When writing, the first thing you want to do is either create character or create plot. This is a given. However, I would argue if you want your writing to stand out, one is actually more important than the other. Character – pick character over plot if you want to start somewhere. I can see people obviously asking why? The answer is surprisingly simple:
Your plot will not be absorbing without good characters. HOWEVER, if your plot is not the strongest, then characterisation is even more important because if an audience invests in your character suddenly the plot plays second fiddle. Ideally, of course, you want both to work in tandem but, as a writing exercise, I always try to create character first, and then work it into a functioning plot. A plot you can change, but a character? If you can get the audience to emotionally invest, they are worth more than plot.
This links into dehumanisation largely because it is the best theme to work your character building around. You want to make your character relatable to an audience. In order to do that, put the character in a position of weakness – give him powerlessness. It is something every human being can relate to and, since we all want agency over our own lives, by making your character powerless, you are essentially dehumanising them.
I’ll create two characters: one called Bob, one called Joe. At first, in my head, they function separately because they are completely different. Bob wears glasses, is in his mid forties, with thinning hair, is single and works in a desk job. Joe is in his early thirties, enjoys his women, fast cars and rich lifestyle. He is an investment banker. Straight off the bat you know which character seems to be easier to dramatically write for: Bob. This is because there is tension you can explore – did his life turn out the way he had expected? Why is he still single? Did he always want to have a desk job? Turn to Joe and, in theory, it seems to be the complete opposite: he has a wonderful, vapid lifestyle – he seems to be rising through the air like steam from a hot bath. Nothing wrong in his world, right?
However, you can make them both relatable by showing how they both function within the spectrum of human fear: namely, the lack of control we ultimately have in our own lives. Joe could be used to show how empty his life really is, and how unfulfilling it is in the same way Bob can. You could make something even better; why not get Bob and Joe in the same room together? Give them some conflict and show how the contrast between each other really ends up with both of them feeling pretty empty.
I’ve now created a plot through creating character. You can, of course, do it the other way round, but I like creating characters first. Show how characters dehumanise each other, give characters contrasting opinions and views, and soon you’ll have yourself some dramatic fireworks. The only important thing to remember is that to show a character’s weakness is a dramatic strength because it will make the audience emotionally invest.
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