How do you approach character development in your writing, and what do you think makes for a compelling character in a comic? - GC Forums
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How do you approach character development in your writing, and what do you think makes for a compelling character in a comic?
1. Do you have a method or process for making characters in particular?
2. Are there certain tropes you like or want to include?
3. Are there any you dislike or want to avoid?
Bonus:
I've heard from Hayao Miyazaki to draw "will" even if "fate" exists. Do you think about this at all? I find it really interesting as a lot of western media seems to focus on the "what" of things that happen to a character, rather than focusing on how characters react. Especially their emotional states and inner thoughts seem to be ignored. I like the idea of focusing on the character's will and letting that drive the story and plot development.
The only weird thing about that is you sort of lose control over the story at that point, and it might stray from the resolution you want as a creator. What are your thoughts on writing "will" vs "fate?
Growth. I think hands down, your characters must grow and learn in order to make them compelling and feel real. Master Class: The Last Airbender / Fullmetal Alchemist
Personally:
Theme + Character begins as one.
Theme allows me to build a network of arcs in overall progression of theme
Character becomes "alive" and an actor of this theme that can further drive other world events
In RL - Character inspires theme use for other characters indirectly
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My characters are created organically through the need to explore a troupe and built-in around the arc of main themes. It's kinda like the two (character and theme) are "born" together. Each character might be the star of the theme I want to explore - that they help shepherd and drive the expansion of such to other characters - all creating a network of themes in the overall story - with the plan to end themes on closure or commentary.
Example: Zola from the Fallen-harrowed regions of Tephonp - her overall theme is tenacity in healing (even though there is an overarching arc of healing for all characters, she is the harbinger of this lighthouse trajectory. Her inner journey arc is the catalyst to other healing arcs and in RL - her situations inspired what I wanted to explore in how other main characters healed. (her theme also lets me explore the journey we share - losing a sibling - so it was an organic personal need that blossomed her as a themed character)
Example 2: Kato -a High Fallen of the Keikosan empire. His theme is Dark Enlightenment. He has seen the infinite All of the universe and has concluded the nihilistic futility of existence. He shepherds and supports this theme for Neidah (another existential Fallen) and even Liannah (our Hero) in terms of grappling with what it is to be alive - and if that truly means and is worth anything.
Example 3: Hannah Desonai - theme: the oppression of oneself for the pursuit of duty. Purpose is an overarching theme in Eclipse. It is a driving force of "Destiny" that Liannah (the procured soul of higher deities) is forced to reckon with regarding the task that has been allocated to her. Such brings the equation of Free Will and Purpose into a philosophical study. Hannah, who willfully embraces the cold pursuit of duty, handles her worldview and relationships as such. Her ripples affect Liannah (as her sister) and too the consequences of action that surround their shared fates.