As a fiction writer my characters are enhanced combinations of people I've met or seen over the years. And I admit I don't really look closely at people. They are homogenized in to perfect characters. But people aren't perfect.
I had the opportunity this past weekend to observe hundreds of people at a funeral. Not a particularly happy time, but it was interesting. I watched people. There were long faces, not sad, but physically long with a high forehead and lengthy chin. There were middle aged women who looked wrinkled and worn. There were women who had carefully applied makeup and men who, I swear from the glare on their bald heads, they must wax them. There were old men with full heads of silver hair. Middle aged men with pierced ears and no earrings. Have they grown out of that style or is it not cool for men to wear earrings any more?
Some women had long waists, muscular calves and long necks. Are red highlights in dark hair a statement? Dresses were knee length or longer. The jewelry was not heavy medallions but one, two or three simple necklaces. Men wore plaid or striped shirts, some western, some with slogans on them, suit jackets with jeans or dress pants.
I shook hands with almost everyone there. Some people had firm hands, grabbing my hand, sometimes with both hands, and holding me with strength, while other people only grabbed my fingers and gently shook my hand. Some people shook hands with their left because their right hand/arm was missing.
So not everyone is an alpha male or female. But everyone dreams of falling in love. Anyone can be a hero/heroine. I prefer my characters to be people and to have flaws. Lovers overlook those flaws. This past weekend while not wonderful because of the circumstances was enlightening for my characters.
Who is your favorite character and why?
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