Author Kim Falconer
My main goal in developing characters is to make them authentic, consistent within their personalities and real enough to grow as the story unfolds. Terry Goodkind adds that his characters are created to express abstractions like freedom or intelligence. Both points overlap—authentic, grow, express ideas. But when characters come to life they have a mind of their own and are not always open to direction! This can be a good thing, as Traci Harding points out: My characters are constantly surprising me with their responses – making me laugh, cry, gasp! This is where the magic happens but how to get there? What makes a character real?
There are many answers but one of mine is Astrology! (Crash course here in Astrology 101) It is a great tool for making characters ring true. How? I give everyone a birth chart, a natal horoscope that I refer to like a map of their psyche. It gets me inside their heads. The chart tells me what makes them tick—their limiting beliefs, past patterns, core values and authentic goals. It answers questions about how they dress, likes and dislikes, how they act. Even more important, it can help me see where they will grow through the choices they make and the challenges they attract.
Take the rising sign or Ascendant—the sign that was on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. It is a symbol of how we initiate things—journeys, fights, ideas—anything new. For a fun demonstration, consider how each rising sign would initiate sex.
Aries—Pounce. Usually little or no warning.
Taurus—Surprisingly sensual, though ardent. They selectively fail to hear the word ‘no.’
Gemini—Much talk before action. They seduce with words—sometimes quite eloquently.
Cancer—They retreat, you follow. Not opposed to emotional manipulation.
Leo—Beware of public places, unless you like such things!
Virgo—They seduce with atmosphere, candles, music, tantric manuals.
Libra—Wine, dine, listen and stir until there is nothing left between you but the erotic.
Scorpio—They seduce with their eyes. It takes 30 seconds or less and you’re a goner.
Sagittarius—They promise the world, and usually deliver.
Capricorn—They buy you things. Excellent taste.
Aquarius—They use the element of surprise—often surprisingly well.
Pisces—Enchantment. Their very being is an aphrodisiac.
With this small sampling it’s easy to see how astrology offers a model for character development and orientation. When the call to adventure comes, Aries is straight off the mark, sword in hand, where Gemini simply gets excited, asks questions and looks at maps. Astrology helps me write characters that ring true and that’s the sweet spot, the place where I close my eyes, watch the scenes and record them as fast as I can. If you want to know your rising sign, shoot me an email. Any questions or comments most welcome.
Kim Falconer
Read Evoking the Gods Part I: The Myth of Character Development
Kim Falconer’s first novel The Spell of Rosette is available throughout Australia from today onwards! Kim lives in Byron Bay with two gorgeous black cats. As well as her author website, Quantum Enchantment‚ she runs an astrology forum and alternative science site‚ trains with a sword and is completing a Masters Degree. Her novel writing is done early every morning. Currently she’s working on additional volumes in the Quantum Enchantment Series.
