Character Archetypes

Before you begin to write a narrative it is important to think about the CHARACTER ARCHETYPES . Character archetypes are character profiles that outline the behaviors or motivations of a character. As a writer it is very important to think about how your character will behave when put into certain situations. Characters archetypes help create a character the reader will deem believable. When I began to think about my main character, Canon, I wanted her to be relatable to the child (reader). I wanted her to be pure and innocent, like a child. When Canon was put into the situation of meeting, Shelly the turtle, she remained innocent and inquisitive.  It is important to stay consistent with the characters archetype. Take the characteristic traits of people or animals that you may know and can use to help the character come alive, from mannerisms to physical traits!

            It is essential that when writing a children’s book you keep a low number of main characters, so the young children don’t get too confused. In a picture book it is not necessary to give a description of your characters. Picture books are mainly visual and the description of the characters will be evident in the illustrations.