[This was originally written in 2008 as a guide for RPing, but I thought it might be interesting to share, since there is so much writing and RPing to be had at this board.]

Now, I know I'm not the best writer in the world. Far from it, actually. But I like to think I do have some good technique and kind of know what I'm doing.

One of the things I've noticed in the time I've been RPing and writing is that it's sometimes hard to "get" your character's voice. And I believe having the correct voice is very important to playing or writing a character. In the following paragraphs, I'll be offering some tips and a small questionnaire that will hopefully help you develop a strong character voice.

Top three tips:

1. Listen to what your character has to say.
This, I think, is the most important tip of all. You shouldn't try to force your character to speak just because you want them to. If they don't have anything to say that particular day, that's okay. If you're forcing dialogue, it won't be genuine and it'll be your voice, not theirs. You have to let them tell you things in their own time, because when you learn from them, you'll be able to write them more effectively.

2. Write your character honestly, so they're talking from the heart.
When you write from their feelings, your character's voice will be automatic. If you're not in tune enough with your character to know what's going on in their heart, how can you write them in an honest fashion?

3. Write as if your character is writing or talking to a friend.
When you’re writing or talking with a friend, the honesty and passion show up. Don't be afraid to write your character the way they actually speak. If they have an accent, type it (within in reason, please). If they use words like "ain't," use that word in their dialogue and narration. Part of recreating their voice is following their speech patterns.

Follow these tips and hopefully, you'll be able to convey your character's voice to your satisfaction :3

Some questions to ask yourself, when developing a character:

1. Is your character generally introverted or extroverted?

If your character is an outgoing person, their narration and voice will generally be strong and bold. These are the kinds of characters who will talk about anything, any time. They'll chat with others often and are often loud. How can you get this across in their journal? Large sized fonts and exclamation points or emoticons are my suggestions.

If your character is more introverted, their narrations will probably be more vague, more private and less forthcoming with details about their life and surroundings. Maybe they're secretive. Maybe they aren't really that talkative. But still...It's important for them to keep talking. "Introverted" doesn't mean "silent" and it certainly doesn't mean they don't have a lot of things going on in their lives/minds.

2. Is your character self-centered or selfless?

The answer to this question is an important one. If your character is all about themself, they'll likely focus on themself. If they're altruistic and helpful, they'll probably speak to you about things they've done for/with others, concerns about others, etc.

3. Does your character have any kind of accent?

I find it important to include accents in narration and dialogue, within reason. If you're writing a rootin'-tootin' cowboy from the Wild Wild West, for example, you'd probably find yourself using words like "rootin'" and "tootin'" in their posts. What kinds of slang does your character use? Don't be afraid to type your character's accent into their narration -- After all, we post how we talk.

...This dozen't meen thee axscent shuld bee spelled fonetik-lee thow.

4. Is English your character's first language?

I know that there are many people who come from non-English speaking countries. But consider this: When you're listening to some one who's primary language is other than English, do they speak in a mixture of their language and English? Chances are, the answer is no. It's more likely that they'll be speaking in broken English -- leaving out adjectives, word endings and definitive articles (like "the" or "a").

5. Does your character emphasize their dialogue with any kind of gestures?

If the answer to this is yes, think about how you can incorporate such a thing into a narration. If your character makes flamboyant hand gestures or waves their arms around while they talk, how can you convey that to the reader?

6. Does your character have any kinds of speech quirks?

Sometimezz, characterzz have lispzz. Or canna pronunce wors. Ortalkreallyfast. Orrrrrr reeeeeeally sloooooow. Sometimes they add words to the ends of their sentences no da. Or leave word out. If your character does something like this, it's probably wise to use it in their narrations and dialogue, since it's probably an identifying characteristic of that individual.

7. Can you separate yourself from your character?

This is another important one. If you're too much a part of your character, who's voice will be the one speaking? You have to be able to distinguish your voice from theirs and make sure they are the one doing the talking. It's also important to remember that...just because *you* don't like another character, your character still might. In situations like this, it's important to set aside your own feelings and think of those of your character. Remember, your character is not you (no matter how much you wish they were!)

8. What are your character's morals and values?

What does your character hold in high regard? Do they believe in justice? Love? God? The Devil? Do they believe things are predestined, or do we create our own destiny? Is swearing a part of their vocabulary or could you never imagine a curse word falling from their lips? If your character would never use a word like "fuck," please don't have it suddenly become their favorite word. If your character consistently uses polite manners, don't make them rude now. If they fight for justice and peace, don't suddenly have them talking about bashing in skulls. Knowing what your character believes in is important, because it may not be what you do.

9. Following that train of thought, is your character considered antagonist or protagonist?

Good v. Evil is the most common theme in any story. Which category does your character fall in? If they're evil, it's important to keep them so, at least in the beginning. If your character is dynamic, their status might change...But it takes time. If your character is canonically a cold-blooded killer, they probably shouldn't start their first narration talking about the sanctity of life. If they're some kind of angel sent to do good works or something, they probably shouldn't go on a wedgie-giving spree just because you want them to. Can you be evil enough to be an evil character? Good enough to be a good one?

10. Are there any other things about the character that you can show through their voice?

Think about your character's likes and dislikes. Their hobbies. Their strenghts and weaknesses. Their fears. Their dreams. Are they religious? Are they scientific? Do they have something they fixate on? Do they have a job? Think about their families. Who do they live with? Are they close with their families? Their friends? Is there any one they can't stand? Are they the kind of character who's part of a running gag and, if so, can you work that gag into their posts? It's important to know your character, because they'll probably want to talk about themselves. If you don't know them, you can't write them and their personalities can't shine through as strong.

11. Why did you decide to play/write this character?

It's important to know why you picked a specific character. Is there something about them you can relate to? Most people like characters who remind them of themselves, because they can identify with that character, and it makes it a little easier to find their voice. Or maybe you think that this character is underappreciated or not that important to the series and you want to give them a stronger voice. Maybe you just think they have a lot to say. Remember to keep your reasons for wanting to be a character in mind -- Those reasons can help you find out who they are.



Well, whatya all think? Does it make sense? Is it helpful?