A character’s opinions are how we both relate and differentiate characters. One of the biggest downfalls for writers that often ends in passive, unreactive characters is not giving them their own thoughts and feelings. You may have seen this before: “Okay,” she said, following him down the road.
This statement by itself is unproblematic. But you may have seen the character who agrees to everything, following others and essentially becoming a set piece in their own story. They don’t impact the narrative and the narrative doesn’t impact them.
But opinions, morals, ethics, sincere or insincere, give us insight into a character’s head, sometimes their goals or wishes. Not every character will be the most sensitive or politically correct, and that’s okay! A character’s opinions help define them–not you.
So here’s some subjects to get your brains goin’ and think about what your character thinks and feels about them. These are quite a bit tougher than the usual character questions, and your character may not have the nicest or socially acceptable opinions! But let them have them; they’re part of your character!
Make-up and wearing jewelry; do they think such things are superficial? Would they wear make-up and jewelry themselves? Should only certain people wear make-up and jewelry?
Authority and government: we all want a fair government, but is there a particular type they think works best? Monarchies, democracies, republics, anarchy, etc?
Sexuality and gender expression: are there two sexes? Should your gender match your sex? Are same-sex relationships valid? How about polyamory? Do they feel laissez-faire about it all? Are men and women equal?
Are they for or against the death penalty?
Is violence ever the answer? What about reciprocal violence, when you have already had violence acted out against you?
Are blood ties more important than bonds of friendship? Do they always put family before friends? Is your family always related by blood?
Do they believe in an eye for an eye?
Is technology, and the rise of technology, good or bad? Are traditions important or is change moreso?
Should we always forgive those who hurt us, or is it better not to forgive, sometimes? Are there exceptions?
Is meat-eating acceptable? Is it only acceptable under certain conditions? Are some meats off-limits?
What do they think of anti-depressants and medication to treat mental illnesses? Would they ever take medication themselves, if diagnosed with a mental illness? Would they ever seek treatment in the first place?
Coffee or tea?
Are there inherent differences between races and sex?
Do they strive for happiness or wholeness? Which is more important to them?
Are there exceptions to the law? Or is no one above the law? Is justice or mercy more important to them?
What do they think about recreational drugs? Not medically-prescribed but drugs taken solely for pleasure?
Are white lies okay? Should you always tell the truth, even when not beneficial to you or the recipient?
Should children do as you say, not as you do?
When does a child become an adult to them? When do they feel they became an adult–or will become an adult?
Do they want to become rich, or be content?
Do they believe in a soul-mate? Multiple soul-mates? No soul-mates?
What is the worst thing someone else could do to them–both in reality, and what your character believes is thw worst thing someone else could do to them.
What do they value in other people? What do they shun or hate or dislike in other people? What gets under their skin, and what do they look to for inspiration in others?
Is divorce acceptable? How long should a married couple try to work at a marriage before ending it?
Do the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few? Or should no one be left behind?
Do they believe people are inherently good, or bad? Neither? Are they cynical, pessimistic, optimistic?
Do they believe in the supernatural? Even just luck or chance?
If a man kills another man, is his child responsible for it? How about his brother? Are you your brother’s keeper?
I have a mute character in the story I’m writing and one of my beta readers suggested I use italics when they sign so that I don’t have to keep peppering “they signed” or “their hands flashed” throughout the piece.
But like…I always read italics in a different tone like they’re thoughts. It seems quieter than using normal quotations which makes what they say look less significant on the page than other character’s dialogue.
I really don’t think my audience needs me to use completely different punctuation around a mute character. There’s no need to act like they’re speaking a different language since their muteness isn’t a focal point in the story.
So really this reader’s comment has done the complete opposite of what they intended. Now I’m actively taking out as many of my “hands flashed” notations as possible and just writing in normal body language because, clearly, the other characters understand them and my audience doesn’t need to be coddled.
As an HOH reader and writer I can affirm that once the signing has been established it can just be treated like “said”.
You can add little things for emphasis though, like how fast or flippant a sign is given, also a lot of our “punctuation” is in facial expressions, so wild looks is kind of normal. Also messing up signs and just.. pushing them aside. Like, you mess up a fingerspell and just take both hands and shove the air in front of you to your side, people who sign eventually end up doing this for other things, like a “forget it” motion. It’s like a “wave it off” gesture.
Body language for someone who signs is a lot more animated than someone who speaks, as we use our upper body a lot in our conversations, so the act of “signing” is more than just hand signals.
Yes….yes GOOD this is the good stuff right here. I’m going to incorporate some of these ASAP ESPECIALLY the pushing the air but to clear it of your mistakes
Useless 