Writing Workshop - Creating Character

William Faulkner

CREATING CHARACTER THROUGH DESCRIPTION AND DIALOGUE

You know that the use of DESCRIPTION and DIALOGUE develops a character. DESCRIPTION describes or draws a word portrait of a character. DIALOGUE, when a person says something, tells a lot about their character.

In this activity, you will write a dialogue for an already created character. The character description is from literature. The dialogue is from your imagination.

Below is a character description -from A ROSE FOR EMILY by William Faulkner.

"They rose when she entered a small, fat woman in black, with a thin gold chain descending to her waist and vanishing into her belt, leaning on an ebony cane with a tarnished gold head. Her skeleton was small and spare; perhaps that was why what would have been merely plumpness in another was obesity in her. She looked bloated, like a body long submerged in motionless water, and of that pallid hue. Her eyes, lost in the fatty ridges of her face, looked like two small pieces of coal pressed into a limp of dough as they moved from one face to another while t he visitors stated their errand."

Please read the character description a second time. This time imagine how this character’s personality would be expressed in the way she talks. Visualize the character; see her move and hear her speak.

You are one of the visitor's, come to state your errand. You are asking her assistance.

WHY ARE YOU HERE?
What are you asking her assistance for?

MHO ARE YOU?
Write a brief description of your own character based en the errand you are on .

WRITE A DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE CHARACTERS
Now create a dialogue between yourself and the woman. State your request. Listen to her response. Create at least ten lines of dialogue between yourself and the woman.


REWRITE/EDIT THE DIALOGUE

Look carefully at HOW the lady spoke to you. Can you add anything to the way she spoke? Describe how her voice sounds as she speaks. The list below may help you.

Words to use instead of said:

sobbed
declared
suggested
argued
cried
questioned
bragged
corrected
inquired
asked
began
called
ordered
wept
sighed
claimed
informed
smiled
blurted
mumbled
observed
warned
snapped
advised
glared
told
reminded
stated
retorted
gulped

Can you add anything to her mannerisms as she talks? Try to describe what she does with her hands, how she moves, and what her facial expressions are like.

Return to your dialogue and rewrite, adding details that help the reader see and hear the characters.

Click on Comments and type in your dialogue.