forum How do you write unpredictable characters without getting out of character?

Started March 18, 2019 by IWriteLikeIMurder

tune

I want to write an unpredictable character, but I'm not sure about how I should do it?

There are quite a few ways to do it actually.

1. Write a character that only acts out of self-interest.
2. Give them multiple goals of which only one or two are known to the reader and other characters.
3. Have their morals differ from the other characters but don't put the focus on it. It's a small trick because people will asume the morals of the majority will be the general guidelines (except when it concerns the antagonist).
4. Let them have their misteries. write down about five secrets about them that you won't use in your story but might hint at

But in my opinion, unpredictable characters are always the ones that undertake the most action and react to situations the most. sure, they might get draged along with the quest but they always activly make a choice when given one. even if that choice is Fight or perish!

Hi! I actually have a few unpredictable characters,
one thing I find happened is that they have very extreme, or surprisingly not extreme, reactions to many different things. That and personality and interests are varied and conflicting.

There are quite a few ways to do it actually.

1. Write a character that only acts out of self-interest.
2. Give them multiple goals of which only one or two are known to the reader and other characters.
3. Have their morals differ from the other characters but don't put the focus on it. It's a small trick because people will assume the morals of the majority will be the general guidelines (except when it concerns the antagonist).
4. Let them have their mysteries. write down about five secrets about them that you won't use in your story but might hint at

But in my opinion, unpredictable characters are always the ones that undertake the most action and react to situations the most. sure, they might get draged along with the quest but they always activly make a choice when given one. even if that choice is Fight or perish!

Sorry I took so long to respond, but do you think you can elaborate by what you mean when you say

1. Have their morals differ from the other characters but don't put the focus on it. It's a small trick because people will assume the morals of the majority will be the general guidelines (except when it concerns the antagonist).

Sure, I shall try to elaborate.
I mean that, if the majority of your characters agree stealing is bad by default or peanut butter is the worst condiment ever, your readers will assume that's the case for every other character except for the villain unless it's specifically stated to be otherwise.
Your unpredictable character could have slightly different opinions on this like stealing is okay if it is to keep the thing from falling into that person's hand or peanut butter with pieces isn't my favourite but I don't hate it. of course, you never outright say it, but these small deflections from the norm easily make for a disrupting element in what the reader thought was established.
It's similar to when you think everyone thinks chocolate is the best so you bake a large chocolate cake and then this one weirdo you know shows up and says "chocolate isn't bad but do you have carrot cake?"

are their actions unpredictable or is their personality?

Their personality

Sure, I shall try to elaborate.
I mean that, if the majority of your characters agree stealing is bad by default or peanut butter is the worst condiment ever, your readers will assume that's the case for every other character except for the villain unless it's specifically stated to be otherwise.
Your unpredictable character could have slightly different opinions on this like stealing is okay if it is to keep the thing from falling into that person's hand or peanut butter with pieces isn't my favourite but I don't hate it. of course, you never outright say it, but these small deflections from the norm easily make for a disrupting element in what the reader thought was established.
It's similar to when you think everyone thinks chocolate is the best so you bake a large chocolate cake and then this one weirdo you know shows up and says "chocolate isn't bad but do you have carrot cake?"

Ohhhh, I get it now, thank you for explaining the concept, I think it's interesting.