H
ave you ever read a book or a story that made you feel like you were in the middle of the action, seeing, hearing, and experiencing everything alongside the characters? This immersive experience is often created through a powerful essay writing technique called “Show, Don’t Tell.”
In a workshop at Ivy Prep led by Ayushi Jhaveri, we learned some techniques to do just that.
Let’s break essay writing down in simple language
In any language, remember that your characters express your emotions and are the heart and soul of your writing.
1. The Power of Description
Character development through description is powerful. Imagine drawing your character – their appearance, clothing, and style all reveal their essence. But avoid being overwhelmed with excessive details; focus on what truly matters.
2. Show, Don’t Tell
A character’s mannerisms, like body language, gestures, and habits, add depth to their personality. How a character acts tells us a lot about them. Do they slouch or bite their nails? Like in the story of Agatha Christie, Hercule Poirot is very particular about everything. He straightens vases, and his hands shake when he’s upset. These things show us what kind of person he is.
3. Actions Speak Volumes
Characters are agents of action, and what they do defines their essence. Even small or inconsequential actions can reveal character traits. A character’s actions or inaction offer valuable clues about their personality and relationships with others.
4. Characterization through Reactions: A Mirror to Personality
A character never exists in isolation. They are part of a dynamic world filled with other characters. How those around them react can be a powerful tool for characterization. It’s like holding a mirror to their personality.
5. Dialogue: Characters Finding Their Voice
Dialogue is a powerful tool for character development. Word choices, speech patterns, and tone can reveal much about a character. Use dialogue to portray relationships and character dynamics effectively.
6. Backstory: The Roots of Character
A character’s backstory, even seemingly insignificant details, can shape their personality and actions. Use past experiences to add depth and complexity to your characters.
7. Highlighting Characters’ Thoughts
Narrating a character’s inner thoughts provides a deeper understanding of their motivations and emotions. Dipping into a character’s thoughts wildly when contradicting their actions or speech adds complexity.
8. Desires: The Fuel of Character
Every character should have a strong desire that drives their journey. Use this desire to connect readers to the character and their story.
9. Setting: Character’s Home or Challenge
The time and place of a story can significantly impact character development. Characters may feel at home or out of place, adding depth to their personality.
I’m repeating again
In essay writing, remember that characters express your emotions and are the heart and soul of it.
Let’s conclude
By using these techniques discussed in the Ivy Prep workshop, you can create characters that come to life on the page. Be intentional with your choices, and don’t be afraid to add contradictions to your characters to make them more authentic and relatable. With these strategies, you can craft characters that resonate with your readers and enrich your narrative.