Writing a novel can be a challenging experience, but adding a touch of surrealism can make it even more so. Surreal characters in a metafantastical novel can help transport your readers into a world that’s both strange and familiar, and evoke emotions that are beyond the ordinary. But how do you create characters that are both surreal and believable? Here are some tips and techniques to help you create surreal characters that will captivate your readers.Start with the basics
Just like with any other character, you need to have a solid understanding of your surreal character’s background, personality, and motivations. What is their history? What do they value? What drives them to act the way they do? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you create a character that feels real, even if they are not.
Use symbolism
Symbolism is a powerful tool for creating surreal characters. For example, a character who represents fear might be depicted with a snake or a spider, or a character who symbolizes love might be depicted with a heart or a rose. By using symbols, you can evoke powerful emotions and associations in your readers, making your surreal characters even more memorable.
Use surreal physical attributes
Surreal characters often have physical attributes that are not found in the real world. This can range from a character having multiple arms or legs to having a strange shape or color. When you’re creating surreal characters, use physical attributes to reflect their inner character and symbolism.
Play with reality
A metafantastical novel is meant to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, and surreal characters are a great way to do this. For example, you can make your character’s reality shift, change size, or move in ways that are not possible in our world. This will help your reader understand that they are in a different, surreal world.
Give them their own voice
Every character, no matter how surreal, should have their own voice and mannerisms. This will make them unique and memorable, and will help your reader connect with them. You can use different styles of dialogue, such as stream-of-consciousness, or different language patterns and word choices to give your surreal characters their own voice.
Creating surreal characters can be a challenge, but by using these tips and techniques, you can bring them to life in a way that’s both memorable and captivating. With a little imagination and some careful planning, you can create surreal characters that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.
