwater detective, who lives in a world where justice is essential.
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Typology: Determine the typology of your characters. It can be, as in the case of this course, cartoon-like characters, who belong to an animated and fantasy world.
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Rewriting: Don't underestimate the importance of rewriting. No great character is born perfect. It is through revision and modification that you will achieve the desired story and character.
How do we build an integral character?
To bring a character to life, it's not enough to know what they look like or how they act in the beginning, you need to develop their psychology and background. This includes determining their archetype, desires, fears, strengths and weaknesses.
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Archetype: Define the archetype that fits your character. In Pulpedro's case, he embodies the rebel in a corrupt world, rather than the typical hero.
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Mask and Motivation: Characters often wear masks to fit their environments. Pulpedro, for example, wears a mask of indifference to survive in a corrupt society.
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Flaws and virtues: Every strength has its weakness. Pulpedro's intelligence could make him arrogant, underestimating enemies who might take advantage of his confidence.
How is the character's inner world developed?
One of the keys to creating believable and interesting characters is to delve into their inner world, which involves defining their desires, fears and aspirations. This is essential for anyone who wants to connect emotionally with their audience:
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Desires: Pulpedro longs for justice in an unjust world. This desire is his driving force, what impels him to act.
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Fears: His greatest fear is that the inhabitants of the Great Coral will be indifferent to injustice, making his efforts in vain.
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Admirable qualities: Pulpedro admires virtues in others that he wishes for himself, such as curiosity, optimism and the ability to preserve innocence even in a hostile world.
What's next after building the character?
With your character well defined on paper, the next step is to bring it to life visually. This is part of pre-production in animated or film productions.
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Concept art: Once the character's psychology and conflict are defined, it is passed to the concept artist, who creates the first 2D sketches.
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3D Modeling: In the case of 3D series or movies, the next step is to take those sketches to the 3D modeler to bring them to life in three dimensions.
You are on an exciting journey where you, as a creator, have the power to bring to life characters that can inspire, entertain and touch people. Don't stop here. Keep exploring, writing and modeling. Character building is an ongoing and wonderful process that never ceases to surprise and evolve.
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