We continue with our discussion on the importance of character in writing a mystery. Today my guest is mystery writer, Kaye George. She’s created an unforgettable character with an equally unforgettable name. Welcome, Kaye.
The Importance of Character in Mystery Writing
Let’s face it, your characters are what keep your readers coming back. Setting and plot are essential, but they’re no good without memorable characters.
Your characters can be likeable or not, but should connect with the reader. Hannibal Lector connects with our dark sides, thrills and frightens us, as does Dexter. Miss Marple is a comfortable companion. We’d like to take tea with her and hear her views on the late night goings on at the Vicarage. Stephanie Plum is a gal I’d like to know. Life would never be dull with Plum’s shenanigans, cars blowing up, her grandmother’s comments at dinner, her tangled love life.
Quick, can you tell me a plot from one of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books? I’m sure you can relate plots for Agatha Christie’s mysteries, but aren’t Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot what you think of first when someone mentions Dame Agatha? Isn’t Sherlock Holmes more than the sum of his plots?
In fact, Christie’s books are classified as Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot, aren’t they? And I think more people recognize who Stephanie Plum is than who her creator is.
In short, the more vivid, the better. Over the top is good. Memorable is best. (I love to write about Imogene Duckworthy because I like her so much.)
Most of the files in my How To writing folder are about Character. It’s what I study most. I collect information on steps of intimacy, personality defects, how to detect lying, the dynamics of abusive relationships, etc.–all so I can write authentic characters. Getting characters right is why I eavesdrop on conversations in restaurants, sometimes whipping out my notebook and taking dictation. Tip: Don’t sit near me in a restaurant. Viva les caractères!
Thanks for having me!
Kaye George, twice nominated for Agatha Awards, is the author of CHOKE: An Imogene Duckworthy Mystery, as well as numerous short stories which appear in various online and print magazines and anthologies. She reviews for "Suspense Magazine", writes for several newsletters and blogs, and has given workshops on short story writing and promotion.
Homepage: http://kayegeorge.com/
Blog: http://travelswithkaye.blogspot.com/
Blog: http://allthingswriting.blogspot.com/
Imogene Duckworthy, unwed mother and resident of tiny Saltlick, Texas, longs to be a PI. When Uncle Huey is found murdered, a half-frozen
package of mesquite-smoked sausage stuffed down his throat, and her mother, Hortense, is taken in for the crime, she gets her chance. Unclear on the exact duties of a PI, Immy busts Mother out of jail with a fire in the bathroom wastebasket. But, on the run from the law, along with Immy’s toddler daughter, Nancy Drew Duckworthy, now what? Time to consult her second-hand copy of The Compleat Moron’s PI Guidebook. That should work.
Post a comment on my blog by June 1 and your name will be entered in a drawing for one of my trivia books. Three names will be drawn, one for each book.
Thanks for having me today, Kathleen! It's interesting seeing all the different takes on character in mystery writing.
How true! Characters not plot are what stay with us long after. Great post, Kaye.
Here are a few of my favorite characters in mysteries: Richard Jury (Martha Grimes) Emma Graham (Martha Grimes) Mary Russell (Laurie R. King) Anna Pigeon (Nevada Barr) and Amelia Peabody (Elizabeth Peters). I don't remember many of the plots, but these characters are like old friends.
Thanks for posting, Marilyn!
Kathleen, can we expect non-fiction books on these writers in the future? Or are you going with fiction in the future?
Kathleen, I so have a crush on Richard Jury! What Kaye says about characters needing to be over the top is true. Someone once said that reading is like seeing a story through a smudged pane of glass–in order to connect with the reader, you have to make things larger than life–especially your characters.
It took me a looong time to realize that, Peg. I had so many characters that agents *just didn't fall in love with*. It was out of frustration that I took Imogene Duckworthy over the top. And she's the one people like!
You're absolutely right! If you are going to spend time with a series, you have to love the character. (Or love to hate them.)
I guess so, Jackie. As a reader AND as a writer. I still like Imogene, so I'm OK so far. 😉
I have another non-fiction trivia book in the works, but I'm not ready to let the cat out of the bag. I'll continue to write Sydney Lockhart mysteries, not just because I enjoy them, but because the young woman refuses to leave me alone! I have to admit, though, that I really like her.
And Melrose Plant?
Well put, Peg. I never thought of it that way. I'll never look at a bottle of Windex the same.
I think that's the problem with my other series which hasn't yet sold. I like my protagonist, but she might need a little more something.
Jackie,
Thanks for stopping by. Your protagonist, Frankie Chandler, pet psychic, sounds like someone who can pull your readers in quickly.