How to Write a Character DESCRIPTION (+ how to make your character describe herself)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 เม.ย. 2019
  • Describing characters is hard. There's a BALANCE between too much description and too little description. How do you find the happy medium? So that you're not boring your reader to sleep but instead piquing their interest with details that tell us a lot about the character being described (and the character doing the describing.) ALSO: how do you let your POV character describe HERSELF without looking in the mirror and going through a checklist of all her physical features (this NEVER happens in real life jsyk)
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ความคิดเห็น • 257

  • @justinahernandez3794
    @justinahernandez3794 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    "Don't do the mirror thing" as I slowly hit the backspace button

  • @bookishwriter9460
    @bookishwriter9460 5 ปีที่แล้ว +260

    I just noticed that my MC only describe the other characters on a really basic level. (Color of eyes, hair, and skin, hairstyle and, if it's striking, physique and clothing) She's an artist, so she doesn't describe brown hair as brown but as "light copper", "pale brown" or "fawn brown". I find it really hard to describe faces because I can't just make them up in my head (it's actually impossible for the human brain to create new faces, so when you imagine a face while reading or writing, you're actually just describing a person you've seen before, even if it's only been a second or less) Maybe I just didn't see enough faces yet (I hardly ever go out).
    It also feels really awkward to describe people's cheekbones or noses in detail because I always imagine my MC just studying her opponent's face thoroughly for a couple of seconds until she's done describing them. I mean, when I meet people I don't spend half an eternity eying them while thinking about their sharp jawlines or the little buckling of their noses.

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +84

      laughed out loud at "Maybe I just didn't see enough faces yet (I hardly ever go out)." < SAME HONESTLY HAHA. I agree 100% and that's something I actually should have mentioned in this video - readers will see the story at the pace it takes them to read the narrative! So if you go into a long description, it just hits the pause button on everything. ugh.

    • @grilled_platypus
      @grilled_platypus 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      It sometimes helps to draw the characters. When I drew mine I actually saw the obvious peculiarities of their faces.
      As an example I have a female Mentor named Daan in one of the books I‘m currently writing. After drawing her I saw that she has a striking number of birthmarks (10 in the face alone), that would actually be pretty notably if you stood right in front of her, as well as colored dreads that have wooden marbles with little shapes on them (like one has a heart, another one has a moon, while the third one has flowers on it etc.).
      And like a previously broken nose that wasn’t fixed well is also something you would notice when seeing her.
      Actually I think her face looks pretty long in comparison to other characters and she has a defining chin, as well as small but longish eyes.
      Since the Protagonist is also an artist, I describe that he notices little reflections on the cheekbones, like when someone wears something light, I myself always notice the reflections so why shouldn’t he?
      Or when Daan wears Make up, does it make the eyes pop up etc. since he knows color theory he could notice something like this.
      Even tho I think it has to be split up. Like what fit‘s the situation he is in right know.
      So basically when you draw the characters you improve the character design even more and can add some points that would be noticeable or your design already has those and you just couldn’t picture them in your head.
      It‘s pretty helpful.

    • @fabriciodesi
      @fabriciodesi 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      so. .. william guile is american, therefore he's a black guy who plays basketball. (pff)

    • @katelyngould2308
      @katelyngould2308 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@grilled_platypus So now I just need to figure out how to draw a person.

    • @LV-bk4it
      @LV-bk4it 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lots of faces on the internet.

  • @fandomcringebucket
    @fandomcringebucket 4 ปีที่แล้ว +143

    My Immortal scared me away from describing characters period, this is so freaking helpful-

  • @esterdias6383
    @esterdias6383 5 ปีที่แล้ว +213

    Most part of the time, I imagine the characters completely different than they really are in the book that I'm reading lol. Peter Kavinsky, for example, is totally blond for me

    • @YuliaLeafhill
      @YuliaLeafhill 5 ปีที่แล้ว +46

      And if there's a movie, the character never looks like I imagined them to, and it wraps my own image of the character really badly. ;_;

    • @esterdias6383
      @esterdias6383 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      @@YuliaLeafhill God Knows how I'm suffering with the actor choice for Finch, from All the bright places

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +38

      A BLOND KAVINSKY??
      I can get behind this.

    • @emxry
      @emxry 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      I read a book where they only described the character towards the end and I thought they look TOTALLY different-

    • @grilled_platypus
      @grilled_platypus 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Yes! Or like the shadow guy in the first chapter of Eragon!
      Like yes the movie was trash, but they completely destroyed my image of him… was his name Durza?
      I imagined him with curly orangish hair and a more humanoid face, but in the movie they made him look like some kind of Zombie with straight extremely unnatural red hair and some… I don’t know where those supposed to be tatoos he had on his face? They looked like his facial skin simply peeled of and he had to glue it back on his forehead.

  • @roseangel1111
    @roseangel1111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    I love all my OC's and I describe well... in my head 😂 I find describing words hard when it actually comes to writing it on paper 🙁 but this was very helpful thank you!! 🥰

  • @left125
    @left125 5 ปีที่แล้ว +241

    Your videos are always SO HELPFUL and your personality brightens my day! I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for me 💛

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Oh my goodness, thank you Vivanna! That means the world to me 💛💛💛

    • @saraoln
      @saraoln 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yes! You're profile picture is 100 Days of Sunlight 🌟🌻! Sorry, I got excited, and I'm totally late for that one.

    • @josealfredogarcia3199
      @josealfredogarcia3199 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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  • @HomeschoolerGoesPublic
    @HomeschoolerGoesPublic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +78

    Something that works for me when describing my character, is the character describing herself when she is feeling very ugly or self conscious, for example, like, "Gosh, I hate my hair, it's too red", "why do I have to be so short?", "he stared at my ugly freckles, I wish they didn't exist" etc.
    QUESTION: I tend to start a draft, be really excited, write a few chapters, then drift off and get bored, so how do you keep the excitement you feel when starting a draft, and not lose momentum???

    • @nabilamiah3814
      @nabilamiah3814 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Lmaooo, I do hope you don't include those types of examples

    • @HomeschoolerGoesPublic
      @HomeschoolerGoesPublic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@nabilamiah3814 I honestly don't do it like that now, those were examples I used when I was like nine dude lol

    • @nabilamiah3814
      @nabilamiah3814 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@HomeschoolerGoesPublic Ohhhh, okay, because I personally think those examples are very contrived and nonsensical. Who hates their hair because it's too red? You know?

    • @HomeschoolerGoesPublic
      @HomeschoolerGoesPublic 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@nabilamiah3814 😂agreed

    • @wordsonNewYorkHarbour
      @wordsonNewYorkHarbour 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      ANSWER: Brainstorm how you can show their inner conflict in an interesting way in the first few chapters & go so crazy with the "why does it matter" thing Abbie always talks about and fix it up in your reread (sorry I'm a year late)

  • @shmeebs387
    @shmeebs387 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I didn't plan on how I was going to describe my MC before sitting down to write. I decided to just figure it out later. Then I remembered that MC's father shows up in the first chapter. I just had to describe his dad and make it clear that the MC was the spitting image of him. They even had similar physiques, both being athletes in the same sport. I guess it's a description by proxy. Then I could sprinkle other things in here and there that wouldn't necessarily be the same like hairstyle and clothing.

  • @Anjaliiacc2
    @Anjaliiacc2 5 ปีที่แล้ว +92

    I just discovered this channel but I love it!! You’re advice is SO helpful. I’ve been putting off writing for a long while but after finding your videos I started outlining with the three act story structure and now build in time to write. Thanks so much and please keep posting!!

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Wow, thank you so much!!! I'm so glad you're here and that you've been enjoying my videos! 💛✨

  • @Gossy367
    @Gossy367 5 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    I'm super happy you made this, I really struggle with knowing when to describe a character and I unfortunately err on the side of not doing it at all.

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      So glad this video came at the right time for you!!

  • @maximk9964
    @maximk9964 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I think one trick one can use to describe POV character is to have them compare themselves to someone else. In romance it could be contrasting how pretty someone is compared to MC, in action it could be like who seems taller, more athletic etc.

    • @Tebtome
      @Tebtome 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      That's a great idea!

  • @heal41hp
    @heal41hp ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I used to go a bit overboard with character descriptions, but I've since transitioned over to a bit of a minimalist approach. The way I see it, readers will be more engaged if they're participating in what they're reading. So I provide the necessary details and leave the rest to the reader. I suppose it helps that I have mild aphantasia, so I don't really have a solid image of the characters in my head. 😅
    I do plan on violating the "no mirrors!" rule for my MC. He doesn't remember what he looks like, so the reader gets to learn along with him once it happens.

  • @nicklerjoy2418
    @nicklerjoy2418 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    4:40, Okay, that was so accurate to me that I felt Abbie talking directly into my soul. Thank you for that.

  • @barrai1074
    @barrai1074 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Hello, I am starting a post-retirement career as an author. A mentor recommended studying the “mechanics” of writing. I found your channel and glad I did. You are knowledgable, engaging and entertaining. Thank You Abbie!

    • @wordsonNewYorkHarbour
      @wordsonNewYorkHarbour 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      So cool! Have you got any ideas/manuscripts you want to publish?

  • @yazmeenascreamer
    @yazmeenascreamer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I just found your channel yesterday and I feel like I need a whole week off of work to binge watch everything you have ever posted. After watching the 4 videos about the 3 act structure and a few other ones sprinkled in, I already feel so much better equipped to tackle my novel. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE LITERAL MOST AWESOME PERSON and instilling us all with your amazing knowledge and personality. You are wonderful 💛

  • @lostinstarzzz
    @lostinstarzzz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This really helped me improve the story I've been working on. I'm so so happy I found your channel. I've been stuck with writer's block for months now and you finally helped me start to break through and write again. Thank you so much for making these videos and being there

  • @destinylentz7436
    @destinylentz7436 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The way my notebook is filled with notes from you videos is just WOW.
    THANK YOU SO MUCH.

  • @rahulnawani4419
    @rahulnawani4419 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A much needed & one of the best videos to help writing characters properly. Thank you so much Abbie for this, this will truly help me in making my story matter. Much Love...

  • @sandrosebastian8664
    @sandrosebastian8664 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I find that timing is important, too. One should reveal details about a person's appearance at a moment in the plot when it will be of maximum interest to the reader, especially if it is an unexpected detail.

  • @jonathangee7902
    @jonathangee7902 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I just found this channel and it couldn't come at a better time. I'm writing a first person book and this is the most helpful channel. Keep up the brilliant videos :)

  • @IWillSayItLouder
    @IWillSayItLouder 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’ve watched a lot of writing advice videos on YT but yours have helped me the most! Thank you!!

  • @Chris-ob1im
    @Chris-ob1im 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Thank you. It is a very helpful video. In particular, I liked the distinction between the description of the POV character, and other characters. Sprinkling details of the POV is super advice, and feels natural and engaging. POV describing other characters, child's play - well, in comparison. I enjoyed your confidence in delivering your message :)

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you so much!! I'm so glad you found this video helpful 😊

  • @awild4ND1
    @awild4ND1 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Abbie, you rock!
    I can't believe this video does not have at least 10K likes!
    This is really helpful, thank you so much! Everyone here loves your video, and I do too!
    Keep it up, you are awesome!

  • @foxsinban5418
    @foxsinban5418 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Just wanted to say, YOU ARE VERY HELPFUL. It’s always been a dream of mine to create my own novel one day, and with the help of your tips and help, I can make it a reality:) I still have a lot to learn but you make the process 50x faster. Keep up the awesome work✨

  • @nikolasversteeg
    @nikolasversteeg 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    as someone who really struggles with descriptions of characters, this is super helpful. The alternating POV trick with each of them describing the other in their respective chapters is a golden tip. Thanks!

  • @mof.1847
    @mof.1847 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    OMGG YOUR TIPS WERE EXTREMELY HELPFUL!! THANK YOU SOO MUCH 😍💗
    I'm currently working on my novel which I started in 2015 and since I was only 13 at that time I didn't know much about what I wrote so now I'm taking the opportunity to really make the character descriptions as close to what I imagine them to look like ☺️

  • @sesurin
    @sesurin ปีที่แล้ว

    This is perfect. Love the ideal of matching description to action.

  • @hikariaburame8483
    @hikariaburame8483 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You not only have helped me with my writing, but also my college writing for my descriptive essay. Thank you so much

  • @sofikhalfi4204
    @sofikhalfi4204 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Btw i just love how your video helps sooo much and i just love the background and how its so CUTE

  • @elmoeptn
    @elmoeptn 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I started cracking up because one of the stories I started writing was falling on wattpad story stereotypes. So I'm writing the pov character describing themselves in the most unnatural way lol.
    I started writing it as a joke but then my friends requested I write more 😭.
    I stumbled across you and find your videos super helpful in general for my writing. I just felt a little attacked but it's fine cuz it was supposed to be cringey anyway 😂❤️❤️

  • @chusa1791
    @chusa1791 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks! So helpfull, i really love your videos and the way you explain things 💙 i love the positive vibe!

  • @sumangoyal6966
    @sumangoyal6966 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your videos just wakes up my inner writer. YOU ARE BEST

  • @jessicarestrepo1588
    @jessicarestrepo1588 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Abbie this video has been a life-saver for me! Thanks so much!

  • @bouncerblake
    @bouncerblake ปีที่แล้ว

    I was glad to hear you say to describe characters as POV changes based on what they care about noticing. Like one might always avoid another character's eyes, but can't help but focus on the scars on the back of his hands, and how muscular his back is despite not caring about strong defined arms. Or that he always noticed how her hair smells and that she wears unique earrings or the way she walks.
    Definitely things neither really spends a lot of time focusing on themselves.

  • @jackhanlon2897
    @jackhanlon2897 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This video was super helpful. I'm just starting my writing journey and I kept trying to have the character describe himself, but I kept stopping the story to do so. Thanks for being so informative and thorough.

  • @wlyyyhowie
    @wlyyyhowie ปีที่แล้ว

    been writing for months now and been getting stuck lately with writing the description of characters and this video i just came up on is really helpful greatly apricate it

  • @7Write4This9Heart7
    @7Write4This9Heart7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've been sprinkling in my MC's physical description, so I'm really glad to hear that's how I SHOULD be doing it! lol. Also, the 'mirror thing' is SO true! LMAO! I always felt that was so awkward! Like, unless it's plot relevant somehow (which could be interesting!), nobody does that?? LMAO! This was a really great vid, as always! Thanks so much!

  • @shriram2275
    @shriram2275 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent ideas in there! Keep up the good work and keep educating us in the fun, natural way that you do. :)

  • @oneilanelson9231
    @oneilanelson9231 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love your tips especially the one where the character is describing themselves.

  • @amydlee8147
    @amydlee8147 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for this video, it helped me so much! I found this channel from a friend, and just thank you again!

  • @riverbright
    @riverbright 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Yesss character description!

  • @dellieborton
    @dellieborton 5 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Yes girl! I look forward to your videos every Wednesday!

    • @risorgimento2659
      @risorgimento2659 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      dellieborton me too!

    • @dellieborton
      @dellieborton 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@risorgimento2659 🙌🙌🙌

    • @left125
      @left125 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      dellieborton Me too I love Abbie’s videos so much!

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you all!! This thread made me smile so much 💛💛💛

    • @dellieborton
      @dellieborton 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AbbieEmmons you're welcome girl! Thank you for working so hard on your channel!

  • @dianemiles2720
    @dianemiles2720 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Tolkien is hard for people unfamiliar with his old style because he will describe dirt like you've never seen dirt before. You will know what the stitches in those clothes look like. I feel like with C.S. Lewis you will learn so little that your mental imagine has to change as you read, but thanks to his series being so iconic, we all see his characters as they've been portrayed, with the ice queen varying greatly but always being Tilda Swinton.

  • @TheDreadlockDogMan
    @TheDreadlockDogMan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Abbie, hope all your own writing goals are staying on track. I know making videos can be very, VERY distracting to make. Really appreciate you sharing your awesome knowledge. Am sharing your channel with every writer I know.

  • @juliaherkel8051
    @juliaherkel8051 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Yessssssss thank you! People really have trouble with describing characters in their stories. I try to describe my characters in small snippets snuck in, the way you mentioned.

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      YOU KNOW WHAT'S UP, JULIA 👏✨ so glad you liked this video!

  • @MultiTaylorswift1234
    @MultiTaylorswift1234 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This reminded me of how much I love a good book with killer descriptions. Thanks Abbie!

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      YAAAAS 💛 so glad you enjoyed this vid!

  • @milomazli
    @milomazli 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Amazing advice Abbie! Thank you!

  • @clairekirsch9523
    @clairekirsch9523 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love how my writing is gripping and drives forward through engaging characters in challenging situations.

  • @aurableckenburg5695
    @aurableckenburg5695 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, you are helping me sooo much 💕

  • @tusaniabigby9715
    @tusaniabigby9715 ปีที่แล้ว

    When you did the first pose my heart melted those big blue eyes 😭

  • @AkitoLito-hw3mf
    @AkitoLito-hw3mf 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    How do you not have over 1m subs.
    This is so helpful and i feel like my teacher was the only one talking about you which is sad

    • @wordsonNewYorkHarbour
      @wordsonNewYorkHarbour 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      OMG. Your teacher knows Abbie. I ❤ them. English teacher or writing teacher? (All English/writing teachers need to know Abbie)

  • @mitchbray6637
    @mitchbray6637 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I have an idea for a video How to make the readers emphasize with the villain WITHOUT gllorifying his or hers actions and also, I think that can also be applied to anti-heroes.

    • @shootingstars6762
      @shootingstars6762 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      How do you get people to not glorify villainous actions? Well, some people are just going to think what they're going to think, but for the majority, show the raw reality of it. Don't sugarcoat it or romanticize it. The problem is that some people sugarcoat or romanticize what this person has done. People try to make it comfortable. Your goal is to make it uncomfortable. Make your readers stare it right in the face. Don't make it easy for them or for yourself. If your writing makes you uncomfortable, you know it'll probably make someone else uncomfortable. I know we've all probably desensitized ourselves to some things, so maybe you won't always be able to tell. Sometimes, it's a good idea to get a second opinion. But remember, when your character does something horrible, make your readers uncomfortable. Don't let fear of what people will think hold you back.

  • @KimTaehyung-xs5eg
    @KimTaehyung-xs5eg 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    THANK YOU!!!!! you have helped so much. Keep going.

  • @beans2752
    @beans2752 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    THANKS SO MUCH THIS WAS AN AMAZING VIDEO

  • @JessicaNicoleDickerson
    @JessicaNicoleDickerson 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your videos are always so helpful :)

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you so much, Jessica!! 💛✨

  • @robertmurrhee6016
    @robertmurrhee6016 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Normally, I tend to write in third person omniscient, but I'm considering writing the newest story I'm going to be starting soon in first person, perhaps using ship's log or personal journal entries, & I have been struggling with how to have the main protagonist describe herself so the reader knows what she looks like. Your very helpful advice came just in time. Thanks.

  • @erok562
    @erok562 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for this juicy information.

  • @marklawrence9899
    @marklawrence9899 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You’ll know she’s really a writer just by looking at the background. By the way thank you for this❤️

    • @davismiles2765
      @davismiles2765 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      th-cam.com/video/xZuQTd57NXg/w-d-xo.html

    • @RichardRRaleigh
      @RichardRRaleigh ปีที่แล้ว

      I love how her books are grouped by book colour 😊

  • @songstudios2791
    @songstudios2791 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your videos are very helpful for me. I will recommend your channel to my friends

  • @sunnyday6680
    @sunnyday6680 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for this video! My MC literally describes herself while looking in a mirror. LOL. I knew I had to rework this but didn’t know how. This was helpful!

  • @MissRuthina
    @MissRuthina 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Took me a minute to figure out what you meant about romance genres describing every.. little.. thing.. I laughed so much! You're information is truly wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing!

  • @qamarmasri9331
    @qamarmasri9331 5 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Keep going girl you're SOO AMAZING 💙

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you so much!!! omg 💛

    • @qamarmasri9331
      @qamarmasri9331 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AbbieEmmons Your welcome 💙😊

  • @filipedasilvacaetano2574
    @filipedasilvacaetano2574 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am Will follow this Channel without doubt. I was looking for some tips to improve my english writing and I found you. ❤

  • @UserName-xi8rm
    @UserName-xi8rm 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Ever since I started writing “seriously” I’ve become obsessed with coffee ☕️ ❤️

  • @noahatlas5240
    @noahatlas5240 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks for your videos, theyve been so helpful! Since i was a kid ive wanted to be an author, and with your help, i think now it may br possible!!

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      YOU CAN DO IT ✨ so glad my videos have inspired you, that's so epic

  • @KatharineFrancis
    @KatharineFrancis 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Exactly. You have to sprinkle it in. Nothing is worse than 3 paragraphs of detailed looks that will only be forgotten later. Haha

  • @mariaandersson3013
    @mariaandersson3013 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Another great way to describe appearances is to compare them. For example: the characters get asked if they're siblings a lot, or the POV just simply says "he has blonde hair, just like me"
    You can also use this with almost any personality trait, "she's stubborn, like me" it might get a little bit repetitive (like any form of description) but anyhow, that's something I try to use to balance out the basic "He has black hair" "she has green eyes"
    :)

  • @sergiotorres9560
    @sergiotorres9560 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks this helps me a lot!

  • @rentonreva2047
    @rentonreva2047 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was helpful. thank you :)

  • @lunarobber9457
    @lunarobber9457 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My MC is not human all the time , so to space out descriptions I thought of what I could see of her if I was a camera as a set angle. Helped a lot for me to not go overboard on descriptors in one sitting.

  • @katelyngould2308
    @katelyngould2308 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    thanks, this was very useful

  • @jernylauriceanova8869
    @jernylauriceanova8869 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    in describing the pov character, you could also include what she's feeling herself, or towards other characters it will most likely include who and what she is

  • @niqueiyana
    @niqueiyana 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Your amazing!!

  • @roul4842
    @roul4842 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you!! I'm writing a first person story and I wasn't sure how to describe my MC.

  • @CADJewellerySkills
    @CADJewellerySkills ปีที่แล้ว

    There is one subversion of the self description via mirror trope that is amazing- Disco Elysium. He’s so loaded with self loathing he cannot even look at himself.

  • @LV-bk4it
    @LV-bk4it 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent.🌻

  • @lania4334
    @lania4334 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You helped me in my homework 😁
    Thanks 🙃

  • @melissamarie2256
    @melissamarie2256 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    holy. basically the first vid that's ever helped me other than one or two lmao

  • @AnotherDuck
    @AnotherDuck 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    When describing the viewpoint character you can also do that indirectly as comparisons to other characters. That also says a lot about what your character thinks both of herself and of the other character.

  • @raini0705
    @raini0705 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I find it very cringy when main protagonist has narcissic inner monologue describing how beautiful or hot they are, esp in front of a mirror. UNLESS it's intended to be cringy and funny like in a romcom lol

    • @johnynoway9127
      @johnynoway9127 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      personally it can be a character flaw.
      mc's dont have to be good role models

  • @BeatzByMK
    @BeatzByMK ปีที่แล้ว

    Something I like doing is making my characters in the sims, I can actually see what my character looks like and it makes it a lot easier to keep track

  • @ace_of_cups4096
    @ace_of_cups4096 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Working on my 5th attempt at writing a novel, and found you mid writers block ♥

  • @salem4758
    @salem4758 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    TIPS AS A TIMESTAMPED GUIDE:
    Other characters:
    ___________________
    #1: We all know what the human body looks like (see 1:25 for more)
    • Categories and things that are worth including in a character description: (see 2:43)
    #2: People are subjective; so are characters (see 3:34)
    IN A NUTSHELL (see 4:10)
    ------
    Describing Protagonist:
    ___________________
    #1: NOBODY wakes up into the morning, walks over to their mirror and starts describing themselves from head-to-toe (see 4:25 for more)
    #2: Sprinkle in their details (see 5:02)
    #3: Have another character describe them in dialogue (see 5:40)
    #4: To “bend the rules” (see 5:54)

  • @trex7370
    @trex7370 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for the video

  • @Taco2250
    @Taco2250 ปีที่แล้ว

    A good Strategy I learned was to embellish the Character thought the story and when you want a base for the Character you could use bullet points like Birthdate Main Personality Pet peeves ect and build off that in your story.

  • @bibinazeema8551
    @bibinazeema8551 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for helping me

  • @TheKing-xy1qy
    @TheKing-xy1qy 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    3:31 you killed me there. Great video though

  • @mialovely7864
    @mialovely7864 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like to use the last technique. I like to describe my main character through the POV of other characters. It just work best for me that way. 🤷🏻‍♀️

  • @arabellamousseau3344
    @arabellamousseau3344 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've just been watching some of your videos while doing my nails, and heard you mentioning basing some characters' personalities on MBTI. Do you mind me asking what type you are? 😁
    I myself am an ENFP.
    BTW, I'm a young an amateur writer and I'm really appreciating your tips, methods, and insights!
    Thank you for making things just a little less intimidating 😋

  • @risuwolf
    @risuwolf 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I admit, I kind of did the mirror thing. But the character had just gone through a drastic physical change, and had just seen himself in the mirror for the first time since. So it was like he was seeing himself for the first time.

  • @user-ns8qs1ky5w
    @user-ns8qs1ky5w 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video! It would be amazing to see you verbally credit the person who suggested this idea though, it's just good practice. Can't wait for more!

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks, Elizabeth! These aren't ideas I took from anyone - they're just methods I've personally used and found helpful. 😊

  • @_soggy
    @_soggy ปีที่แล้ว

    “Their posture - is it good or bad? Why?”
    Me: *straightens up*

  • @restoredtuna8264
    @restoredtuna8264 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Lol I was thinking I was trying something crazy with the dual characters describing each other, now I feel a little more confident in it

  • @francis7336
    @francis7336 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a question regarding the description using a mirror.
    As I understood it, you mean that descriptions like "I looked in the mirror and saw blonde hair, darkbrown eyes", something along those lines.
    In my story, my character looks into a mirror after having had little too now sleep and I described it as "his eyes were still burning from fatigue and when he took a last look at himself in the mirror before leaving his flat, he wore heavy bags beneath his dark brown eyes that were almost covered by his stringy, light brown hair and his skin looked pale compared to his usual tan".
    Would you say that it still works or should I change it?

  • @giseledute
    @giseledute 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    THANK YOU!!!!

  • @aadams432
    @aadams432 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey I loved these tips! Thank you so much, and god damn your pretty

  • @khloudahmed574
    @khloudahmed574 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very helpful

  • @quentinwest4783
    @quentinwest4783 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    hey i love this vid

  • @bpoullos
    @bpoullos 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video, Abbie

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thank you!! 💛✨

  • @JoleCannon
    @JoleCannon ปีที่แล้ว

    My book is in close 3rd. Here's how I did it. So MMC1 is the primary character, we see his POV the most (not by much, but we do.) His first chapter he's in a club where he feels out of place. I describe him in a way that contrasts with the other club goers and how he feels being there. I did this because of how he sees himself and compares himself to others. I mention his height and weight, but then descriptors based on that.
    Example.:
    Close by these fitness gods sat a bear of a man. Him. Bernard was a few inches shy of six feet and carried a thick two-hundred and seventy-five pounds. His round belly pushed against the bar as he attempted to find a comfortable position on the small bar stool. His once muscular arms flexed as he lifted his glass, a shadow of his youth on the farm. Thick calves strained against his jeans, the byproduct of years of milking cows. Short-cropped black hair matched his groomed beard. His plaid flannel shirt and blue jeans contrasted with the skinny jeans, muscle shirts, and salon-styled hair of the men surrounding him. These crowds made Bernard feel old. The average age was twenty-five, and he was in his mid-thirties. Over the hill in the gay community. Odd man out was an understatement.
    For MMC2 I do less:
    This is a phone call with his mother.
    “So, how’s the new diet? Have you lost weight?”
    Rory signed. They attended two services twice a week together, and he ate lunch with her and his father every Sunday. She still brought up his weight every week. He’d been the same size since he was twenty. Six feet and three hundred pounds. Nothing would change his perception. He wished she would leave his weight alone. He loved himself at this size. No one would make him feel ashamed about his size, which included his mother. He wanted to tell her to stop, but decided against it.
    This is the only descriptor we get because at the start he's working on a project with his classmates before heading home. We do get his age, because he says how much older he is than his colleagues, but that's it.
    In chapter 4 we get a better descriptor when MMC1 describes things about him like the wind blowing through his chestnut hair, the hint of a Scottish accent, how he's slightly taller than thicker than himself. These make sense because he's been in love with is best friend for years, with is revealed later. I think this works. I'm almost done (a few more weeks) with my edits and getting ready for Beta readers.