Character Descriptions

Felicia Beasley · Sep 2, 2007

As a reader do you prefer when an author describes the normal hair/eye color, height, body type, and other physical characteristics? Or when they leave all the normal stuff to your imagination? Or of course somewhere in between a full bio and nothing?

Personally I prefer next to nothing. I don't think physical characteristics such as eye color or body type add to the story unless there is something unique about it. Or if it relates directly to the story. The only eye color described in my current work is the antagonist's eyes and that is only because they change color. The reason for that is semi-important to the plot. Other than that, I am very minimal. Then again, description for me about anything is minimal and that isn't necessarily a good thing.

Now arguably some people have a better time picturing the character based on what the author writes. While others like to picture whatever they want, without author "vision" getting in the way. I'm narcissistic enough to usually cast myself as one of the characters when reading other people's work and just ignore any mention of opposing hair/eye color.

*Sidenote* This has nothing to do with anything I'm working on, I'm just curious really. No two people are alike and wondered other opinions on the subject

Okay correction, it relates a tiny bit. My husband and I are arguing about this and he believes that if I don't paint an absolute picture of the physical characteristics, I fail as a writer. Though nothing anyone says here will convince him otherwise (he's just too stubborn). Then again his favorite author is Robert Jordan, whom I personally find too wordy. Just an example of differing opinions

Stijn Hommes · Sep 2, 2007

Some description is nice, but only when it's not all dumped on you in one paragraph.
It can also be overdone.

FennelGiraffe · Sep 2, 2007

Felicia Beasley said:
As a reader do you prefer when an author describes the normal hair/eye color, height, body type, and other physical characteristics? Or when they leave all the normal stuff to your imagination? Or of course somewhere in between a full bio and nothing?

I don't mind the description being there, as long as it's well-written, but I don't miss it if it isn't. Sure, tell me something if it has has meaning for the story, but I don't have any need for a full, detailed description.

When it isn't written well, though, it's very annoying. One thing I hate is when the complete physical description is crammed into the very first paragraph, or sometimes the first sentence, in which the character is mentioned. Sure, it's also annoying to get a third of the way into the book before you find out you've been visualizing a character wrong, but give me a break. Scattering the description through that character's first scene or two is early enough.

This topic comes up from time to time though, and some readers really do need the physical description to be there. So I put it in, but as gently as possible.

glassquill · Sep 2, 2007

I don't object to descriptions. It has its uses. What I object to is a large chunk of description that reads like one of those 'Most Wanted' posters. I'd prefer that descriptions be handled lightly.

Just my personal opinion, of course.

dclary · Sep 2, 2007

I'm pretty sure Clive Cussler mentions Dirk Pitt's steel grey eyes once a paragraph.

Azraelsbane · Sep 2, 2007

Most of the time I give only a light description, unless I feel more is needed. This is if: 1) it's important to the story 2) it gives a nice idea of personality up front (looks can show a lot, but going overboard is boring)

The thing about this, is it's hard to judge when the description is first set forth, unless the description is just poorly written. Sometimes a trait about a character will become important later in the story, and if your reader already has something completely different in mind, it would be jarring.

Also, if the character looks eccentric in one way or another, it's important to have a description (imo). I have a lot of eccentric looking individuals in my novels, and eye color is also crucial to the story. But it's important not to have a fashion show every time a new char comes on.

I try to work some of that into thoughts and dialogue if it simply must be there. For instance, I have one section where a char is thinking about how inappropriately another is dressed, and it irks him. It gives a hint as to what she wears, but doesn't parade her out on a catwalk (hopefully). Then I have another instance where a character makes fun of what another char is wearing, and does a snarky comparison to one of the other MCs (before he ever shows up in the book). Hopefully it's funny, and when that other MC shows up, people will automatically stick a few items on him.

Now I could be giving horrible examples/advice, good thing it's just my opinion.

maestrowork · Sep 2, 2007

The best way to describe characters is to sneak in the descriptions as part of the plot/narrative. Try not to stop the story to describe things. Keep the descriptions relevant to the story, and keep the readers in the moment:

The man ran his big callused hand over her face, grabbed her neck with his other and pushed her head toward him. When she saw the long scar that cut deep from his forehead down to the corner of his mouth, and his steely grey eyes, she screamed.

scribbler1382 · Sep 2, 2007

If you're going to give a physical description, do it early in the character's appearance. There's nothing I hate more than developing my own mental picture of a character, and then finding out halfway through the book that my picture is way off. (This recently happened reading a James Rollins book. The character's name was Grey, so for some reason I had him pictured with gray hair. Halfway in Rollins mentions his hair is black (or brown...I forget which).

Generally, just tell me hair color and body type if it's not "average". I like to know what they're wearing generally, it can help give insight into a character's taste. I don't give a crap about eye color or jewellery or cologne. But that's me.

Danger Jane · Sep 2, 2007

I don't like a lot of physical description, not unless it has to do with the plot, not unless it's what the POV character would notice.

And I hate the purple paragraph of description that crops up on two occasions:

1) when a new character has entered the story
2) when someone has changed their clothes

Mine is generally very spare, even if I know what my character looks like exactly.

Claudia Gray · Sep 2, 2007

It depends. As a writer, I sometimes give a lot of detail, sometimes don't. As a reader, I love physical description if it's done well, but I don't really miss it as long as the character's personality is vividly portrayed.

ZannaPerry · Sep 2, 2007

When a character changes clothes----the reader won't necessarily think they are walking around naked in each scene. If there is a need to say the character has changed clothes for a special occassion per say a funeral, a wedding, any kind of attire you will need to dress nice for. Other than that, leave the garments out.

I like physical descriptions on the two characters I will be reading mostly about. Especially the hero. He needs some good descriptions.

The Grift · Sep 2, 2007

I used to go overboard on description, but reading over the old stuff it seems like I was a little too in love with my own characters. When I see overdone descriptions of the main characters in novels, I tend to think that that's how the author looks or more likely WISHES they looked.

In addition, I heard/read somewhere that a reader is more likely to identify with a character if they start picturing themselves in the role... meaning, don't overdo the description on a POV character. People want to imagine someone they can relate to in the roll.

And besides, how do you describe a POV without using the contrived and cringe-inducing "he walked by a mirror," or "she paused to gaze into her reflection in the calm woodland pond." The Maestrowork method is one of the only effective ways to do it.

In my opinion, descriptions for other characters can be a good non-lazy shortcut to creating memorable characteristics. When there's not a ton of time for character description or development, having a couple of distinct physical characteristics to remember the character by can be very helpful.

Oberon · Sep 2, 2007

I have been struggling with this very issue. For the past two days I have been trying to visualize in my mind what one of my main chars looks like. She will be the lover of my main, and he will be attracted to her by her quirky beauty, but I'm having a hard time defining that quirkiness. I can use the words - foxy, elfin, raven-haired, all the cliches in the book, but I can't picture her in my mind. And I'm supposed to be something of an artist. I may try to draw her, but in the meantime I guess it's best to just give the readers a few hints, and let them draw their own. If there are ever any readers.

lfraser · Sep 2, 2007

Generally speaking I prefer a few brush strokes. The only time I would describe a character's appearance in detail is if someone else in the story is particularly struck by it.

JoniBGoode · Sep 2, 2007

Felicia Beasley said:
As a reader do you prefer when an author describes the normal hair/eye color, height, body type, and other physical characteristics? Or when they leave all the normal stuff to your imagination? Or of course somewhere in between a full bio and nothing?

I prefer brief descriptions -- almost character tags, if that's a concept.

I really, really hate it when a writer takes the time to describe someone's manly jaw, cleft chin, steely grey eyes, wavy brown hair, etc.etc. It seems especially contrived if it's done from the character's POV, or if the character is gazing in a mirror.

I much prefer "he looked like a blonde ferret in a cowboy hat."

JoNightshade · Sep 2, 2007

I generally include height, build, skin tone, and hair/eye color. I usually sprinkle descriptions throughout the book, but more so at the beginning. And I try to do it in a non-obvious way. For example, it's important to my story that one character be Chinese, but initially the narration is from her POV and people don't usually think "I am [insert race]." So I have her refer to her father as "Baba," and then catch herself with her companion and explain, "Oh that means father in Chinese." I figure most readers would take that to mean she's Chinese.

Xx|e|ph|e|me|r|al|xX · Sep 2, 2007

Xx| It's hard not to overdo it, but it is necessary, IMO. Just basics, like general height and weight (really skinny or obese or basketball player tall or midget...), eye and hair color, skin tone, general style of dress. The things you take in when you first see a person.

One of my characters is quite unique looking. He looks like a corpse--pale gray/blue skin, "deathly" clear blue eyes, and silky black hair. He has a longish ovular face and far-set eyes that are apparently naturally set half-closed. He dresses in clothes literally from the 1500s, the 1300s, the 1700s, and everything in between. And carries a walking stick. He definitely requires some description. Then the other one, all he really needs is adorably stout-faced, way more human-looking/alive-looking than the first, sky blue eyes and bronze wavy hair. And sometimes mentioning his manicured nails. Then the third, I like to say he has indigo eyes and long blonde curls and he's beautiful, and leave the reader to imagine him as their "beautiful". To get across his lean build, I say he's a swordfighter. Most people would picture him with some amount of muscle then. And I have others comment on the POV character or him casually mention "i brushed my short black hair, wincing as I worked out the tangled curls" or some such.

Sorry, I talk best using examples. But I just say description where necessary. Even if it's only necessary later, I like to know what's necessary about what the character looks like within a chapter of their first appearance, because I hate picturing them one way and learning otherwise way later. >.< |xX

scarletpeaches · Sep 2, 2007

I don't think physical descriptions are necessary at all. How do a person's looks affect what they do?

I've said it before and I'll say it again: my characters' looks aren't important. Their deeds are.

JimmyB27 · Sep 2, 2007

scarletpeaches said:
I don't think physical descriptions are necessary at all. How do a person's looks affect what they do?

I've said it before and I'll say it again: my characters' looks aren't important. Their deeds are.

But their appearance can be important. Argue it all you want, but it remains a fact that people are treated differently based on looks, and clothes. Try walking into a posh restaurant in jeans and a scrappy T-shirt if you don't believe me. Go wear a low cut top to a nightclub - it ain't your personality all those guys are drooling over

But in general terms, I do agree with you. Specific descriptions are certainly unnecessary, green eyes or blue isn't going to make much difference. Beautiful or ugly probably will affect how some characters view them, less so with others. If they're tall, they can reach the top shelf easier, and so on.
But, all of these things can be worked into the action. Instead of describing how beautiful someone is, you describe the reactions of all the people around her. Don't just say 'he's tall' - show him reaching for that high shelf in the supermarket his short little friend can't reach.

Wolvel · Sep 2, 2007

Personally I like descriptions so I can picture them in my minds eye.

The trick is they have to be done right, if you start up a description everytime a new character shows up it can get annoying.

Sometimes though a description can set up a scene if done right as well.

Example-

[Their concentration is broken when a tall woman walks up. She is wearing a skintight, black dress, with a low cut front, baring the insides of her ample breasts. Her face is blanketed on both sides by her fiery red locks, her eyes in contrast to her hair are a deep shade of emerald green. A slender nose trails down to her full blood red pouty lips.]

I used this at a MC's introduction and I like the way it fits into the scene. I have written some in the past that have been erased quickly leaving no evidense of it's passing.

Libbie · Sep 2, 2007

I prefer next to nothing, I think, unless something about their physical appearance is really important to the plot. If it must be done, I like the descriptions to come from other characters' viewpoints, through their observations of the character being described. It's too pedestrian for me when the narrator just outright says, "Joe was tall and broad with curling blonde hair and piercing blue eyes." Blah.

lkp · Sep 2, 2007

My eyes glaze over when I read descriptions. Give me one vivid and evocative detail, and I'll build the rest from my imagination.

Willowmound · Sep 2, 2007

A couple of broad strokes. A detail or two, if present and interesting.

How a person looks, depends a lot on how they feel. On who they are. That's why looks matter. Genes have less to do with this than people often seem to think. What's inside shows on the outside.

Of course it does.

Shadow_Ferret · Sep 2, 2007

If I'm walking down the street and meet people, I'll note hair color, eye color (if I can see it), shape of the face, style of dress, height, width, etc.

If I watch a movie or TV, I also note those same things.

So when I read a book, yes, I appreciate when the writer paints a brief picture of the characters.

Sage · Sep 2, 2007

I usually note hair more than anything else when meeting people. Sometimes height & weight, but usually that's a subconscious note that comes up only when I'm thinking about it. Hair is the fastest way for me to recognize someone, & when they change it, I have to make a note of it. I notice eye color in television & movies, but almost never in real life (I'm not an eye contact person, I've realized recently). Still hair, eyes, & maybe height is all I look for in description. Anything more & I'll probably end up skimming & noting how pretty the description is & absorbing nothing more than that until the action or dialogue comes back.

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