Writing a Proper Character – as explained by David Mitchell

I think there is a lot of value to be found in reading books while one attempts to write. They can help our imaginations stretch out after a long day of typing, or they can provide a much-needed reprieve if we’ve hit a wall. Ever since I started writing again I’ve become a much more active reader and sometimes I fall on gems like this.

I’m currently reading The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell, and looking at it from a writer’s perspective I have never seen characters written so well. This man is a master, from the young and brash Holly Sykes to the despicable yet honorable Hugo Lamb, he’s got his thumb on the pulse of what makes us human. What is funny is Mr. Mitchell even tells us how he does it in a later chapter of the book where a writer is explaining an assignment to his students:

“Your characters’ plotted life histories. Whom or what your characters love and despise. Details on education, employment, finances, political affiliations, social class. Fears. Skeletons in cupboards. Addictions. Biggest regret; believer, agnostic or atheist. How afraid of dying are they? . . . Have they ever seen a corpse? A ghost? Sexuality. Glass half empty, glass half full, glass too small? Snazzy or scruffy dressers? It’s a letter, so consider their use of language. Would they say ‘mellifluous’ or ‘a sharp talker’? Foul-mouthed or profanity-averse? Record the phrases they unknowingly overuse. When did they last cry? Can they see another person’s point of view?”

-David Mitchell, The Bone Clocks

I firmly believe he is outlining his own thinking process here, allowing us to glimpse into his mind, how he structures his characters. As someone who struggles with this, these words are so valuable to me because they help me figure out how to flesh out a character myself. And while this only scratches the surface, it provides me with a much needed jumping-off point for creativity. Thank you for that Mr. Mitchell (I’m buying all your books).