This weeks character spotlight – Melina Morozov.
Melina Morozov has been a fun character to create and mold for my newest novel series. One thing that I have learned in this process; as you write, the more your character develops. You really need to have a good baseline in order to build the character to the end.
Inspiration and Characteristics
The first thing that comes to mind when I hear the word “gypsy” is the Disney movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and the beautiful Esmeralda.
Her long black hair, green eyes, and olive skin (though that is more because she is on the beach all the time) made Esmeralda the perfect starting point for Melina.
Other similar characteristics that gypsies tend to have:
- independent
- wants new and exciting things and experiences
- free spirited
- deeply passionate
Honestly, all these characteristics make for an amazing matchmaker. But no one is perfect. Finding faults was a lot harder.
Faults and Backstory
Now, I know that I am far from perfect. I also know that I need to make sure that my characters aren’t perfect either. To start working on her faults, I had to start on her backstory.
Melina was born and raised in the United States. She has been to her grandmothers homeland, but was never at home there. She grew up in the busy town of San Diego, always on the beach with her friends growing up. Melina never rebelled against her mother or grandmother, as a result she tended to think things through and make an informed decision.
But her childhood wasn’t always sunshine and roses.
Melina has had a lot to deal with in her short life:
- Her mother, who was always overbearing with her.
- Her father, who died when she was young.
- Being stereotyped because of her culture.
Because of this, her emotions tend to get the best of her. Melina will throw herself into an idea if she is very passionate about it, such as the matchmaking business her grandmother started. And at the same time, if she starts to get overwhelmed with emotions, she will withdraw.
All Melina wants is to find her own love and a path in life. Besides her overbearing mother, she had one constant in her life; her grandmother. (More on the Bubby in a later post).
The Future
As I am writing, I am building Melina’s future. I make all the decisions. That is a pretty difficult and heavy burden on the authors shoulders. Think of all the best selling authors that have had to do the same thing? Starting with a simple idea, gaining the inspiration, then building to make the character feel like your new best friend. No easy feat.
What do you think? What flaws or other characteristics do you think Melina should have? Comment below.
Stay tuned for next weeks Character Spotlight – Dorian “Double D” Hargrave