Novel Kicks Writing Room: Character Challenge – The Past

Welcome back to the Novel Kicks Writing Room.

It’s week four of our character challenge.

As we progress through this challenge, we’ll take a character from a simple idea and gradually develop them into someone with a personality, history, relationships, flaws, fears and a meaningful character arc.

You don’t need to be writing a novel to take part. Your character can be created specifically for these exercises, or you can use a character from a story you’re already working on.

WEEK 4 — The Past

Our characters didn’t begin on page one. Something happened before the story started that helped make them who they are.

Choose one:

• Their happiest childhood memory.
• Their worst childhood memory.
• Their first heartbreak.
• A time they failed.
• A decision they regret.
• Someone they lost.
• A moment that changed their life.

Now, write a 500-word flashback scene. 

Then write a short paragraph explaining how that event still affects your character today. Consider what your character would change about the past if they could?

As always, have fun.

Click here to check out week one of the character challenge.

Click here t0 check out week two of the character challenge. 

Click here to check out week three of the character challenge. 

If you’d like to take a look at the plot challenge we did earlier in the year, click here.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.