How Do You Keep Your Characters From Sounding Alike?

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I have this problem, especially with female characters, where I think I make them all sound alike. I know you should be able to cover up the character's names and just read the dialogue and figure out who is saying what. I don't think I could do that with mine. At least not yet, but I'm working on it.

I've learned two things recently. One, if I go more than a day without writing or working on my story, I start to forget what the characters sound like. And, two, having pictures of what I think my character looks like really helps. Sometimes I use New Faces Model web site to find pictures of people, or I'll use famous people. Either way, it helps to put a face with the person I've created.

What do you do to help your characters sound unique?

Comments

Stephanie said…
I always use actors and actresses as I write...I need to have a visual and imagine them saying my words...moving how I describe. I'm constantly watching my story as a movie in my head!

I'm having trouble with my newest...keeping all the characters sounding different. there is the main character, her sister and friend, and then the 4 women she works with. It's okay if the women she works with kinda blend together...it's not real important that the reader be able to keep them straight...but still.
June 13, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Bethany Elizabeth said…
I think I'm just really lucky. My characters sound different all on their own. I really wish I had some advice to give, but I guess I just don't know. Maybe try to write a scene or two using only dialogue?
June 13, 2011 at 10:01 PM
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