A physical description of characters is important, and as authors we only get a few chances to reminder the readers how they look. What you don't want to do is give a police sketch of your characters. While that gets all of the important information out, it is rather dry and not memorable. Instead try including the description within the flow of the story. Give the description through another character and not as an omniscient narrator. Each character will see the world differently and, therefore, the other characters differently. Using this technique will give you the opportunity to give multiple, fresh, and memorable descriptions.
For the example I am going to use one of my characters named Samson.
Police Sketch: Samson was six-foot-one with light brown hair that he kept short. He sported a well trimmed goatee. He was quite muscular with calloused, scarred hands.
Yvette's Perspective: Yvette liked to feel tall, so she often sported high heels. But, standing next to Samson she saw she was still an inch shorter even though she wore the shoes that made her an even six feet. He wore a stocking cap, which covered all of his hair, but if his goatee was any judge it would be a light brown color. Grease stains covered his clothes and his calloused hands reminded her that he was a mechanic. She nodded to him and continued walking without comment.
William's Perspective: William leaned against the bulkhead and watched as Samson worked. It amazed him that someone of Samson's build could fit in the available space next to the generator. Tools littered the ground. William nudged one over to a waiting, calloused hand and Samson murmured his thanks. Samson pulled himself up wiping his hands on his trousers and scratching his jaw. When William last saw Samson he hadn't sported a goatee but it was one more thing that suited them both. William ran his hands through his own shaggy hair, wishing to cut it short but then it would be too much like Samson's.
These are probably really cheesy examples but hopefully it shows the difference. By presenting the information through a character and not just as a narration you can learn about both characters and have multiple views.
Not cheesy at all it is really cool. I like how you show who he is through the eyes of others. It not only tells us about Samson but about the other characters as well. So instead of just describing one person you are describing two. Great job!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! A comment section. Um...now that I can finally comment, I'm at a loss as to what to say :)
ReplyDeleteGreat point! Using one character's perception is a wonderful way to describe another character.
Thank you both for reading. I know that the police sketch versions are useful at times but I find that I often forget the facts unless another character describes it.
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