Character Development

When I was in grade school, I loved writing stories. I loved creating characters that were precisely how I envisioned them to be. I often made the hero (always a girl😜) practically perfect. I created strengths and abilities in her that were missing in me. I loved it.

It wasn’t til much later in my life that I began to appreciate my weaknesses instead of resenting them. I viewed my shortcomings as opportunities to grow and change. I could see that the best characters are flawed, and that’s what makes them great. The work it takes to evolve, to master something, to learn, to improve—that was the key to making characters (on the page or in real life) beloved.

Years ago, my uncle rang my doorbell. I was 10 or 11, and it was just my sister and me at home.

He explained he had come by to see if we had toys we could donate? I cannot even remember who he was gathering donations for—but I clearly recall the panic I felt. I didn’t want to give anything away!

Reluctantly, I told him I would look and see what I could find. I went down to the basement, looking for something I could bear to give away.

NOTHING!

I walked back upstairs and told my uncle I didn’t have anything. Nada. Just move on, please. Go.

He looked at me intently, and his eyes pierced my soul. I was hot with shame.
“You can’t find anything you could give?”

Embarrassed, I agreed to look one more time. I was getting tired of all this harassment. I grabbed two dirty, extremely worn stuffed animals and presented them with pride.

”You can have these,” I declared.

I’ll never forget the look of disappointment on my uncle’s face, or the disappointment in myself. I knew I had been selfish. Even so, I watched him leave with my two meager offerings.

I felt like such a jerk.

It would be a terrible story if that was the end, but thankfully, it’s not. Just like the characters I created on paper, I knew I could develop and change.

I first noticed my dad, who was a great example of generosity. I watched other members of my extended family and how they were generous with their time and resources.

As young married people with nothing, we became the recipients of other people’s generosity. We got help with refrigerators, jobs, entertainment centers, couches, and even a van!

I started practicing being generous. I gave what I could, even when we didn’t have much to give, and especially when I didn’t want to do it.

I developed my character.

There is so much power in understanding that we are the writers of us. No one else gets to do it. You do.

Character development is definitely not a straight line. There are bumps and flips and curves and setbacks and enormous hills and tragic valleys. It’s all there. The development is interesting…it’s compelling.

Practically perfect is boring. Great characters are not perfect ones. Don’t believe your brain when it tells you, “it’s just how I am, and I can’t be any different.” It’s a lie, and it’s an excuse.

Pick up your pencil, and start creating the character you want to be.