How to Introduce Characters | pt. 2

Last video, we covered the basics of writing a character introduction. Here, let's take a look at a few specific cases and techniques you can use for different types of character introductions.
When introducing the main character, their narrative voice and perception is the most valuable tool--use the fact that the reader is in their head to showcase who this character is.
With a side character, using the main character's existing perception, knowledge, and relationship with them can give a deep look into the character.
And finally, when introducing a new character, using showing (such as their mannerisms, actions, voice, and clothing) can develop them even when the main character has no background knowledge on them to share.
PART ONE: • How to Introduce Chara...
TIME STAMPS
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Narrative voice
1:56 - Create an active beginning
2:55 - Using exposition smartly
3:46 - Introduce their character flaw
4:45 - Focus on the relationship
5:05 - Explore existing tension
5:35 - Use careful exposition
6:10 - Using flashback
7:05 - Physical descriptions
7:22 - Use specificity
7:50 - Use your narrator’s worldview
8:28 - Set up the future dynamic
8:57 - Make it memorable
LEARN MORE:
How to Make a Character Profile: • How to Make a Characte...
How to Write a Strong Protagonist: • How to Write a Strong ...
How to Write a Character Description: • How to Write a Charact...
How to Develop Characters: • How to Develop Characters
How to Use Specificity: • How to Use Specificity...
Character Development [playlist]: • Character Development
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[@themiIes]

This channel deseeves way more subs and views. It's the best writing tips channel on this platform. Much love from germany!

[@rajsingharora26]

I agree.

[@vernalviolante]

I really appreciate your written summaries. They help make things stick. Thank you.

[@Superkid33]

Cool! :D
Thank you so much for all your writing tips! I usually struggle with writing videos because I don’t understand it or they don’t explain stuff well enough. But when I found your channel I got hooked! I really appreciate you taking your time to share a few writing tips! :)

[@adhib6919]

Character introduction Part 1&2 is really helpful for my script making. Thanks for valuable information's ❤.This channel is really underrated.

[@leeisamess.28]

Your channel really is underrated

[@flatdude4667]

Thank you for this video. It has given me an extremely important new angle/injection to my novel which I felt was missing. Much respect.

[@rivercitybatman]

How have I been accidentally doing this!?
This was still super helpful thx so much

[@adamjake]

Again much useful , thank you for helping people like me who struggle a lot with introductions 😊

[@mariodelvalle9572]

Thank you for this explanation.
Absolutely brilliant.

[@RodneyBuxton]

I'd love to say that there was one tip that was amazing, but they all were. This is another great video and well worth the time to watch.

[@dorkle9085]

Personally I write movie scripts but these videos help in so many ways! Thank you for the information! :)

[@Reedsy]

Glad it helped, I can see how a lot of the same techniques would apply!

[@user-jd4fg7dq7j]

Why the best channel on youtube about writing does not have more subscribers is beyond my understanding. :)

[@estheralonge2103]

Thank you so much. Really wish I could like this video more than once.

[@mosdefame]

Your info definitely helped !! ❤️

[@captainaomaruvomexekutivko4919]

Shaelin is the best :)

[@dragart954]

This helped me a lot. Thanks!

[@melayne37]

Your videos are so stinkin helpful! I am young but I love writing stories! I am currently writing a book in the area of LOTR. So your writing tips are AMAZING! !! GOD bless you!

[@Fang-L3on]

I am writing a story and this channel is soo helpful

[@shiyuhe3499]

I’m writing this dystopian novel (a bit like the hunger games) and my main character is the antagonist but the reader doesn’t know that so I’m really struggling to introduce her since it’s in first person. Do I make her seem evil? Or do I Disguise it even tho it’s in first person?

[@galaxyfish5163]

I can try and help. Does your character believe their actions are good? Or do they know that what they’re doing is wrong. If it’s the first option then write your villain the same as you would write a good guy, just gradually make it more obvious throughout your novel that they’re not the good guy. Give your character motivations or one really strong motivation that’ll help support them in their wrong doings. As an example, if your villain wants to destroy the world, explain why they want to do it. If the villain believes they have good intentions then the reader will think they are a good person. I’m not a professional writer in anyway but I hope I could be of some help :)

[@Raikeran]

how does your character view themselves and their actions? how do others (colleagues, enemies, bystanders) generally view and react to them? what goes through their mind when they do certain things that affect the world? how do they view other characters' mindsets and ideals?
granted i don't know how to write a story from a villain's perspective, but i love the idea of telling a story that way and wish it was done more often

[@KOtlc29]

What do u do when your main character is meeting a side character for the first time, bc ur talking a lot abt how they already know each other what if they don’t ?

[@hey_its_shadow4221]

I'm introducing my main character by having her (a superhero) immediately stopping a crime as soon as the story starts. And I'm having the side character's relationship with the main character be roommates. Is this a good idea?

[@hey_its_shadow4221]

Also I use 'show don't tell' to the extreme because I draw the scenes instead of writing.

[@littledumbrainbow4948]

Your videos are super good, but I wish you spoke slightly slower or took a longer breath between each point. Mainly because of international viewers and the fact that I take notes while I listen and get confused if I miss the part where you move onto the next point.
Both part 1 and part 2 were super helpful to me and I love your attitude and enthusiasm. You feel very professional. :)

[@jonitbelind204]

Love u from India

[@amieclements4753]

This information seems to be for first-person perspective

[@Reedsy]

It works for any POV, just use your best judgement!

[@vanessav.4873]

My story starts with the MC getting beat up lmao

[@flatdude4667]

A great way to start a story... you can describe the MC's stature, and or lack of skill as to why he/she was being beaten up. Was he/she being beaten by a far more advanced/skilled fighter, or did it all come down to sheer mass/build of his/her opposition?

[@conandaisy3225]

Or Maybe you Cold start with the bonuty hunter in a detective crime scene?

[@Deniz_50]

Does the narrator always have a personality? I kinda thought the narrator was neutral.