I think the trick is to choose one or two "foibles" that make your character unique and distinctly human (ergo, someone with faults). Then lend him a little charm and charisma is a natural byproduct.

I do agree, watching a certain actor or actress in a particular role can be a great help. The trick is not to incorporate that character or actor in its entirety so that your character will stand alone as unique.

It's a fine balancing act, done with spinning plates and flaming hoops. But somehow, we manage.
 

Yes, somehow we do manage -- although at times I'm not entirely sure that I do!!!!!

Until then I do manage to "get it right" I am more than willing just to keep researching!
 

Excuse me while I wipe the drool from my keyboard... there, all clean.

I used a certain actor as a template for my first novel, and pretty much lifted most of his traits if not all of them. However, I don't think many people will easily guess his identity.

My second hero is a hockey player, and I used the external traits of several existing NHL players. But since I only met a few (very briefly), I just used my instincts while developing his personality.
 

Oh, I don't know, Rebecca, the research looks really really GOOD! Ummm, I'm putting research at the top of my to do list!

Seriously, Gina hit it right on nose! You want to make sure you hero is stand alone and can be identified for himself.

Judith Leger
 

I do exactly what you do. I term it my "fourth dimension". It's an excellent device to infuse a depth into the copy.
I used Meg Ryan in one of my characters. I love her and she's one of my favorites. Just her face has a thousand emotions. I got a crazy character. "I spend more on one pair of shoes than some people do on a whole washing machine!"
Some people have the 'it' factor. A handsome face doesn't always translate into a handsome character. Perhaps we can describe it as a handsomeness of soul. A goodness, a cleverness, a personality, a funniness, a sensitiveness, a lovableness, a romancifiness, a heroness and on and on and on - some, all, certain - of the above - that pervades the outer facade and turns on magic.

No they're not the most beautiful people on the street...

but they are.
 

I'm the oddball out here. (okay, so what's new?)

Wait, no, I don't mean I am not drooling over the images. :-)

However, I can honestly say, while I occasionally use an image of an actor *after* I've developed a character to help me 'see' that character, I don't think about the nuances of a character in a role (or out of a role)to help me 'flesh' out my ideas.

I do occasionally do a bit of a buffet, a bit of Tommy Lee Jones enigma quality, a dash of Harrison Ford's boyish charm, plus a jigger of Sean Connery's suavity to start, but it's never from just one character and rarely more than one thing. And it never adds up to a complete character so I have to fill in the rest on my own.

But I like the idea of starting out with a solid foundation which you can then mold into what you want.

Guess I'll need to go rent some movies or watch non-educational/reality TV (which is what I watch with the kids) and see how it works out.

Interesting idea there....
 

You're not the only oddball, Ellie. If I had to write the characters I watched, they'd all look like Fred Flintstone and act like Spongebob (my four year old domintes the TV at my house.)

When I have a character in mind, I search out a photo. It's amazing what a visual will do for the imagination.

My current heros, Daniel is Chris Martin from Coldplay, Josh is Alexander Campion (a young composer). Though all I have is a visual, their alter personalities come through loud and clear-to me, anyway. Bringing them alive to others is my job, afterall.
 

Hi Rebecca,
As memeber of the Armitage Army I can say we always love to find nice Blog commentaries on Richard. You have really picked up on the qualities we love about him and why he is such a fantastic actor. Just wondering if you were aware that Richard did a radio production in the UK reading Ted Hughes letters, since you have a Slyvia Plath quote at the top of your page. A fine example of that voice (which you didn't mention)that is often described as 'auditory chocolate'

Thank you
Yellow Rose
 

I'm an Armitage Army girl (on the lovely forum you've mentioned) and started writing fanfic on there. I agree that RA is just perfect to write about. So inspiring and charismatic.
I'm just not inspired by any other man in the same way.