1-2-3 Writing Blog: Let’s Talk About Character Introductions
Each blog contains 1 idea, 2 quotes, and 3 questions to ponder.
1 WRITING IDEA
Ever thought about a character’s first line?
It’s their initial handshake… firm and confident. Or soft and fishy.
A few reasons to give red-carpet treatment to debut lines:
Impressions Matter
Just like a first date or job interview, opening words set the tone.Hook ‘Em Fast
A great line can be the difference between a reader thinking, “Meh” or “More, please!”Show, Don’t Tell (The Golden Rule)
Instead of saying “Jane was sarcastic,” have her early dialogue drip with delicious sarcasm.Reflect Their World
Sneak in a hint at the character’s background, social status, or setting.
Fun Exercise: Try writing five different first lines for your main characters. Which one makes you go, “Yep, that’s them!”?
2 WRITING QUOTES
“Well-crafted dialogue will indicate if a character is smart or dumb, honest or dishonest, amusing or an old sobersides. ”
“Diction in dialogue is about so much more than the ideas your characters communicate. It’s a tool for revealing who they are, what they want, and how they feel.”
3 Writing Questions
1. Can you think of examples from books or movies where the first line left a strong impression on you?
2. How can the first line of a character contribute to their overall development throughout the story?
3. What makes a first line memorable?
A teen flees her secluded town, only to stumble into shocking events unfolding across the mountains.
About Me
Hey, I’m Brian. Born a Tar Heel but now a Virginian, I’m a father of five and the husband of one amazing lady. My family has a thing for Golden Retrievers. Given the right circumstances, I can do a smooth moonwalk on a slick kitchen floor. And by the way, my newest book is called Color The Sky With Song.
