Writing Roots

Not all characters have to have a speaking role to be influential to the plot. One type of character you may consider is an inanimate object. These can have some external influence, such as The One Ring, or simply exist as a comedic relief.

Listen to this episode for a breakdown of how to use objects as characters, their common tropes and roles, and why it can help in your storytelling process.

First aired May 29, 2023.

Each character needs both successes and failure. This is important especially for your main protagonist(s). They need to struggle, to fight, but they also need the occasional spot of hope that helps them continue on.

In this bonus episode, we talk about how to create successes and failures for your characters whether you’re a plotter or pantser.

First aired May 27, 2023.

The Greek Chorus is a character type most often used, but least often recognized outright. In a few examples, such as Disney’s Hercules, the Greek Chorus is literal. In others, this type of character is melded with another character type. What you as the author needs to know, is that this character is essential in helping your reader understand what’s happening.

Whether they’re asking questions the readers will inevitably be asking, or providing a narrative framework, consider including a Greek Chorus for your readers.

First aired May 25, 2023.

A society can be its own kind of character within a story, designed to be the support system for the main character. It can be the team for a heist, the organization of magic users, an underground network, or a leadership council.

Whatever role they play within the structure of the world, there are a few things you should know about the typical role of the society that will help you develop one for your story.

First aired May 22, 2023.

Bad guys need helpers. These can be characters to help carry out their plan, to be roadblocks for the protagonist, or even to be the comedic relief. There are many uses for the Villain’s Chorus.

Like the Greek Chorus, these are usually secondary and tertiary characters. They fill the ranks and help the antagonist appear to have power and control, even if it’s simply one character. They aren’t limited to being minions, though. Listen for more ideas on common tropes and traits to include with the supporting cast of your villain.

First aired May 18, 2023.

Even if you’re telling a grim story, having a character to fulfil the role of comedic relief can go a long way in holding your readers. This character breaks tension, is usually likeable, and serves the story in a unique way.

In this episode, we talk about common tropes and uses for the comedic relief to help you as you craft the perfect cast of characters.

First aired May 15, 2023.

In the process of crafting a story, you may find that you need a character that will turn the tides. Not your main character or maybe not even one of their crew. What you need is a secret ingredient that for one reason or another helps tip the scales.

This can be a character whose ability was thought useless, or a mistreated helper to the villain. The secret ingredient character plays an essential role in the end of the story. Listen to this episode for more about how to create that secret ingredient in a way that helps the story come together.

First aired May 11, 2023.

You will find in most stories that the main character is surrounded by a supporting cast. These secondary characters often fill specific roles as they help the main character progress through the story. They cheer on the hero, provide key knowledge and skills to the team, and are often the source of much-needed comedic relief.

Listen to this episode for more on the common tropes, traits, and archetypes for your secondary characters.

First aired May 8, 2023.

Even if you aren’t telling a Hero’s Journey story, you may have a mentor in your cast. They don’t have to be the wizened old person who lives as a hermit. They can simply be a friend or family member who helps guide the character through their trials.

In this episode, we talk about what makes a mentor and how their story can grow without interfering with the main character’s arc.

First aired May 4, 2023.

This month, we are covering the second of the three pillars of storytelling: characters. Without characters, there is no story. But it’s more than simply the hero and the villain. There is a whole cast of characters who can help you build a story that will draw readers in and keep them interested in the outcome.

Our first focus will be on the trusty sidekick. This is an essential piece of support for your main character. They need someone to turn to, to rely on, and to motivate them into taking down the antagonist. A sidekick can take many forms.

In this episode, we look at types of sidekicks and what kind of role they can play in your story.

First aired May 2, 2023.