Characterization

*Spoiler alert for Suite Life on Deck movie, Page by Tamora Pierce*

The other day I was watching the Suite Life on Deck Movie (I love me some Disney Channel). It was near the end and our brave protagonist twin brothers are on the run from a hoard of mind controlled twins out to get them.

They come across a zip line which they're going to use to escape. Zack fends off the hoard with a metal pipe while his brother Cody sets them up to zip away to safety. As I'm watching I notice helmets as part of the zip line equipment and think "Dude, this is Disney. They're going to take time to put on helmets, aren't they, even thought the mob is nearly on top of them. Who would do that?"

Sure enough, Cody sticks a helmet on Zack's head, who says, "What? Why?"

"Zip line regulation," Cody replies.

And then I believe it.

You see, while most people may not think of safety when being chased by evil bad guys, the real question here is: Would Cody? And the answer is yes. He probably has zip line regulations memorized. This is a guy who irons his underwear, gets a monthly tetanus shot and, speaking of helmets, put one on his pet rat before he would let it run around in its wheel. Most people wouldn't put on that helmet, but Cody Martin would, and that makes the difference.

Also afraid of penguins.

When writing it's important to think carefully about what our characters would and wouldn't do in certain situations. If we contradict ourselves they become unbelievable. But if we pay close attention to who our characters are their actions will not only be believable, but will further the plot.

In Tamora Pierce's Page, for example, set in a magical, feudal world, Page Keladry is about to take the examination to become a Squire when she discovers her maid has been kidnapped and placed on top of a high tower. The smart thing to do might be to go get help, but that isn't fitting with Keladry's character. She likes to solve problems herself, doesn't like to complain, and doesn't want to be seen as weak when she's the only girl page. She also is such a caring person that she won't let her poor maid wait any longer than necessary to be rescued. She knows that she promised to protect her maid and she's going to fulfill that trust by being the one to rescue her, even if she misses the exam and has to repeat four years of page training. Keladry's character makes the entire climax of the book possible.

So as you're writing, take a closer look at your characters. Are their actions consistent? What kind of personality do they have? How can their response to situations make the plot more interesting?