12 Ways to Reveal Character Without Dialogue
Dialogue tells your reader a lot about your characters, but not everything. Sometimes it's what they don't say that speaks volumes. Here are a few ways to reach beyond vocal utterances to build a well-rounded, colourful character.
1. That inner voice. It might seem obvious, but if you can tap into your character's thoughts and opinions, you'll fill the reader in on all sorts of good stuff.
2. Sitting, standing, lying down. How does your character move? Does she swagger? Mince? Limp along?
3. Let them wear their hearts on their sleeves. How does your character dress? Is he all jeans and t-shirts? Is she all tweeds and velvet?
4. Vices. Is he or she a smoker? A teetotaler? A gum-chewer? A chocaholic?
5. Relationships. Is your character a loner? A social butterfly? A family man?
6. Foibles. Does your character perform little rituals? Always carry the same umbrella? Make the bed a certain way? Whistle while he rides the unicycle?
7. Hobbies. Maybe she likes needlepoint, or he likes to hang-glide.
8. Domicile. What does his or her house look like? Is your character a city-dweller or drawn to rural life? Does he live in an ultra-modern urban loft, or a quaint cottage?
9. Transportation. Whether it's by Ferrari or on foot, how your character gets around can be telling.
10. Neat? Messy? Is every hair in place, or is there always a soup stain on his tie?
11. Let them eat cake! Or organic, sprouted-wheat bread. What your character chooses to chow down on can provide insight into his or her personality or state of mind.
12. Habits. Does your character stroke his chin when he's stressed, or pop a pill a la Dr. House? Those little mannerisms can tell the reader your character's feeling one way, even when he or she says something different.