9 answers
Pearl
Student
6
Questions
Updated
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How to understand a different perspective for characters?
Hi. So I want to make a story, but I want the characters to flourish with diversity (disabilities, race, personality, etc.) but I don't know how to make a character through their eyes. Say they had epilepsy, I want the character to be relatable and true to other epileptic people. Edit: Thank you for the tip about not stereotyping people.
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9 answers
Daniel Alegi
story coach, story developer
2
Answers
Karlstad, Varmland County, Sweden
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Steve gave you a great answer and I agree with it. Steer clear of cliches and labels and allow your character to be revealed through action and choices.
Stories normally kick-off with pattern-breaking events that must be urgently dealt with, or else. Is your character discovering the condition during the movie, or is this is a condition that existed before specific narrative facts emerge? It's a challenge to write defective heroes: I am thinking for example of Raymond in "Rain Man", played by Dustin Hoffman. He has always been on the autistic spectrum but his character grows surprisingly throughout specific moments in the script, not only because he is mentally ill.
Another possible angle is to have the first manifestation of epilepsy as the actual incident/hook of the story.
Are you are planning to show on screen the physical and emotional POV experience that epilepsy actually feels like, trying to show from the inside what it may feel like to have electrical shocks in the brain? Remember, there are documentaries on the subject, so do research before you begin, it will ground your fiction in reality.
Hope these suggestions help too, make a movie that matters!
Stories normally kick-off with pattern-breaking events that must be urgently dealt with, or else. Is your character discovering the condition during the movie, or is this is a condition that existed before specific narrative facts emerge? It's a challenge to write defective heroes: I am thinking for example of Raymond in "Rain Man", played by Dustin Hoffman. He has always been on the autistic spectrum but his character grows surprisingly throughout specific moments in the script, not only because he is mentally ill.
Another possible angle is to have the first manifestation of epilepsy as the actual incident/hook of the story.
Are you are planning to show on screen the physical and emotional POV experience that epilepsy actually feels like, trying to show from the inside what it may feel like to have electrical shocks in the brain? Remember, there are documentaries on the subject, so do research before you begin, it will ground your fiction in reality.
Hope these suggestions help too, make a movie that matters!
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
52
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
You've brought forth an intriguing scenario. I encourage you to delve deeper into your narrative and its characters. Remember, your characters are more than just labels like 'a 19-year-old Asian male with epilepsy.' What's the essence of your story? Once you've figured that out, construct your premise around characters who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
Consider this: your character aspires to join a sports team, but is diagnosed with epilepsy. How does he grapple with the harsh reality that his dreams may not come to fruition? Does he have a mentor, perhaps an older sports legend, who guides him through his trials?
Writing about unfamiliar topics can be challenging. It's much simpler to write about what you're familiar with. The people in your life can serve as inspiration for your characters. For instance, if you have a sister or a close friend, you understand their reactions in various situations. Write from their viewpoint, given you know them well enough to predict their responses and behaviors. If you know someone who's not particularly pleasant, use them as the villain in your story. How do they interact with others? What's the moral you want them to learn by the end of the story?
Remember to use archetypes and steer clear of stereotypes. This is crucial for character development and avoiding overused storylines.
I hope these suggestions prove useful. Best of luck!
Consider this: your character aspires to join a sports team, but is diagnosed with epilepsy. How does he grapple with the harsh reality that his dreams may not come to fruition? Does he have a mentor, perhaps an older sports legend, who guides him through his trials?
Writing about unfamiliar topics can be challenging. It's much simpler to write about what you're familiar with. The people in your life can serve as inspiration for your characters. For instance, if you have a sister or a close friend, you understand their reactions in various situations. Write from their viewpoint, given you know them well enough to predict their responses and behaviors. If you know someone who's not particularly pleasant, use them as the villain in your story. How do they interact with others? What's the moral you want them to learn by the end of the story?
Remember to use archetypes and steer clear of stereotypes. This is crucial for character development and avoiding overused storylines.
I hope these suggestions prove useful. Best of luck!
Zoe Miller
Network Engineer
4
Answers
Lawrence Township, New Jersey
Updated
Zoe’s Answer
You have some excellent advice to follow through on; research will be necessary when you want to develop unique and immersive characters. You can make your character's epilepsy a positive part of who he or she is. He could have superpowers and only have episodes of epilepsy when he overuses his powers. Writing is simplistic; writing well takes repetition along with developing captivating characters. Have fun writing eventually it will all flow together.
Nicole Selkov
Project Manager
21
Answers
Saint Johns, Florida
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
If your goal is to write believable characters, then you have to understand the community you are trying to represent. I suggest that you spend some time getting to know actual members of that community.
Some ideas might be:
- Reading autobiographies
- Watching movies/TV
- Following social media accounts
Most importantly, do some research into how this media is perceived. Read Reddit threads and reviews. What are community members saying? What parts of these depictions resonate with them? Which feel unrealistic? What shared experiences and perspectives do you start to see?
Some ideas might be:
- Reading autobiographies
- Watching movies/TV
- Following social media accounts
Most importantly, do some research into how this media is perceived. Read Reddit threads and reviews. What are community members saying? What parts of these depictions resonate with them? Which feel unrealistic? What shared experiences and perspectives do you start to see?
Thanks for your suggestion!
Pearl
Doc Raymond
songwriter
12
Answers
Hiawassee, Georgia
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Pearl,
As a novelist and songwriter, let me say that developing characters is probably the most challenging aspect of creating a story. Let me provide you with an example. Lyrics in a song are really nothing more than a short story. So if I want to write a love song from the perspective of an older woman, I have to put myself walk in her shoes. Feel how she feels. Understand her needs. Seek her dreams. Not so easy for a man, but because I have known so many women that could be that character, I can draw from them all and create lyrics that speak for all. I hope that makes sense to you. To use your example of someone with a debilitating disease, in one of my novels "A One in a Million Chance of a Lifetime", my main female character is stricken with ALS. In order for me to write her story, I had to research the disease, the symptoms, the outcomes, the journey and apply them to her. I have never known someone that had suffered from ALS, so had no personal experiences to use. As an author, the most important thing I had to do was KEEP IT REAL. To not offend anyone that was going through the disease or any family that had dealt with it. The bottom line is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH before you work in developing a character. Hope this helps.
Go for it!
Doc
As a novelist and songwriter, let me say that developing characters is probably the most challenging aspect of creating a story. Let me provide you with an example. Lyrics in a song are really nothing more than a short story. So if I want to write a love song from the perspective of an older woman, I have to put myself walk in her shoes. Feel how she feels. Understand her needs. Seek her dreams. Not so easy for a man, but because I have known so many women that could be that character, I can draw from them all and create lyrics that speak for all. I hope that makes sense to you. To use your example of someone with a debilitating disease, in one of my novels "A One in a Million Chance of a Lifetime", my main female character is stricken with ALS. In order for me to write her story, I had to research the disease, the symptoms, the outcomes, the journey and apply them to her. I have never known someone that had suffered from ALS, so had no personal experiences to use. As an author, the most important thing I had to do was KEEP IT REAL. To not offend anyone that was going through the disease or any family that had dealt with it. The bottom line is RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH before you work in developing a character. Hope this helps.
Go for it!
Doc
Ratika Mishra
Senior Content Strategist
6
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Ratika’s Answer
Character development is an important part of storytelling. To be true to your characters you need to do loads of research. You need to ensure that the characters are authentic to their self. Have a back story for them to make it more real, It helps the readers to connect with their characters if they (readers) feel connected to them.
To do character research try reading more and more books. Do a google search, if you want to present a disease explore the symptoms on Google, will be helpful if you can connect with a doctor to understand more about the disease and probably spend some time with someone who is battling the disease. It will help you observe the nitty gritty of the character suffering for the disease.
You can also find some case studies to help your character development. Watch movies based on your plot line. The point is to spend as much time researching, reading, writing and then rewriting several drafts to ensure your character is true to its self. Have a strong character to ensure a connected and strong story.
Happy writing
To do character research try reading more and more books. Do a google search, if you want to present a disease explore the symptoms on Google, will be helpful if you can connect with a doctor to understand more about the disease and probably spend some time with someone who is battling the disease. It will help you observe the nitty gritty of the character suffering for the disease.
You can also find some case studies to help your character development. Watch movies based on your plot line. The point is to spend as much time researching, reading, writing and then rewriting several drafts to ensure your character is true to its self. Have a strong character to ensure a connected and strong story.
Happy writing
Ben Reagan
Digital Learning Consultant (Content Writer)
4
Answers
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Pearl asks an excellent question here about how to write diverse characters!
Writer/Director Ken Levine once talked about this. He thinks of the character first before thinking of a specific label or aspect of their identity.
What is the whole/core of the character's personality and self? People with disabilities are regular people with desires, frustrations, and a variety of interests. Perhaps instead of writing a story specifically about a character's disability, write a person whose disability is a part of their broader human experience.
I agree that research is crucial, especially if you can talk to someone who shares a main aspect of your character's identity. Another practical writing tip is to invest in sensitivity readers. You can find sensitivity readers who volunteer or charge a small fee to read your work and provide feedback on how it comes across to people with a particular identity.
Best of luck and keep writing!
Writer/Director Ken Levine once talked about this. He thinks of the character first before thinking of a specific label or aspect of their identity.
What is the whole/core of the character's personality and self? People with disabilities are regular people with desires, frustrations, and a variety of interests. Perhaps instead of writing a story specifically about a character's disability, write a person whose disability is a part of their broader human experience.
I agree that research is crucial, especially if you can talk to someone who shares a main aspect of your character's identity. Another practical writing tip is to invest in sensitivity readers. You can find sensitivity readers who volunteer or charge a small fee to read your work and provide feedback on how it comes across to people with a particular identity.
Best of luck and keep writing!
Hosna Saba
61
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Hosna’s Answer
Hello Pearl,
Bringing characters with unique traits or disabilities to life is like adding the perfect spice to your story—it makes everything richer and more interesting! Plus, your readers will love characters who feel real, relatable, and totally unforgettable. Here’s how to do it, with a little dash of humor and fun to keep things lively:
1. Dive Headfirst Into Research (Without Getting a Brain Freeze)
Think of research as your story’s secret sauce. Learn the basics of whatever you’re exploring (epilepsy, personality quirks, or even someone’s love for pineapple pizza).
Stalk Smartly: Okay, maybe don’t actually stalk anyone, but read blogs, watch videos, and get into the nitty-gritty of real-life experiences. Reddit is your new best friend for raw, unfiltered stories!
Talk It Out: Find someone living with the experience you’re writing about. (Pro tip: Don’t say, “So, what’s it like being different?”—you’ll probably get the look.)
2. They’re People, Not Walking Labels
Imagine someone describing you only by your quirks: “Oh, that’s the coffee-guzzling procrastinator who lives in hoodies.” Not fun, right? Your characters are so much more than their epilepsy or background. Give them:
Dreams: Maybe they want to win a baking contest despite being an oven hazard.
Flaws: Like laughing at bad jokes or snorting while they do.
Goals: Their big thing—becoming a detective, saving a kitten, or just finding the perfect Wi-Fi connection.
3. Walk in Their Shoes (But Maybe Don’t Steal Them)
To nail a character’s perspective, imagine being them for a day. Ask yourself:
What’s it like dealing with their challenges?
How do they handle awkward situations—like their crush catching them mid-seizure or hiccup?
Are they secretly a ninja at navigating tricky social moments?
4. Ditch the Stereotypes (Seriously, Burn Them)
Avoid making your character a walking trope. Nobody wants to meet “Inspirational Disabled Guy™” or “Token Quirky Friend.” Instead, give them:
Depth: Good days, bad days, and days where they just really want tacos.
Real Reactions: Maybe they’re not always upbeat. Maybe they get frustrated or crack dark jokes about their situation.
5. Turn Challenges Into Strengths (Superhero Style)
Disabilities or quirks can be empowering. Your character might:
Be amazing under pressure because they’ve had to adapt.
Bring a unique perspective that saves the day. (Like spotting a plot hole in someone else’s evil plan—take that, villains!)
6. Show, Don’t Lecture (No Soapboxes Allowed)
Nobody likes being told what to feel. Let your character shine through actions and interactions:
Instead of saying, “She had epilepsy and it was hard,” show her calmly prepping for a seizure like a boss—or laughing it off when she accidentally faceplants into a cake.
7. Get Feedback (Before You Declare Yourself a Genius)
Once your story’s brewed, have someone with real-life experience read it. They’ll catch the parts that feel “off” and might even throw you a high five for nailing their perspective.
8. Add a Dash of Humor (Because Life’s Funny, Even When It’s Hard)
Even serious topics have room for a little laughter. Your characters don’t have to be comedians, but maybe they joke about their struggles or find humor in weird situations.
9. Practice Perspective-Taking (Roleplay Without the Dice)
Write journal entries or “a day in the life” pieces from your character’s point of view. Bonus points if you use a little sass or sarcasm—it’ll help them feel alive.
10. Just Have Fun With It
Seriously, don’t overthink. Characters come to life when you’re having fun. They’re like weird little friends who hang out in your head. Enjoy the ride—and don’t forget to invite us to the story’s premiere!
Remember, your goal is to create characters who jump off the page, grab readers by the heartstrings, and maybe make them laugh-snort in the process. Happy writing! 🎉
Here are some places to learn and gather inspiration: Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com HealthUnlocked Epilepsy Community: https://healthunlocked.com/epilepsy Writing the Other (workshops on diverse character writing): https://writingtheother.com
Ultimately, your characters’ experiences may differ, but their emotions—joy, anger, love, fear—are universal. By connecting their personal journey to those feelings, you ensure relatability for any reader.
Bringing characters with unique traits or disabilities to life is like adding the perfect spice to your story—it makes everything richer and more interesting! Plus, your readers will love characters who feel real, relatable, and totally unforgettable. Here’s how to do it, with a little dash of humor and fun to keep things lively:
1. Dive Headfirst Into Research (Without Getting a Brain Freeze)
Think of research as your story’s secret sauce. Learn the basics of whatever you’re exploring (epilepsy, personality quirks, or even someone’s love for pineapple pizza).
Stalk Smartly: Okay, maybe don’t actually stalk anyone, but read blogs, watch videos, and get into the nitty-gritty of real-life experiences. Reddit is your new best friend for raw, unfiltered stories!
Talk It Out: Find someone living with the experience you’re writing about. (Pro tip: Don’t say, “So, what’s it like being different?”—you’ll probably get the look.)
2. They’re People, Not Walking Labels
Imagine someone describing you only by your quirks: “Oh, that’s the coffee-guzzling procrastinator who lives in hoodies.” Not fun, right? Your characters are so much more than their epilepsy or background. Give them:
Dreams: Maybe they want to win a baking contest despite being an oven hazard.
Flaws: Like laughing at bad jokes or snorting while they do.
Goals: Their big thing—becoming a detective, saving a kitten, or just finding the perfect Wi-Fi connection.
3. Walk in Their Shoes (But Maybe Don’t Steal Them)
To nail a character’s perspective, imagine being them for a day. Ask yourself:
What’s it like dealing with their challenges?
How do they handle awkward situations—like their crush catching them mid-seizure or hiccup?
Are they secretly a ninja at navigating tricky social moments?
4. Ditch the Stereotypes (Seriously, Burn Them)
Avoid making your character a walking trope. Nobody wants to meet “Inspirational Disabled Guy™” or “Token Quirky Friend.” Instead, give them:
Depth: Good days, bad days, and days where they just really want tacos.
Real Reactions: Maybe they’re not always upbeat. Maybe they get frustrated or crack dark jokes about their situation.
5. Turn Challenges Into Strengths (Superhero Style)
Disabilities or quirks can be empowering. Your character might:
Be amazing under pressure because they’ve had to adapt.
Bring a unique perspective that saves the day. (Like spotting a plot hole in someone else’s evil plan—take that, villains!)
6. Show, Don’t Lecture (No Soapboxes Allowed)
Nobody likes being told what to feel. Let your character shine through actions and interactions:
Instead of saying, “She had epilepsy and it was hard,” show her calmly prepping for a seizure like a boss—or laughing it off when she accidentally faceplants into a cake.
7. Get Feedback (Before You Declare Yourself a Genius)
Once your story’s brewed, have someone with real-life experience read it. They’ll catch the parts that feel “off” and might even throw you a high five for nailing their perspective.
8. Add a Dash of Humor (Because Life’s Funny, Even When It’s Hard)
Even serious topics have room for a little laughter. Your characters don’t have to be comedians, but maybe they joke about their struggles or find humor in weird situations.
9. Practice Perspective-Taking (Roleplay Without the Dice)
Write journal entries or “a day in the life” pieces from your character’s point of view. Bonus points if you use a little sass or sarcasm—it’ll help them feel alive.
10. Just Have Fun With It
Seriously, don’t overthink. Characters come to life when you’re having fun. They’re like weird little friends who hang out in your head. Enjoy the ride—and don’t forget to invite us to the story’s premiere!
Remember, your goal is to create characters who jump off the page, grab readers by the heartstrings, and maybe make them laugh-snort in the process. Happy writing! 🎉
Hosna recommends the following next steps:
Patrisha Nicole Ramos, RPm
Talent Acquisition Partner
7
Answers
Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Patrisha Nicole’s Answer
To authentically understand and write from perspectives different from your own, especially those involving unique life experiences like disabilities, cultural backgrounds, and varied personalities, here are a few suggestions that might help you create relatable and realistic characters:
Research and Real-Life Accounts: Dive into firsthand accounts, books, articles, blogs, or forums where people share their personal experiences.
Respectful Consultation and Sensitivity: Sometimes, connecting with people who have lived these experiences firsthand can be invaluable. Reach out to communities, support groups, or individuals willing to share their stories, emphasizing your intention to write with respect and care.
Subtleties in Personality: Recognize that characters are not defined solely by their disabilities or backgrounds. Focus on developing their whole selves—their likes, dislikes, quirks, humor, and dreams.
Research and Real-Life Accounts: Dive into firsthand accounts, books, articles, blogs, or forums where people share their personal experiences.
Respectful Consultation and Sensitivity: Sometimes, connecting with people who have lived these experiences firsthand can be invaluable. Reach out to communities, support groups, or individuals willing to share their stories, emphasizing your intention to write with respect and care.
Subtleties in Personality: Recognize that characters are not defined solely by their disabilities or backgrounds. Focus on developing their whole selves—their likes, dislikes, quirks, humor, and dreams.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Pearl