10 Days of Character Building: Interview
October 24, 2007 by J.C. Hewitt
This is Day 5 of 10 Days of Character Building
The character interview is a chance to explore both a character’s background and voice. It is an exploration of a character’s opinions, experiences, goals and attitudes. The basic method of conducting an interview is simple. You ask questions and then, as the character, answer those questions.
Interviews come in many forms, and you can get as creative with them as you like. Many people choose to conduct interviews in the style of a relevant magazine. For example, you might use a Rolling Stone or People Magazine style interview to approach a celebrity character. You might use a hobby magazine interview to approach a character with a particular interest, such as building model railroads.
You may also pose the interview as a police interrogation, a job interview or a therapy session. An additional alternative is that you can interview one character about another. You might interview a mother about her child or an employer about an employee. If you don’t feel that creative, then simply ask questions and don’t worry about who the interviewer is.
One of the real benefits of the interview method is that it can be a free flowing and natural process. It can be easy to generate a lot of information about a character quickly using this technique, once you get used to the style. It can also be more fun than many of the other methods of exploring a character.
Here are some interviews of authors to get you in the mood:
Everyone,
I don’t really understand this, I can’t get outside of this website because this computer is restricted. Can someone please explain it to me. Do I act as an interviewer and then answere as if my characters were answering?
Riannon,
Yes
“You ask questions and then, as the character, answer those questions.”
John,
Thank you very much.
Here it goes:
Sarah Weatherview- Interviewer
Mary and Stephen- Interview
Maim, how do you feel after surviving a major and considerably large snow storm?
Please, my name is Mary, well let’s just say I was expecting something a little more romantic.
And by romantic, what do you mean?
Well, this was supposed to be our honeymoon, (grasping shephen’s hand, her husband) we came here on a romanitc skii trip. We’ve always wanted to learn how to skii.
And so you had no idea what you were doin?
No maim, That’s correct. (Stephen answered as Mary noded in agreement)
How did you survive, how did you get out?
Well, I got out because of my father.
Sorry, I don’t understand?
Well, he was a great teacher growing up. He had told me once that moss grew only on the north sid of trees, so I felt around and there it was. As for how I survived, I thought about the love my life, (As she kissed her husband Stephen) and that kept me going.
Well, that’s definatly a love story, this is Sarah Weatherview, back at ya Pat.
Thank you…………..
This is kind of long, but here goes.
Clay is in a session with a psychologist, Shannon. He meets with her once a month. His wife does not know about it.
S: Well, last time we met, you promised you would tell your wife about our meetings. Did you do that?
C: No.
S: Any particular reason?
C: I still don’t think she needs to know.
S: Okay. Do you think she doesn’t need to know about our meetings, or about what happened to you?
C: I don’t think either one is a concern to her. What happened to me is classified anyway.
S: You don’t think she needs to know that something is bothering you?
C: She has enough on her plate as it is. My daughter Candice just got her driver’s license.
S: It sounds like you’ve had some big changes at home.
C: I know she’s new at driving, so I expect her to make some mistakes, but I trust her. My wife is worried about her though.
S: Mothers worry. It’s what they do.
C: I know. I just think she worries too much.
S: And that’s why you think she doesn’t need to know what’s going on with you?
C: Look, just because they told me I have to come here once a month does not mean that I’m having problems dealing with what happened in Iraq. That was sixteen years ago. It’s ancient history now.
S: You don’t think these sessions are helpful?
C: Haven’t we had this conversation before?
S: Quite a few times.
C: Then why are we having it again?
S: How about this? Let’s agree on what we do want to use this hour for, so we don’t waste each other’s time.
C: That sounds good.
S: So what do you want from me?
C: I want you to sign that stupid form so I can stop coming here.
S: And I need you to meet the requirements for it first.
C: You think I have some sort of terrible psychological mumbo jumbo going on.
S: Something like that.
C: Well, I don’t. There’s nothing wrong with me.
S: Is that why you can’t sleep?
C: (after a long pause) Just because I dream about it doesn’t mean it’s bothering me.
S: Your unconscious uses dreams to try to communicate with you.
C: And tell me what? That I screwed up? That I never should have gotten that stupid medal?
S: That’s some of it, I’m sure.
C: Yeah, we got bad intel, people got hurt or died, and I got a freakin’ medal. There’s nothing that can be done about it. I can’t tell my wife about it, because it’s classified. I can’t bring those people back from the dead. I can’t heal anybody. They won’t let me give the medal back, and my wife insists that I display the stupid thing. What do you want from me?
S: I want you to stop blaming yourself.
C: I killed dozens of civilians. Me. I did it. And I blame myself for it. The military seems to think that giving me a medal should have made it all better, but the truth is that I am no hero, no matter what my wife or my daughter think. There’s nothing you can do to change that, and I am not going to tell them that they’re wrong.
I’m trying to post, and it’s not showing up. Is there a limit on the length for comments?
Michael,
I don’t think so, I posted pretty long ones. Keep trying, and if it doesn’t work, post it in sections.
All of the attempts I made are now showing up with “Your comment is awaiting moderation.” So apologies if my post shows up twice.
That happened to me before, but then it showed up later on. Can’t wait to read it!!!
I notice that most of these interviews are about the indibiduals writing interests, intents, purpose, or thoughts on literature. There is another technique to the interview, which is called the “cold” interview. You do no preparation for ti. My first professional interview was with Lilly Tomlin, about 1972 or so. I actually had no idea who she was when my editor sent me on the job, and she WANTED me to do a cold interview. Well, never again. Ms. Tomlin chewed me up and spit me out, it was embarassing, humiliating, and when I wrote the article, I chewed her up and spit her out, but my editor did some “editing” and cleaned it up so I never got my revenge. I still have that interview on tape, I still have the resentment, so one of these days lolol . . . . Actually I’m thinking of doing that cold interview process with the new character, I’m just trying to figure out how to put it in context with the rest of the individuals in this poetic narrative in order to blend, and/or create more, action.
Sorry about all these typos, my hands are still sore from the dog bite and I have lost my glasses, I’ll try to do better.
Connie,
Dog bite? Are you ok?
Don’t worry about the typos, I understood what you were saying. That would of been funny if it ended up on t.v. Although I wasn’t around then, I’m sure everyone would of had a great time watching it.
Michael,
You did a great job!! I love it
I would love to read a story about it, your an amazing writer 
Michael, that was an interesting method. My son-in-law is a Psychologist, I could just see him conducting that interview.
Rianon: I’m ok, two of my dogs (they are mixed breed large dogs) got into a fight and I had to open the jaws of one to save the other, and he turned on me and chewed up both my hands. It was bad, I had to put a tournequet on my right arm and then get my husband out of the yard, he was still trying to break up the fight, to drive me to the hospital. No broken bones fortunately. Guess I’m getting to old to play superwoman. Anyway, I had to put down the one who bit me, sadly, and it wasn’t even Panda Bear’s fault, I have to deal with the guilt now. It’s eating my lunch. But I did finally get some sleep last night. This forum has really saved my lunch.
Connie,
I’m so sorry, I wish that didn’t have to happen to you. I’m so happy that you got some sleep last night though. As for the superwoman, I think that you are. Please be very careful, I know how dogs can be when they fight. My sister got in the middle of dogs before and the dog bit her face. She has scars on her face from it, not too noticable but there. It’s definatly hard to lose an animal, I had three dogs and all three of them died. It was hard but eventually I was ok.
With Love
Rianon
Everyone,
A great movie, 50 first dates. It’s cute and Romantic.
Josh,
(I.L.U.T.T.E)
(1) Picture yourself in a forest and it begins to spit snow. Suddenly, it is blizzarding. You are disoriented and not sure which was is north, south, east or west. How will you get out of the forest?
(2) You stumble upon a treasure map. There is a great deal of information smudged out…all you can see is “bent spoon,” “sacred white elephant,” and “the Badji River is treacherous.” Make up a story that leads you to the treasure.
(3) Write a story about serendipity…something good that happens by surprise. Your story must have five references to the word “star.”
I’m wondering if anyone can help me. I seem to have hit a “mountain” in the road. It’s an assignment for one of my classes. If anyone can just give me an idea that would be great!!
Rianon: Well, if you extend your interview just a little, you’ll have (1) completed. Fascinating interview as far as it went, and I wanted to know more. None of the scenarios say you have to be on your own. Maybe put Stephen and Mary into them all. If you know your characters, perhaps you will then know how they handle these situations.
Michael: Yours is most intriguing too. I want to read this book!
The Hermit
Welcome brother, the lady exclaimed
His eyes looked up from the book he was in
And how do you fare this evening she asked
Very well my dear lady, he quickly replied
Have you come from far away, she wanted to know
Only across town and down the way, he said with a glow
How did you hear of this gathering, the lady in
Black questioned him as though she had something in mind
I’ve been aware of your group for a long time was his retort
You see my last daughter knows yours and they brought me along
The lady laughed, and her smile was warm, she noticed his hands
Slender, delicate, yet strong, how did you come to know the
Old ways, her voice was soft, her eyes gentle
To tell you a secret I gladly share here, it was my mother
That taught me all things were not clear
So I studied for years, till the voice deep inside
Called out to my soul, find friends for there is
Much more to explore. The lady admired the sad Lord’s
attire, his robe was brown cloth, the hood draped on his
Shoulders, his lantern light fell on the round table’s edge,
A dragon’s foot medallion of copper and lead
Hung round his neck on black braided threads
Touching the pendant, he saw she admired
He removed it and placed it in her l delicate hand
I made this myself, he said with a grin
Please accept my gift, I have another at my place
She praised his craftsmanship placing the pendant
In a small leather pouch, then met his eyes and said with intent
Why have you joined us this full moon night
I’ll tell you a story, he kindly acknowledged
A long time ago my youngest girl child was lost
Brutally murdered found after a fortnight
How awful the loss of a child not fifteen yet
I wish to contact her, and make my amends
If I’d been more aware, of her danger within
I might have stopped it before it began.
I seek help from the seekers of Abramalin
Michael,
Thats a good interview, and I don’t think it runs too long. it takes time to get to know a character. From the interview I get the following impressions about the character.
Clay is used to being in control and doesn’t like it when he has to give that up. He resists therapy, and won’t do the things that the therapists asks, even though it is clear that this is the only way to end these sessions. He has trouble discussing himself and his feelings, probably seeing it as a sign of weakness. He maintains a distance from his family, both because he doesn’t want to burden them and because he’s afraid that the revelation will cause them to reject him.
Am I close?
Connie,
Sorry to hear about Lily Tomlin, though I doubt you were the first or the last to suffer her wrath.
Oh my John, it’s really quiet humorous, and the really ironic part is that I’m playing Goldie in Laugh In next month . . . the lesson is, the one we all learned in girl or boy scouts, the motto: be prepared. so I now say, regardless of what anyone else says, be prepared.
This is a portion I did of an interview for my character Roland August. The interview, a conversation between Roland and a therapist, goes on for a long while, so I am just posting an excerpt. JW indicates the therapist, Jenna Williams.
JW: lets get back to you. Do you remember when you first started having this detachment problem?
RA: I can’t say exactly when it started, but I think it was shortly after I was promoted to VP. I got a window office, brand new furniture, a $7000 budget just for art and it almost doubled my salary. I had been working towards this for a long time. I was hoping just to get VP before I was forty-five, but the right people left and suddenly, just weeks before my thirty-ninth birthday, I had made it. I was ecstatic for almost a month, but then the feeling just faded. I figured it was a sort of post-promotion letdown as I settled into the position, but that was over a year ago and the feeling hasn’t gone away.
JW: Is your work suffering?
RA: Not enough to be a real problem, no. I mean, I can tell that I’m not as bright, energetic or effective, but nobody else seems to notice. I landed two key new clients over the past year and I kept us out of another deal that we clearly would have regretted later, so the CEO and the board are happy, but I know it could be better.
JW: So if your work isn’t seriously suffering, how about your home life?
RA: Its ok. I guess it could be better. I’m not home as often as I would like. I know Anne would like me to be home more.
JW: Let me ask about that. Are you required to put in sixty to seventy hours a week?
RA: Required? Not officially. Nobody is required to work over forty hours a week. I just do what I need to get the job done.
JW: So all of the other executives work this kind of schedule?
RA: Not , but I like to be the first one there and the last to leave.
JW: Why?
RA: It shows my commitment to the job.
JW: You mean it fakes commitment to your job?
RA: Well at this point, I guess so.
I know this is old, but I just really wanted to do this.
It’s between Alanal, one of the mains in my “book”, Reverie, and some random interviewer. Psychiatrist? Another varke? Most likely another varke.
—
Alanal lounges on the big white easy chair, running his fingers over the silky fabric. A dreamy smile plays on his lips while he chooses his words. “Why, you ask? Why do I… ‘manipulate and decieve’ these countless innocents?” His eyes glint in the firelight that casts half of his long face in shadow, sending a chill down the other man’s spine. “It’s simple, really. They want a god. Heh. They want, need something to cling to and follow after mindlessly. It’s endearing. And so satisfying. Have you – well, of course not… but have you seen a person’s eyes after they’ve found something they think they connect with? The way they sparkle? Some even weep…”, Alanal says as he closes his eyes, still caressing the fabric of the chair he so imperiously relaxes on. “It’s supply and demand. They demand rules to live by and a place to pour their hard-earned money and, well, I’m only too happy to supply. If that nets me a steady stream of souls in the process, then it’s a win/win all around, eh?”
The other scoffs, turning away. “What do you do with the evidence? You can’t keep all those bodies in this cave. The smell would be atrocious!”
Alanal snorts, smirking that cursed little smirk. “Did I mention we eat like kings?”
The other man turns back to Alanal, a mildly disgusted look on his face. “And your followers have no objections to this? Ha. They’re as insane as you are.”
“Please. Only the six living with me ever partake in those little… rituals. And they’re completely loyal. Most of the fodder are dumped in the wilderness or incinerated. You wouldn’t belive the sort of connections I’ve got in this racket. This rather posh little section of my home shows you that, hm?”
“When’d you come up with all this?”
Alanal thinks for a while, fingering the worn medallion around his neck. “I suppose I first thought it up on a hunt. …A saucy little thing she was, delicious- “, he licks his lips, “anyway, before she went, she called me the ‘coming of death’ or something similar. It started wheels to turning, you see, and before I knew it, I was masquerading around as some divine messenger. Those were the days. …Now I just sit around like a fat evangelist raking it in”, he laughs.
The other man chuckles politely, preferring to stare into the fire than hear one more word from the cad on the white chair. Unfortunately, he would have no such luck, Alanal prattling on until his guest left.