Monday, April 11, 2011

Filtering Through Character

If you filter everything through your character you:
  • Build voice. If your character were to walk into the room right now, what would he notice? What wouldn't he? How would HE describe it? What does that say about him?
  • Keep things fresh. If your character isn't cliche (which he better not be) then the way he views the world won't be either.
  • Won't meander. If it doesn't effect your MC or his struggle in some way, it probably shouldn't be in there.
Let's look at an example, shall we?

Suppose we have a... oh I don't know... GHOST. And let's say our ghost is a jealous girlfriend watching her ex go to prom with someone else. Now let's see what happens when he arrives to pick up the new girl. (Off the top of my head so my apologies if it's not perfect)

Non-filtered paragraph:

I watched with baited breath, unsure if I'd be able to stop from interfering as promised. Erik clutched the corsage as he walked in the door. His date made her grand entrance from the living room, stumbling toward him a little, unused to such high heels. She tugged at her black velvet gown, revealing another inch of cleavage. The dim light from the chandelier above cast a romantic glow on the happy couple.

Filtered paragraph:

The second the skank walked in the room I knew I'd never be able to keep my promise not to interfere. She might as well have shoved her boobs right in Erik's face. Could she have picked a tighter dress? And those heels - she looked drunk. She couldn't even walk a straight line.

See a difference? Which is better? What else is accomplished through filtering through character?


45 comments:

  1. I love the picture up there. And this is so true. Sometimes we don't even realize we're not filtering when we think we are! Another skill that has to be practiced! Awesome!

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  2. Great tip, it's something I do but didn't realize it.

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  3. Yes--the second definitely has more voice, is more focused, and filled with identifiable emotion (but not in a "telling" way). Great way to illustrate a point!

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  4. Laura - Thanks! :D It's more fun through character.

    LM - Now that you're aware of it, I bet you hone the skill even further.

    Sarah - Awww, thank you! I'm glad that came through so well.

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  5. I love the example! When I was critiquing my son's book, POV was a revelation to him. Many scenes had no filter (although some were very much from a given POV) - knowing the difference and controlling it? I could see the writerly lightbulb go on in his head!

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  6. Susan - that's great!! I think that forces a huge leap in writing skill. :D

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  7. Great advice! Definitely something I need to remember.

    -Vicki

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  8. This is something I've become better at in the past year. Now I couldn't imagine not writing through the filter.

    Great post, Lisa!

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  9. The second one is much better, definitely! You feel like your right inside their head!

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  10. Vicki - It really makes a difference.

    Stina - Thanks! It does make a huge difference when you use the filter.

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  11. Joanne - Exactly what I was hoping for! Right inside the character's head is the perfect place to be. :D

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  12. This is fantastic! I love "If your character were to walk into the room right now, what would he notice?" I'm definitely going to think about that. Great example too--those always help me. Thanks so much :)

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  13. This is an awesome post. I second what Laura said. I think sometimes we don't fully put the goggles on and see through the character. I know I need to make a more conscious effort. Thanks for posting this. *kicks self in the arse*

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  14. ROTFL! That second paragraph is beyond awesome! You nailed the character perfectly. An excellent example of how to do it right and how to compell readers. I love this 'filtering' idea of yours. Brilliant!

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  15. Jess - so glad it was helpful!

    Chris - don't kick yourself too hard that's what revisions are for!

    Heather - You're too kind, but I love it! :D

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  16. And you did that off the top of your head???? What a great example! (bookmarks this one)

    And I loved the rose-tinted glasses picture!

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  17. Great tip! You definitely learn more about the character and his emotions in the second passage. I'll definitely keep this in mind while working on my WIP. :)

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  18. Hey, I think I know that girl!!! Great advice, and an awesome example.

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  19. I love these examples. The first example creates distance and pushes the reader back. The second example lets you in, via the character's thoughts. There is no holding back and it lets the reader in.

    Can't resist:

    I think we both know Shambles/Hamish would walk in a room and say 'Where's the food? I'm fair starvin!' tee hee.

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  20. The photo you used is fantastic!!!

    Love the 2nd example too - the skank is NOT going to enjoy her evening :)

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  21. Margo - I'm touched.

    Ghenet - Glad that came through for you.

    Julie - Any resemblance to persons either living or dead are purely coincidental. He he he.

    Ebony - And that's why I love that guy/ferret so MUCH!!

    Jemi - I LOVE YOU in a totally non-creepy-stalker kind of way.

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  22. omg that was great! what fabulous advice. I am going to borrow that photo you've used and tape it to my monitor as a reminder. That skank!!!

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  23. LOL...great example of filtering/non-filtering.

    Choked on my lemonade on the filtering paragraph, but the character's voice really came through and made it a much stronger paragraph.

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  24. I laughed my fool head off at the second paragraph. Way to make a point, Lisa. You rock.

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  25. Karen - sorry about your lemonade! But I'm glad to have an effect. ;D

    Leslie - Awww *slips money through cyberspace* Wink wink.

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  26. Brilliant post! Examples always make something so much easier to learn. Love the second paragraph, great voice, made me laugh.

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  27. Girl - So glad I could make you laugh! And that the examples helped.

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  28. Well filtered. Thoroughly so. #2 was so much better!

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  29. Wow, what a fantastic post--the example's so strong, it really punches home the point. The second version has so much more personality and such a strong voice. I want to know what happens next!

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  30. Amie - me too! I kind of liked that ghost...

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  31. lol love the 2nd paragraph. Great example of voice and how great it is to filter through the character's POV

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  32. What a great post, and a fabulous example. I agree with Amie, I want to know what happens next! ;)

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  33. Lynda - Glad you see what I mean!

    Sara - It makes me want to keep writing to find out!

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  34. Fantastic tip. You could totally see the difference in your paragraphs.

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  35. Patti - glad the example was helpful!

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  36. i could have died reading the first one and nothing would've happened but if i died reading the second one, i'd have had to come back as a ghost and ask you what happened next -

    #cool example

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  37. EyeamImran- LOL! I'm just glad you didn't die at all. And not just cuz I wouldn't want to deal with a ghost. :D Glad you liked it.

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  38. Lisa, LOVE THIS POST! ADded to my "tips and techniques" folder. Thanks!

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  39. I like the edited passage. It really shows how voice can mature with editing. :O)

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  40. Excellent post. The second paragraph has punch and the feel of a mad ghost. Great blog, I'm definitely following. :)

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  41. Melissa - Welcome! I'm so glad you found me. Thanks for the compliment.

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