There’s two ways you can interpret this title. Am I talking about the characters’ personalities – whether they are strong or weak, or am I talking about whether as a character they are strong and fully fleshed out or weak without much point? This week, I’ll actually be discussing both.

Back in February, I wrote a blog about characters who don’t always remain a big part of the books – the people we used to know. They are a mixture of weak and strong characters in terms of personality. Also a mixture of weak and strong characters in the way they are written.

You can try your best as an author to make sure everyone is a “strong” character but in fact, if you’re basing it on reality, not everyone is a “strong” presence in your life. We all like to think we are unique, but in your everyday life, you’ll encounter people who you know don’t well enough and seem like a weaker presence. More forgettable. That is the same in the books. Luke doesn’t always get to know people well enough to work out what they are like, what their strengths are, just as we do. We just can’t do that with everyone we come across. But the people you do get to know and do interact with, you’ll likely find what their strength is as a person. And if we could get to know everyone in that same depth, we’d find ourselves surrounded with strong characters. I think in third person that’s much more important to show, but in first person, from Luke’s point of view, he won’t notice everyone.

So what do I mean by a strong or a weak character? What I’m talking about is drivers. What drives a person. Do they have a motive, a fire, a reason for being the way they are? Are they realistic and fully fleshed out? Are they someone who you’ll admire? Everyone has that strength, but as I said, we don’t always take the time to find out everyone’s.

With a strong and weak personality, I mean, does this character hold their own and stand out, or are they happy to remain quieter. Do they stick to their morals, do they fight for what matters? Do they give up what’s important to them for a greater good? Is the character internally brave or easily swayed. Will the character be able to be so visible that Luke just can’t ignore them and can comfortably live his story alongside them? Or do they let other people have the limelight? Are they memorable? Have a look back and see if you can work out who I’m talking about so far, and who could be perceived as weaker.

That’s the thing about writing, you almost want to flesh out every character, but sometimes it isn’t possible or necessary. Just as long as you do it for your main ones enough. But don’t confuse their personality with their character. Sometimes even our strongest characters need to have their weaknesses in their personality. It’s what makes them human. In fact, that’s what makes them strong. Being weak can make them strong. Confusing, I know. Doable? Certainly.

Atlantic Split and At Liberty To Live, the first and second books in The Luke Bright Series are available to purchase NOW! An Undercover Dream – the third book in the series will be released in SUMMER 2019! 

Please follow me on my blog and social media links below, and use the links on my website to purchase a copy of each if you have not done so. Don’t forget to leave a review! Thank you once again for taking the time to read this blog post.

N.A.K.