Writing Excuses Writing Excuses Season 2 Episode 23: Avoiding the Cliché with Tracy Hickman
14 snips
Mar 16, 2009 Live episode recorded at a symposium with Tracy Hickman discussing cliches and archetypes in characters. Delve into the importance of creating multi-dimensional characters and challenging cliches in storytelling. Explore the dynamics of strong antagonists and crafting authentic female characters. Writing prompt involves Howard being attacked by monkeys.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Use Unique Flaws for Characters
- Give characters flaws and quirks to make them more realistic and memorable.
- Choose unusual fears or faults to stand out and deepen character development.
Cliché Is Reader-Dependent
- Cliché depends on reader familiarity and genre trends, varying by audience.
- An archetype can be helpful but risks seeming cliché if not refreshed.
Shuffle Traits to Avoid Flatness
- Use archetypes wisely but shuffle traits among characters to avoid flatness.
- Build rich, complex personalities rather than relying on minimal characteristics.