In preparation for developing background personalities on characters in my mystery,
In preparation for developing thorough background portraits on the characters in my novel (Cold Cases of Pittsburgh: Murder at the Canalucci Creamery), I asked several friends to participate in a short survey.
My characters’ biographies are several pages long, even without the random stories I sometimes write to get a better idea of what adventures, disappointments, and successes comprise their pasts. In a character-driven novel, it is critical that people are likable, hate-able, consistent, inconsistent, messed up, fun, irritating … in essence, like real breathing humans.
For me, what sets a good novel apart from a mediocre one is that somehow, I fall in love with the character(s). Harry Bosch from Michael Connelly is one of my favorite examples. Even when I want to slap Harry upside his head or shake him straight, I love him and reading about his life. Harry’s struggles and his core beliefs have drawn me in from book one and keep me reading novel after novel.
If We’ve Met, Your Personality May Wind up in a Story
My mind carries around snippets and combinations of people who have crossed my path. I jot random notes here and there to be used in the future. In this day of easily snapped phone pictures, I may even sneak a shot of you. These habits work to help me develop characters like KT and Dia from two early women’s novels (waiting for re-writes), Lizzie and Maeve from my current mystery (querying), and Olivia and Celeste—the two whose story I’m now writing.
Even with these bits and composites of people roaming around in my imagination, this time as I sat down to flesh out the cast, I thought I’d approach the work differently. Since pieces of my friends usually appear in my characters, I thought instead of me picking out their attributes let’s see what my friends had to say about themselves.
I asked:
- What is your most irritating personality trait?
- Which trait serves you best?
- What is your most endearing/favorite trait?
- Who is your favorite fictional character and why? (Yes, the ladies mentioned a few chaps they like for eye-candy purposes. What can I say? Certain handsome men are hard to resist drooling over.)
First, I was humbled because each friend answered my inquiry. Second, I knew their answers were honest because of how well I know them. Third, I was struck at how frequently we see a certain quality as annoying when those around us see that peculiarity as an asset.
Personalities, I Wisely Write, are Complex
That’s a simple statement with a whole lot of depth behind it, right? We are so much more than extravert/introvert, open or closed, conscientious or haphazard. We are an amalgamation of multiple traits—some in direct, unapologetic, conflict with the others. If we were to meet in one type of atmosphere, you would find me outgoing, gregarious, lively. But to meet me under other circumstances, I might be shy and reticent to talk.
Those internal shenanigans going on led me to think about how we have first and second traits.
My husband Alex’s first trait is strength of character—of conviction. His second trait, unknown to all except those few who know him best: he’s hilarious. On purpose.
Sister Jackie’s (Seester) first trait? Sweet kindness. The second trait that I have seen in her many times in the last several years? Strength to match Superwoman’s. Take no prisoners, defend family like a fortress, kind of strength. Who’d suspect it from such a little thing?
Younger brother Joey’s (Wojo) first trait? Good natured humor as a fundamental life approach. Second trait? Gentleness to rival Mother Teresa. Stunning.
Youngest of us, Joanne, aka Punk Kid Sister (aka PKS) has as her first trait thoughtfulness, surprising you with the simplest of gifts that happens to absolutely match what your mood needs right at that moment. Second trait? Sheer determination. When she sets her mind on conquering XX, XX is conquered.
One of my obvious traits: Instigating. As in nicknaming my siblings.
Growing up as a redhead with three black-haired siblings, I got various monikers while they were left with their true names, undistorted or mauled. When I realized that although I would hear a lifetime of Red, Blaze, Freckle-Faced Strawberry, and more, they were Jackie, Joey, and Joanne. My mission was founded. You see how I fared. Or how they faired.
My first trait is jumping into life with both feet compared to an occasionally popping up second trait of caution as I think, Ut oh, what did I do this time?
Discovering our characteristics
Every person has levels of variation in our personalities. Years ago when I worked in California, I had a colleague I’ll call DD. The first time I met her, I thought, this will be a difficult person to get to know. She was in accounting and was stoic and laid back. As what has happened frequently in my life, we ended up bonding over humor. DD stepped out of the women’s room and her long flowing dress had gotten stuck in the waistband of her pantyhose. How many of us ladies have had that happen? I shyly, quietly, pointed it out. She was stricken until she began to laugh. We’ve been friends ever since. First trait: serious introvert. Second trait: open and caring friend.
What are your answers to the above questions? But further, beyond the first obvious things, what’s your second trait? And how do you use these attributes to get through, manage, and enjoy life?
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Hi Rose Mary – what an interesting post and I also love Harry Bosch (and the Lincoln Lawyer) I think my strongest trait is perseverance, never give up, and my second trait is optimism but I think that one is fueled by faith.
I know your strongest trait has to be your compassion for others. You truly do help lighten the load for many.
Lenie, your optimism fueled by faith has inspired me more than once! I can also see your perseverance. That is an admirable trait and really one that a person has to cultivate to get through life with a modicum of sanity. You are very kind to say that I have compassion. That is a person I strive to be.
Hi Rose: The trait that has served me best is also the one I like the best: I am friendly and caring and truly treasure friendships. I would say my most irritating trait is my lack of patience. That is definitely a work in progress and I am striving to become more patient. I’ve come a long way, but feel I still have a long way to go.
Totally cracking up to hear you see you lack patience, Doreen. I would not have guessed this about you. Since I’ve heard that we find most irritating in others the trait that irritates us about ourselves, we will have a very interesting first in-person meeting (this year!). I am full of patience for people–except when they are bad drivers–and no patience with inanimate objects. Like, zippo. I make myself crazy and I feel I keep God highly entertained with my rants about things like (blog pending) unwrapping Benadryl tablets. HA!
Interesting post Rosemary.
I have never given much thought to having a first and second trait. Hmm…. my first trait is I am a natural introvert and my second trait is I am all for justice and become “Mrs Advocate” when the need arises. I should have been a lawyer! It is not the easiest of things to look at your character and identify what you like and dislike. Sometimes you do not even like everything about yourself but are unsure how to change.
I can see both these traits in you, Phoenicia–totally the advocate for anti-bullying, for being nice, for sharing. It is terribly hard to change things about ourselves, but when someone with our best intentions in mind points out an area where change is needed, we owe it to ourselves to really look at that aspect and adjust our behaviors. Otherwise, what’s the use in having honest friends?