Welcome to the second in my series of mini tips videos and blogs all about side characters. There are just six days left until the launch of 8 Steps to Side Characters. Today’s mini tip is all about the “three whys” your side characters need to create characters with depth.
Side characters don’t get the same page time as protagonists to explore their personalities. So you need to create the illusion of character depth. One way to do that is to use the “three whys” method.
Why 1 – why do they exist in relation to the protagonist? In other words, are they pushing or pulling on the protagonist? Are they a help or hindrance?
Why 2 – their personal why. In other words, what is their purpose in life? What do they want outside the protagonist? Are they trying to win something? Maybe they need to come out to their loved ones. Maybe they want a new job. This forms the basis of their subplot which hopefully intersects the protagonist’s.
Why 3 – every scene they appear in there should be a reason for their grand entrance. Are they bringing information? Are they causing a problem? Are they helping to solve the problem? Whatever the reason, they do need to have one for being in the scene, if not, cut them out. They’re wasting your precious real estate.
If you want to learn more about side characters and what the “three whys” are as well as how to use them effectively in your stories, then pre-order your copy of 8 Steps to Side Characters today. There’s only 6 days to go until launch…Pre-order today and if you submit your proof, you can get a sneak peek of the first 25 pages of the book before anyone else. AND you’ll also be in with a chance to win a bundle of paperback books and goodies.
Pre-order the textbook here:
https://books2read.com/sidecharacters
Pre-order the workbook here:
Want to order signed copies of Side Characters, then use this link:
https://sachablack.co.uk/store
Submit your pre-order proof here to be in with a chance of winning a bundle of goodies and to get a sneak peek look at the first 25 pages: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1IYhFhlu9vBSwell2J2tSwtIdxXMEYp-MVF-cvzixeNu22Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
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