Hey everyone! Any ideas for for strengths/weaknesses for a YA character without the usual sarcastic teenage attitude?
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Writing teens without attitude
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Becca C.
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I was like you. A little emo maybe, and a little gothy in the clothing department, but I didn't drink or party and I hung out with my mom more than my friends (still do). I think a realistic way to write teens like that is to give them fear, because that's one thing I had a lot of. Fear of being just like everyone else, but at the same time, fear of being different. Fear of missing out on regular teen experiences, but at the same time, fear of sacrificing what I really loved (reading and writing).
I was taking college classes at 15. So no, no attitude.
To be fair though, there are a lot—perhaps more than many members realize—of very valued teen members at AW.
I think, personally, those few teens who have been so very intolerant, and entitled that they were perm banned, would be just as much a non-functional member if they were adults.
I don't think age was the underlying issue; I think attitude and personality were.
To be fair though, there are a lot—perhaps more than many members realize—of very valued teen members at AW.
I think, personally, those few teens who have been so very intolerant, and entitled that they were perm banned, would be just as much a non-functional member if they were adults.
I don't think age was the underlying issue; I think attitude and personality were.
I was a geeky, nerd-type who respected elders and never got in trouble (fingers crossed for the teens I'm currently raising).
The teens in my YA novel are a varied bunch with lots of issues in their past. But I like to think I expose their sensitivities and vulnerabilities rather than unleashing pure attitude.
The teens in my YA novel are a varied bunch with lots of issues in their past. But I like to think I expose their sensitivities and vulnerabilities rather than unleashing pure attitude.
I hear ya. In the YA story of my life, I wasn't the spirited heroine that is generally portrayed. Personality among teens is really as various as can be, and I would love to see more personality types written about.
As for how to give them strengths and flaws? There are too many ways to count. They are unique and varied, and should fit your character, especially their background. For example, the eldest sibling in a large family with parents who have checked out, might be mature for her age and motherly, but might also be under-ambitious (or over-ambitious). Another character in that same situation might be snappish and stressed, but loving in the quiet moments.
There are too many ways for characters to be written. Just don't put them in a box and you'll do fine.
As for how to give them strengths and flaws? There are too many ways to count. They are unique and varied, and should fit your character, especially their background. For example, the eldest sibling in a large family with parents who have checked out, might be mature for her age and motherly, but might also be under-ambitious (or over-ambitious). Another character in that same situation might be snappish and stressed, but loving in the quiet moments.
There are too many ways for characters to be written. Just don't put them in a box and you'll do fine.
I was too busy being bullied to cop an attitude with my parents. I didn't have the energy.
My protags do reflect this, even if there's tension between protag and parent (which happens in the best of relationships). The protags usually have some other concern that makes an attitude difficult to have.
My protags do reflect this, even if there's tension between protag and parent (which happens in the best of relationships). The protags usually have some other concern that makes an attitude difficult to have.
I was a really good teen, and I think there are plenty of great kids out there who could relate to a good MC too. Nothing wrong with that!
As far as what sort of character you write, write a real one! Nobody is 100% good or bad, but that doesn't mean that their flaw needs to be major or even classic. Maybe Bobby Sue is mean to her little brother. Maybe she's really vain. Maybe she sells term papers on the internet for money (smart kid, right?) For strengths, you don't need to type cast your character either. Let a character roll together. I like to surf around the net some and let pieces fall into place. I see an ad there with a pair of skinny jeans, a book there that makes me think of skateboarding. A blog in another spot with a picture of a vintage Weird tales. I end up with a sort of angsty geek-girl who loves her mom, is into sports, and has some freakishly odd obsessions with dead stuff instead of teeny-bopper mags. (Well that was MY book, but so...). Just brainstorm and see where that takes you?
As far as what sort of character you write, write a real one! Nobody is 100% good or bad, but that doesn't mean that their flaw needs to be major or even classic. Maybe Bobby Sue is mean to her little brother. Maybe she's really vain. Maybe she sells term papers on the internet for money (smart kid, right?) For strengths, you don't need to type cast your character either. Let a character roll together. I like to surf around the net some and let pieces fall into place. I see an ad there with a pair of skinny jeans, a book there that makes me think of skateboarding. A blog in another spot with a picture of a vintage Weird tales. I end up with a sort of angsty geek-girl who loves her mom, is into sports, and has some freakishly odd obsessions with dead stuff instead of teeny-bopper mags. (Well that was MY book, but so...). Just brainstorm and see where that takes you?
Ah. The squeaky wheel gets the oil! That's my take on why angsty characters can be so appealing. There's a visceral reaction to fix them.
I took a psych class last quarter, and the most fascinating thing that the prof kept repeating is that the part of the human brain that develops last is impulse control. He said that it develops oh... about when one turns 25. So, I think that adults forget teens have poor impulse control. Add to that the hormone storm inside their brain.
I think maybe a good way to approach this is to find out what motivates the type of voice you're looking to write. Is it a need to please other people? Is it a need to protect a younger sibling? Also, maybe look at different types of families. You said you love(d) your mom. How about kids with no moms? 2 moms? A mom who doesn't love them? A mom they love, but they can't quite bring themselves to show it the right way because they don't know how?
There's families of mixed races. Or families that are immigrants. What kind of voices do those kids have? And are they less confrontational because they want to be? Or because their culture forces them to be?
I took a psych class last quarter, and the most fascinating thing that the prof kept repeating is that the part of the human brain that develops last is impulse control. He said that it develops oh... about when one turns 25. So, I think that adults forget teens have poor impulse control. Add to that the hormone storm inside their brain.
I think maybe a good way to approach this is to find out what motivates the type of voice you're looking to write. Is it a need to please other people? Is it a need to protect a younger sibling? Also, maybe look at different types of families. You said you love(d) your mom. How about kids with no moms? 2 moms? A mom who doesn't love them? A mom they love, but they can't quite bring themselves to show it the right way because they don't know how?
There's families of mixed races. Or families that are immigrants. What kind of voices do those kids have? And are they less confrontational because they want to be? Or because their culture forces them to be?
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I was the goodie as well, honors/AP classes, didn't do [illegal] drugs, didn't party [hard], hung out with a certain clique of people, respectful of some adults, love my folks. I think the not-so-good teens get a little more attention because maybe they're a tad bit more interesting to read about. You know they're gonna get into some shit.
I think plenty of teens can relate to reading about "good" kids. I can tell you make them real, but that's a given. One of my MCs in my current work is a "good girl", but she has her issues. Anxiety, body issues, internal struggles, she's stubborn, etc...
If you write a "good teen", they don't have to be perfect: they may be academically challenged, prefer solitude, be socially awkward, have personality quirks that conflict with his/her character. Give your character some f your qualities. I second what the others have said, especially about "fear". We've all got them and I'm sure a "good teen" definitely has them. There's a reason behind his/her "goodie-goodie" exterior. Give them personal struggles.
I think plenty of teens can relate to reading about "good" kids. I can tell you make them real, but that's a given. One of my MCs in my current work is a "good girl", but she has her issues. Anxiety, body issues, internal struggles, she's stubborn, etc...
If you write a "good teen", they don't have to be perfect: they may be academically challenged, prefer solitude, be socially awkward, have personality quirks that conflict with his/her character. Give your character some f your qualities. I second what the others have said, especially about "fear". We've all got them and I'm sure a "good teen" definitely has them. There's a reason behind his/her "goodie-goodie" exterior. Give them personal struggles.
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I'm fifteen and I'm that way right now--I'm an IB student and basically taking college classes from sophomore year up to senior year. Even though I'm stuffed with work, I don't complain, because I'm just glad to be alive. This translates to my current male MC who just doesn't complain.
I agree with Becca, though. Angst and attitude is different than fear. I think that's what every teen lives with, whether the fears are physical, emotional, or mental. It's always there. I never believe it when any of my friends tell me they have no fears, and because they tell me they don't, I know what they really fear is the truth/reality.
I also like reading about "good" characters who in honesty is just playing a role--someone who looks perfect and polished and "good" in the eyes of society ( maybe through how helpful and nice they are, how grateful they are, academic strengths, and respect towards parents), when in truth their trying to hide deep within their selves flaws and troubles.
I agree with Becca, though. Angst and attitude is different than fear. I think that's what every teen lives with, whether the fears are physical, emotional, or mental. It's always there. I never believe it when any of my friends tell me they have no fears, and because they tell me they don't, I know what they really fear is the truth/reality.
I also like reading about "good" characters who in honesty is just playing a role--someone who looks perfect and polished and "good" in the eyes of society ( maybe through how helpful and nice they are, how grateful they are, academic strengths, and respect towards parents), when in truth their trying to hide deep within their selves flaws and troubles.
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I really liked this explanation. When I was a teen, I wasn't good but I wasn't too bad. I had issues with authority and fitting in, of not having enough money and feeling like I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder. Also, too much freedom because of what my mom was dealing with.
My MC is smart and funny, she's sarcastic, but she's basically a good kid trying to get through her first year of high school. And she has a close relationship with her mom. Not all teens hate their parents. Some are very close.
I think the writer should write what feels real and authentic for their character. And I'm REALLY hoping contemporary is looming on the horizon again. (Very soon!)
Another option is the silent revolutionary haha.
I followed the rules and got good grades, but I still pushed the boundaries. I worked within the system to get what I wanted. So lots of rule bending, but no breaking.
Just a teen who has big ideas despite seemingly falling in line. so I guess I mean that a rebellious streak doesn't have to manifest itself as problems with authority or drug use. Maybe standing up for a kid who's picked on or starting a gay/straight alliance in a conservative school. Doing a project on some sordid aspect of the towns history when everyone else would rather not talk about it.
At some schools, getting straight A's and not partying are pretty "rebellious" in a way. I like a character with some backbone. So they don't need to be subversive, just passionate about something and I'll be interested. Goody good is fine, boring wet towel is...well, boring.
I followed the rules and got good grades, but I still pushed the boundaries. I worked within the system to get what I wanted. So lots of rule bending, but no breaking.
Just a teen who has big ideas despite seemingly falling in line. so I guess I mean that a rebellious streak doesn't have to manifest itself as problems with authority or drug use. Maybe standing up for a kid who's picked on or starting a gay/straight alliance in a conservative school. Doing a project on some sordid aspect of the towns history when everyone else would rather not talk about it.
At some schools, getting straight A's and not partying are pretty "rebellious" in a way. I like a character with some backbone. So they don't need to be subversive, just passionate about something and I'll be interested. Goody good is fine, boring wet towel is...well, boring.
I was one of those teens! I could skip class if I needed to (just talk to teacher), or turn papers in later if something came up without difficulty. I could go out with friends when I wanted to, because my parents knew they could trust me. Being responsible gave me a wealth of freedom.
As for weaknesses, I think almost anything could apply. The MC could selfishly guard homework time, or be shy, or super-grumpy in the morning...whatever. Maybe he/she is trying to figure out how to balance homework, friends, family...maybe he/she is overly competitive, etc.
Anyway, the book sounds cool! Good luck.
As for weaknesses, I think almost anything could apply. The MC could selfishly guard homework time, or be shy, or super-grumpy in the morning...whatever. Maybe he/she is trying to figure out how to balance homework, friends, family...maybe he/she is overly competitive, etc.
Anyway, the book sounds cool! Good luck.
I was one of those teens, and two of my characters in my WIP are exactly like that- never curse, do drugs, always respectful, ect.
Of course, there are "bad" kids to balance it out. But I do feel as if the majority of teens do tend to be more like this now a days, especially in YA fiction, which used to focus almost exclusively on said bad kids in the early-00's to an almost concerning degree.
Of course, there are "bad" kids to balance it out. But I do feel as if the majority of teens do tend to be more like this now a days, especially in YA fiction, which used to focus almost exclusively on said bad kids in the early-00's to an almost concerning degree.
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I was one of these teens as well. Good grades (most of the time), rarely in trouble, respected other people including adults.
But if I were a character, I would sure as hell be extremely boring to read about.
Non-sarcastic, respectful, mature teenagers exist. This thread highlights this. But each and every one of us had weaknesses - and they varied. To be honest, I think your character can get away with whatever strengths and weaknesses you see fit. There isn't a set of character traits for good kids, as it were. We're all different.
But if I were a character, I would sure as hell be extremely boring to read about.
Non-sarcastic, respectful, mature teenagers exist. This thread highlights this. But each and every one of us had weaknesses - and they varied. To be honest, I think your character can get away with whatever strengths and weaknesses you see fit. There isn't a set of character traits for good kids, as it were. We're all different.
My MCs tend to be serious students and athletes who don't get into real trouble, but they do have conflict with their parents, and angst, and tend towards the snarky. They have reasons, though -- health problems, loss of loved ones, etc that make them more impatient than the average 'good' teen. I like the middle ground, between the Cleavers and Lisbeth Salander.
My MC starts out like that, but other circumstances in her life start pushing her into another direction. Still, she always maintains a strong element as the good girl next door, so I believe it can work.
Mind you, I wasn't necessarily one myself...
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Mind you, I wasn't necessarily one myself...
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This really stuck out to me. It's true. If you can boil two oversimplifications ("good" kid vs "troublemaker") down into two polar opposite characters, in order to have a story one of those characters will have things happen TO him/her; the other one is going to get out there and make things HAPPEN.
Either one can make for a great story. It's all in how the character interacts with the situation.
Hah hah, I was actually the same as a teenager, except for the straight As. My characters vary, I think. I have the "rebellious" ones, but one of my favorites is a kid who goes to a fine arts school. He's religious and spends the story trying to reconcile with his mother, despite the fact that he's gay and she pretty much told him to go to hell because of it. Not everyone hates their parents!
I think that often, "good kids" get things done *to* them, whereas "bad kids" are more proactive.
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