Now you’re in the upper school, I’m going to reveal a shocking truth – the protagonist in your story doesn’t have to be you, or someone like you! Let’s have a little fun here!

In fact, the Grumpy Examiner would probably prefer it if your protagonist wasn’t a schoolchild who lives in West London and attends a private school.

Put yourself in you reader’s shoes.  Who or what would you like to read about yourself?  A nice, polite ten-year-old – or a blood-sucking Vampire? One of the joys of reading (and writing) is that we can enter the lives of anyone you’ve ever wanted to be!

Every day, try to spend a few minutes studying other people, looking at them, listening to how they walk and the way they dress.  Think about their body language – when do they make eye contact?  Do they fidget?  What do they do when they’re angry?

Here are ten questions to get you thinking. Is your character male or female? What is their age? Where do they live? Who is their best friend? Do they have any pets? What is their dream? What do they most want to achieve in life? What is unusual about them? What is their favourite item of clothing? What is their deepest, darkest secret? And finally…what is their name?

(c) Nick Hitchen 2007

Last updated on August 10, 2007