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
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.
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.)
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.