It's a double-whammy?

Yeah, sorry if I'm totally bugging you guys with questions, but this is totally relevant. :'D

My friend and I are doing a very character-heavy, chapter-heavy piece that's meant to be a comic-to-be and we're planning on having a lot of character development. This is my first attempt at anything resembling a novel (even a graphic novel) so I'm feeling shaky. What are some tips and stuff I should keep in mind for depicting good, non-abrupt character development?

Also, we're writing this thing in tagteam; basically, I write a chapter, then he writes one, then I write one, and it cycles. Would we be able to post that as one work here in one neat little folder, or is there no system for collaboration here yet and will we have to find some other way to pull it off?

Thank you for your help. <3

When it comes to having good characters, I cannot stress this enough: Make your characters have reasons to do things. Every little love, hate, friendship and reaction should have a logical, well-explained reason behind it. That is the only way smooth characters are created.

If you want non-abrupt changes, devote plenty of time to each change in mood. Also, set up most character traits within the first few chapters, such as any skills they'll need later on. Also, if they have any tendencies, ie- flaws and strengths, those need to be hinted at in early chapters.

What has happened sometimes in collaborations is the two friends create a joint account for their writing. The other option is one person posting all the parts. All depends on what you want to do.

Hope this helps!

~Rosey

Psh, we love it when you bug us with questions.

Listen to Rosey 'cause she's a very smart person. Just by the way.

Talk To Me

Dialogue is your friend. Your very best friend in the whole wide world. Especially when it comes to graphic novels. xD Make your geeks sound like geeks and your jocks sound like jocks. Your characters can/should be using vocabulary that reflect their interests, background, and personality.

Why is this person so cheerful? (Maybe she's an optimistic person who's led a perfect life. Maybe she's led a terrible life but wants to hide her misery.)

Why is this guy so rude? (Maybe he's having family troubles. Maybe his dad, who's life seems to be dropping downhill, is setting a bad example for his son.)

Why does that girl always say, "Silly [rabbit], Trix are for kids!"? (Maybe she has a love for Trix cereal. Maybe she just gets her humor from her dad. Maybe she's a rogue and it's really spelled "tricks," in which case that's one tricky character!)

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

As Rosey said, there's a reason for everything their characters do. Even if it's just a random act of peeling a banana. Are they peeling that banana in an odd way (in which case she probably learned it from a parent or guardian)? Is she peeling that banana 'cause she's hungry or her little brother couldn't peel it (the latter leading into her helpful nature probably).

Your characters should also have habits. Some people bite their fingernails when they get nervous. Some people drum their fingers on the table if they're bored stiff. Some people stick their tongue out when they're really focused on something. Sometimes, it's the little things that matter most. If this is taking the graphic novel route, it'll be even easier to demonstrate these habits. It makes that person unique. And really, once you get to know the character, it's just way too funny to see them do their little habits. xD ("Uh oh, she's getting nervous. She's gonna bite her fingernails! ... HAH! Told you! lulz.")

And also, how do your characters react to things? When it comes to debates, do they pounce and start World War Seven? Or do they shrug it off? Are they afraid of spiders? Do they jump, squeal and run away from them? Or do they just stare at it and think about what to do? ((And remember: Why? Why do they react this way? Whether it's genetic or there's a whole story behind it, there's a reason somewhere.))

I Believe In Flying Monkeys. Dunno 'Bout You.

Each character has morals. They believe this is right and this is wrong. So get to know your character. Do they believe that magical unicorns and fairy dust exists? Or are they a bit more reasonable? Do they tend to be pessimistic [negative] about situations? Optimistic [positive]? Maybe they think through each situation before giving any input (There's at least two sides to every situation!).

Getting Down To It

Every little thing your character says and does is important. It affects their development. Whatever they do or say reflects their personality or background. This is where character bios come in handy. Once you get to know your character like you know your own twin brother, you can't go wrong.

Hope I helped somewhat. ^^

Keep writing!

Jabber, the One and Only!