Beyond the Physical:
* Appearance: You don't need to list every detail. Choose a few key features that contribute to the character's personality or story.
* Voice: How does the character speak? Formal, informal, witty, sarcastic?
* Mannerisms: Do they have any quirks or habits? Fidgeting, a particular way of speaking, a nervous laugh?
* Emotions: What are their core emotions? How do they react to situations?
* Background: What are their past experiences, motivations, and aspirations?
Show, Don't Tell:
* Use action and dialogue: Instead of saying "John was angry," show him clenching his fist or using a harsh tone of voice.
* Focus on sensory details: Describe the way the character smells, the sound of their voice, the feel of their touch.
Why Describing Characters Matters:
* Relatability: Readers need to connect with the characters to care about their journey.
* Visualisation: Good descriptions help readers picture the characters in their mind.
* Character Development: Descriptions can show how characters change over the course of the story.
Examples of Good Descriptions:
* "Her eyes, the color of a storm cloud, held a strange mixture of sadness and defiance."
* "He spoke in a low, gravelly voice, each word carefully chosen as if he were weighing them before letting them go."
* "The way she walked, her head held high, with a slight sway in her hips, conveyed a sense of both confidence and vulnerability."
Remember:
* Keep it concise: Don't overload the reader with information.
* Focus on what's important: Choose details that are relevant to the character's personality and the story.
* Use figurative language: Similes, metaphors, and imagery can create vivid and memorable descriptions.
By combining these elements, you can craft compelling and unforgettable characters that will stay with your readers long after they've finished the book.