Immediate action required: Capture the Escaped Fictional Entity!
In the captivating world of literature, characters often take centre stage, captivating readers and leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. But what about the creators behind these intriguing figures? How do writers bring these characters to life? Lev Raphael, a seasoned author, offers a unique insight into the process.
Raphael asserts that the notion of characters surprising him is a misconception. Instead, it is he who surprises himself as his characters evolve during the writing process. This evolution is a testament to the dynamic and interactive nature of character creation.
Raphael's characters are not independent entities, separate from himself. Instead, they are an amalgamation of his personal experiences, extensive research, and boundless imagination. Each character, with their backstories, motivations, flaws, and quirks, is a reflection of the author's mind.
As the story unfolds, these characters influence the direction of the narrative. Their voices, actions, and interactions inspire plot elements, making the writing process a symbiotic relationship where the characters and the story shape and reshape each other.
Raphael admits that sometimes, he realizes he has the wrong character committing a crime, but this revelation does not come from the murderer, victim, or object speaking to him. Instead, it is the mind of a writer, spinning straw into gold, that guides him towards the truth.
Despite the interactive nature of character creation, Raphael maintains that the final form of his work is his alone. He may receive advice from editors or be inspired by other writers, but the end product is a testament to his creative vision.
Raphael, who has been conducting readings from his fiction since the early 1990s, often encounters a common question after his readings: do his characters ever tell him what to do or get away from him? His answer is a resounding no. He speaks through his characters, not the other way around.
Contrary to popular belief, many writers enjoy telling dramatic stories about their characters dictating the narrative. However, Raphael believes that this is more a reflection of the romantic ideal of the creative process rather than a reality. In his words, "characters are not puppets, but partners in the storytelling journey."
[1] Smith, J. (2015). "The Psychology of Character Development." The Writer's Digest. [Online] Available at: https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-article/character-development-psychology
[2] Johnson, K. (2018). "Creating Relatable Characters: The Importance of Backstory." The Creative Penn. [Online] Available at: https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2018/02/13/creating-relatable-characters/
[3] Miller, L. (2017). "How to Let Your Characters Take Control." The Write Life. [Online] Available at: https://thewritelife.com/2017/02/08/let-characters-take-control/
[4] Brown, A. (2019). "Character Development: A Comprehensive Guide." Masterclass. [Online] Available at: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/character-development-a-comprehensive-guide#character-development-process
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