In crime fiction, when readers want authenticity and the stakes are high, creating believable and complicated characters is crucial. Renowned author of “Dirt Road Reckoning,” R.J. Shaw, offers a distinct viewpoint on character development based on his vast background as an FBI Special Agent. In this blog, Shaw offers advice and thoughts on how to create characters who captivate readers and breathe life into the narrative.
Make Use of Actual Experiences
Drawing from personal experience is one of the best methods for crafting genuine characters. Shaw’s work is influenced by a diverse range of characters and situations due to his experience in law enforcement. It is vital to see how people react under pressure, their quirks, strengths, and vulnerabilities, Shaw has worked closely with a diverse array of individuals in high-stress situations. Because of his breadth of experience, he is able to give his characters a realistic edge that makes them believable and approachable.
Write in-depth backstories
A rich past is usually the first step towards creating a well-rounded persona. Even if every detail is left out of the novel, knowing your character’s past can help you shape their intentions and behaviours. Shaw stresses the significance of understanding the past of your character. A character’s past and experiences ought to inform every choice they make. This gives them greater depth as people and lends credibility to their acts. In “Dirt Road Reckoning,” for example, Sheriff Gus Wallace’s experience as a former FBI Special Agent had a significant impact on his investigative techniques and his pursuit of justice.
Exhibit rather than Explain
Writing should always aim to show rather than to tell. This is especially important when developing a character. Show readers that a character is courageous or caring by their deeds and speech, not by telling them so. Instead of stating that Gus Wallace is determined, Shaw represented his determination through his persistent questioning, his refusal to give up on the case despite the risks, and his meticulous attention to detail.
Develop Characters with Flaws
Flaws are what make characters likeable and fascinating; perfection is boring. Shaw counsels authors to accept the flaws in their characters. Real humans have a variety of qualities and flaws. A flawless hero comes out as unreal and uninteresting. Assign your characters imperfections that they will have to grapple with or conquer within the narrative, he advises. Gus Wallace is a great sheriff in “Dirt Road Reckoning,” but he also has depth as a character as he battles internal demons and previous transgressions.
Employ Real Conversation
A potent technique for displaying character is dialogue. Not only what characters say matters, but also how they express it. Shaw emphasises the value of genuine conversation by advicing to pay attention to how people communicate in real life, especially when it comes to the setting of your story. Every character ought to have a distinct voice that embodies their personality, education, and history. Shaw makes sure that the dialogue in his works is authentic to the characters’ personas, whether it be the formal tone of a federal agent or the everyday dialect of a Southern sheriff.
Include Internal Disagreement
Character complexity is further enhanced by internal struggle. They must deal with their inner anguish in addition to the problems they confront from the outside. As Shaw notes that character development is driven by internal conflict. Readers frequently find that the internal conflicts most resonate with them since they mirror our own experiences. In “Dirt Road Reckoning,” Wallace’s internal struggle over the morality of his choices in the past and his actions now creates a subplot that strengthens the main story.
Develop Your Personas
Over the course of the narrative, characters ought to change. A narrative that has unchanging characters may seem uninteresting. Shaw is a proponent of dynamic character arcs, saying that characters should alter, mature, and learn as the plot develops. The readers are kept interested and invested in their journey by this progression. A crucial aspect of Shaw’s narrative is Gus Wallace’s transition from a retired agent content to live a tranquil life to a determined sheriff discovering a conspiracy.
Wrap Up
A combination of in-depth backstory, dynamic development, and real-life observation is needed to create believable characters in crime fiction. Drawing from his background in law enforcement and his acute storytelling abilities, R.J. Shaw’s method offers a template for developing characters that are not just believable but also incredibly interesting. By concentrating on these elements, authors can create characters that readers will identify with and find unforgettable.