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@kristianne-hassman Oooh, I have a quiet character that’s also a healer! He’s probably actually one of the most interesting characters in the whole story. He’s quiet by nature, but he’s also been through a lot of traumatic experiences and is a bit quieter as a result.

I’m trying to think what specifically it is that makes Kiet interesting. Part of it is probably the fact that he’s clearly hiding a lot of secrets and I only reveal them gradually. However, another part is probably what he says/does when he does talk. Even though he’s not chatty, he does have a good amount of dialogue, so I have opportunities to bring his personality out there. What he says shows his kindness, compassion, and gentleness. On the other hand, for a different character, it could show hidden sparkiness or bitterness or hidden anything, really.

Reactions are important, too. With Kiet, he gets bullied a fair amount, but doesn’t really stand up for himself. However, as soon as the same people start bullying one of his friends, he gets very angry and fights them–at first with words, but when they don’t lay off, with his fists.

I asked my writer friend @morreafirebird about this, since she’s been reading my story. Here’s what she said: “Hmm… for quiet/reserved characters, I think what works well in general (and has worked in your story!) is having them be surprising. As in, there’s a lot more to them than what meets the eye. They may say absolutely nothing for while, then, suddenly, they say something very helpful or profound or even funny. I’ve noticed that a bit with Kiet, and I think it works really well. Quiet/reserved people aren’t boring in real life: they just generally seem to have two personalities, one that the world most often sees and thinks is boring, and the other, inner world, which is exciting and rich.”

So yeah, a few scattered thoughts on my side. Hope some of them help!