Memorable characters may be evil or fun or quirky. They could be sweet or different or unique. If you could have any performance role, who would you choose? Alice in Wonderland? I’ll pass. Give me The Mad Hatter. Harry Potter? No thanks. I’ll take Bellatrix Lestrange. When auditioning for theatrical roles as a child, I didn’t necessarily want the lead role- just the most fun. Oklahoma- I couldn’t decide whether Aunt Eller or Ado Annie was the most fun. I ended up with Aunt Eller. I didn’t want to play little orphan Annie, but instead, the tough flawed role of Pepper. Who stands out to you and what does this say about your writing?
I’m drawn to the quirky, flawed side. Aren’t we all? Just a little bit? It brings entertainment. And a picture book is one huge opportunity to entertain. Funny…with all of the amazing posts from our 2015 ReFoReMo challenge, we didn’t have one specifically written for characters. (Although, Susanna Leonard Hill did touch on this important topic in HER POST.)
So, let’s dig in! Right here, right now.
“Qu-aracters” with a Capital Quirk
I’m drawn to the quirky, flawed side. Aren’t we all? Just a little bit? It brings entertainment. And a picture book is one huge opportunity to entertain. Funny…with all of the amazing posts from our 2015 ReFoReMo challenge, we didn’t have one specifically written for characters. (Although, Susanna Leonard Hill did touch on this important topic in HER POST.)
So, let’s dig in! Right here, right now.
“Qu-aracters” with a Capital Quirk
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A big round of applause for Cat from HERE COMES THE EASTER CAT!
Cat= Grumpy, jealous, a little bit devious= funny
In Cat's first book (Easter Cat), he is motivated to take action against the Easter Bunny and ends up [PARTIAL SPOLIER ALERT] transforming with a compassionate action by the end.
And Cat's quirkiness is catching, as he continues to be featured in new books.
Cat= Grumpy, jealous, a little bit devious= funny
In Cat's first book (Easter Cat), he is motivated to take action against the Easter Bunny and ends up [PARTIAL SPOLIER ALERT] transforming with a compassionate action by the end.
And Cat's quirkiness is catching, as he continues to be featured in new books.
On your feet for Mojo from BIG BAD BUBBLE!
Mojo= Paranoid, fearful, excitable, over-reactive= silly
Mojo is convinced that bubbles will attack all of the creatures of La La Land and ends up finding out that bubbles are harmless…but [SPOILER ALERT] butterflies are something else.
Mojo’s transformation is what I like to call…he learned something, but then worried himself into a tizzy again. Hilarious!
(And Adam Rubin leaves a "quirky stamp" on his other books, too.)
Mojo= Paranoid, fearful, excitable, over-reactive= silly
Mojo is convinced that bubbles will attack all of the creatures of La La Land and ends up finding out that bubbles are harmless…but [SPOILER ALERT] butterflies are something else.
Mojo’s transformation is what I like to call…he learned something, but then worried himself into a tizzy again. Hilarious!
(And Adam Rubin leaves a "quirky stamp" on his other books, too.)
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Standing ovation for CRANKENSTEIN!
Crankenstein= Complainer, moody, unpredictable= amusing, playful
Crankenstein is an ordinary boy until unfavorable events transform him to a breaking point…but [SPOILER ALERT] a similar friend is enough to bring a good mood.
Quaracters are catching, huh?
Recipe for Quirky Characters
Acquire generous helpings of unfavorable moods.
Mix in a unbelievable mission. [Examples: Payback Easter Bunny, spread disastrous news…]
Blend with funny, silly, or exaggerated actions.
Bake until transformation occurs.
Throw in a surprise ending.
Which characters have left an impression on you? Do you prefer quirky over sweet and innocent? Which performance role would you love to play? Why? Share your analysis below, then head over to Carrie On… Together to catch insider info on Mighty Media Press.
Crankenstein= Complainer, moody, unpredictable= amusing, playful
Crankenstein is an ordinary boy until unfavorable events transform him to a breaking point…but [SPOILER ALERT] a similar friend is enough to bring a good mood.
Quaracters are catching, huh?
Recipe for Quirky Characters
Acquire generous helpings of unfavorable moods.
Mix in a unbelievable mission. [Examples: Payback Easter Bunny, spread disastrous news…]
Blend with funny, silly, or exaggerated actions.
Bake until transformation occurs.
Throw in a surprise ending.
Which characters have left an impression on you? Do you prefer quirky over sweet and innocent? Which performance role would you love to play? Why? Share your analysis below, then head over to Carrie On… Together to catch insider info on Mighty Media Press.
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