Arthur

Hi there. So long as we're talking about Character Development, let's do an exercise, shall we?

Have your friend write up a character however they want to do it. When they're done, read it carefully and absorb the character.

Then, pick up a piece of paper and start writing. If you wanna make something big like a short story or an epic novel, even, go ahead. Personally, I'd start with a monologue just to give the character a 'voice'. Not just any voice-- diction, attitude, moxie. Anything. When you're finished, read your piece again, and see if you can make it into a longer story :)

Anyway, here's a monologue I did based on a friend's Character Development.
Enjoy!


Character Development by Kathy Grasso
Arthur
Arthur Clark was adopted when he was 1 year old and has no memories of his birth parents. When asked, he tells people his background is Irish/English/Dutch. He came to this conclusion after looking at photographs in magazines and recognizing similar facial traits. He is now a 16 year‐old home schooled high school student. It was in Arthur’s best interest that he is home schooled. He has a reddish complexion and is constantly plagued by pimples. He’s tried every medicine available and has consulted various doctors and dermatologists; however nothing has helped. He was constantly bullied in grade school. His adoptive mother Sue has other adoptive children.
Arthur gets along well with everyone. He tries to be a good example to his younger brothers and sister. Even though Arthur is home schooled, he is allowed to participate in after school activities at the local high school. He is the school paper’s photographer and president of the chess club. Arthur is not popular by any means, but all the jocks know him. He is the go to guy for help with a swing, a free throw, and even trick plays. Arthur relies on science and logic for everything. Some of the neighborhood kids would pick on Arthur. In exchange for help with their homework they agreed to stop picking on him. Through his tutoring sessions he became friends with a football player named Steve. Arthur even showed Steve some plays he worked out for the football team, basing them on famous chess moves.


Arthur's Monologue by Snd
(This is Arthur starting his day looking at the bathroom mirror)

Ouch, the water’s hot. Blue means cold, right? Not hot. Better tell mom about it. Then maybe she can call plumber or something. The doctor told me hot water isn’t good for my “condition”. And by “condition”, she meant my “frightening face of a mutant” condition. Ugh. My face sucks! And you know what else sucks? The fact that junior prom is coming up and you, my good man, don’t have a date. You’re still going, but you’re not gonna be dancing. You’re gonna be taking pictures all… night… long. Tsk.

School photographer. Lame. Chess club. Uber lame. I need to do something else. Wonder if the jocks would help me. I mean… I help them with their stuff. I helped them calculate the trajectory of their throws… The angle and speed for a home run swing… I mean, come on… they HAVE to help me in some way right? Wonder if Steve can convince the coach so I’d make the team. That’ll be awesome! And then maybe Heather would be my date to the prom! Yes! That’ll be beyond cool! Okay then! I’ll ask Steve today about it! Why am I so excited? I need to breathe.

Breeeeaaatthheee…

Today’s gonna be a good day. I can feel it.

Good morning, Arthur Clark. Are you psyched for today? Yes I am.

YES.
I.
AM!

Ugh. Who am I kidding?

Arthur, you’re one hell of a man, but your face sucks.