As I was working on the one for Characters, it struck me that well-structured character actions and reactions can make some of the most beautiful writing.
Nora Roberts is my favorite when it comes to writing that draws me in. I even use an example from one of her books VISION IN WHITE to show how actions can not just move a scene along; they can also get in description less clumsily.
Just as they reached the
door, it opened. The man who stepped out wore an open coat, no hat, gloves or
scarf. The wind immediately kicked the dark hair around his ridiculously
handsome face. One glance at Mac had his well-cut lips curving and his
sea-at-midnight eyes lighting.
“Hey Macadamia.” He hoisted her up by the elbows, smacked a kiss
to her lips...
What do we see there? 1. The person described doesn't react to cold. LOL 2. He has blue eyes and black hair and is
handsome…yet never once does NR say…his eyes were blue…She gets those
descriptions into action. 3. Subtext…he knows her. He likes
her. He teases her…he calls her macadamia. A nut! LOL
Nora Roberts USES physical
description and action to tell us a great deal about the character’s
personality. But also to inform us about the relationship, even as she moves the story along.
Genius.
Physical description is
important in terms of making sure the character’s physical characteristics
match their part in the story, but the way you present it can do double duty if you
can tuck the description into an action or reaction. If your protagonist is ugly,
for instance, people are going to react to that. If he’s handsome, same deal.
If he’s average, the very fact that they don’t react can play into your story.
USE EVERYTHING.
But also notice how Nora Roberts's paragraph flows. There's no story stoppage. (We interrupt this scene to give you an important description! LOL) Instead we are drawn in. We are in the moment with the characters.
That's good characterization and good writing. :)
Happy Monday...And happy reading.
susan meier
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