Now, you also want to ask yourself how they stand, what they carry in their pockets or purses, what happens in their faces and to their posture when they are thinking, or bored, or afraid. Whom would they have voted for last time? Why should we care about them anyway? What would be the first thing they stopped doing if they found out they had six months to live? Would they start smoking again? Would they keep flossing? You
In her book "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life," Anne Lamott emphasizes the importance of understanding characters deeply. She encourages writers to consider the small details that reveal a character's state of mind, such as their actions, expressions, and bodily posture during different emotions. These nuances can add depth and authenticity to storytelling, making characters relatable and compelling.
Additionally, Lamott prompts writers to think about their characters' choices and values, like how they might behave if faced with mortality, reflecting on their priorities. By exploring aspects such as political beliefs and personal habits, writers can craft well-rounded characters whose lives resonate with readers, allowing for a more immersive narrative experience.
