Thinking of some great novels & stories I have read, movies I have watched, there’s a certain quality I find commonly engraved in them. It’s not stated as an obvious, but it’s considered a key element of a great story that remains etched in our memories for years – some of them decades and cut across centuries, boundaries and generations. Apart from the drama, larger-than-life portrayal, a context, excellent writing - all of which are equally important, a strong characterization can ensure soul-stirring experience whether it’s a movie or a story!
Black & White characters have always existed. A character void of internal conflict tends to leave a shallow effect on the audience. The internal conflict thus, becomes a vital requirement. Is it mandatory? Not always. A great storytelling ability could get away with amateur characterisation. It could make for a good reading, even evoke some light moment, but would such characters live beyond the story?
Investing wholeheartedly into the character(s), digging out every minute detail like it was for a biography of a real person - what's she thinking, is her heart beating faster or her eyelashes battling? Is she well-read, did she have a disturbing past? One good technique is to draw that imaginary person on paper, paint them with colors that complement their emotions. This kind of visualization could potentially transform into a writing, which brings those characters alive and breath right in front of the reader. When you see someone (not just read about them), you'll hardly ignore them. For, it's not a character but a real person you saw.
Strong Characterization thus, becomes an essential ingredient, never to be taken lightly.
Sometimes when none of the ingredients work, a solid protagonist could singlehandedly save the sinking story, much like what salt does to the food.
