《How to Write Stories People Will Love》Question 98: Writing smart characters
Advertisement
asks: How do you write a character and their actions when they are much smarter than you?
You don't have to be a genius to write about one. You just have to demonstrate how smart they are in the story. There are different ways to do this.
If your character is book-smart, it will be easy to look up information regarding their areas of expertise. Then during conversation, the character can casually mention that babies have about 100 more bones than adults do, or that polar bears are nearly undetectable by infrared cameras. (Did I look smart just now? I literally went to Google and searched "little known science trivia".) The context of the conversation will matter, of course. The character can't be walking around spouting facts like some kind of Rain Man (unless that's your character). Be thoughtful where these facts will make sense in a conversation. They could be used as a metaphor for something else.
Characters with superior intellects are more challenging to write because their brains just work differently from the average person's. Sherlock Holmes is a great example. He's able to notice things most people don't and then connect that information with other facts. The good news is you don't need to have a Sherlock intellect to write such a character. As the author, you have all the facts already, so all you need to do is divulge some of the more obvious details.
For example, they could be trying to find a missing person, and they're in the house examining photos. One investigator will note that the missing person likes the beach, then the smart one can look more closely and notice a rare plant in the photo, then reveal that the plant could only be found in a certain part of the city. Boom, smart person!
Advertisement
Some people are very smart and they know it. They also let everyone around them know it. Arrogance from feeling superior is a very real thing. Sometimes they project this arrogance as a defense mechanism to hide the fact that they don't actually know much. Or they may project this arrogance because they think that's all their good for. Room for character development!
Still stuck? Think about movie characters that seem very smart to you. Watch how they are portrayed in the movie. Think about some smart friends or coworkers you might have. How do they behave? How do you know they're smart? Think about applying some of those things into your story, and you'll be well on your way.
Advertisement
- End2018 Chapters
Perfect World
SynopsisA speck of dust can fill an ocean. A blade of grass can destroy the sun, moon, and the stars. A flick of a finger can turn the world upside down.Groups of heroes rise, and innumerable clans stand together. Various saints fight for power as the entire world falls into chaos. I ask the boundless Mother Earth: Who decides the ups and downs?A young man walks out of the barren wilderness, and everything starts from there…
8 940 - In Serial184 Chapters
Practicing Basic Sorcery for Billions of Times Made Me Invincibl
"Ryan was transported to a world of swords and magic, and he discovered that he was contracted with a system that made him stronger as long as he continued to practice basic magic! When everyone else was learning all sorts of fancy magic, Ryan was keeping a low profile practicing foundational magic! “Ding! Congratulations to master for completing foundational magic training 10 000 times. You obtained [Spell Casting Speed X10]!” “Ding! Congratulations to master for completing foundational magic training 100 000 times. You obtained [Complete Fire Elemental Magic]!” “Ding! Congratulations to master for completing one million times of blade-drawing. You obtained [Domain of the Laws of Magic, Saint Mage Rank]!” Thus, after practicing foundational magic for billions of times, when Ryan unleashed his foundational magic, he realized that no one could rival him!"
8 1938 - In Serial8 Chapters
A Skazka
The book will contain short stories. Major themes will be shared! The book stories will be like crispy snacks for everyone. Enjoy! Inspired by: The Grim Brothers Japanese mythology
8 81 - In Serial19 Chapters
Wednesday x Enid {Wenclair}
Based on the trailers
8 410 - In Serial7 Chapters
The Maid (Lady Beneviento x Fem reader)
Y/N, a maiden working for the castle Dimetrescu. Arrived at the House Beneviento to work under the Lord who is a dollmaker. Will this maid attract the attention of the pair Beneviento.×××WARNING××וslow updates. I update slowly because of in real life problem.•Bad writing. Yeh I'm bad okay.•Author is not Active
8 176 - In Serial12 Chapters
Reincarnated as a female Emperor in the BL novel
The scientist who invented the cure for cancer.The master of weapons.The genius girl who graduated from the world's top university at the age of 14.The richest and most respected tycoon.and the woman who holds the tilte as the most beautiful woman in every country. Amazing right?......Only one word can describe her, and itsPerfect..... but....... "Seriously! when did this pile of paper done?! What a pain" This girl is very lazy.Camilia Eleanor Valerie.This 23-year-old beauty is called the Lord of the world in the shadows. All the high ranking state officials from all over the world knew who she was, and it was absolute not to make her an enemy. and She die, with no reason.And like falling on a ladder, She died because of the god of death's fault...... At first she was happy that the god granted her 3 wishes, but.... when She know what role that waiting for her in the future...."Doesn't this mean I have to work too?! You must be a God of bastard, cause yourself is one!" The god made some mistakes.....and the novel turn VERY FaR from the original one......I don't own the images
8 132

