Add Character Details to Show Meaning


Don’t TELL your reader about the characters. SHOW the characters.  Instead of telling that the kid is misbehaving, show him pouring paint on the the sofa.

DO

  • Use vivid imagery
  • Use the most specific word possible
  • Make the reader have feelings for the characters
  • Give each character a special characteristic that you mention more than once (maybe shifty eyes, is super bouncy, or speaks very slowly)

DON'T

  • Avoid TELLING about your character 
  • Don't summarize
  • Don't bore your reader with generic characters 
  • Don’t give a full description of each character 

Example: 


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