Writers See Imaginary People
Fiction writers see imaginary people.
Actually, writers create the imaginary people they see.
Writers plot and plan and pour words on paper and tweak the words.
And if their words are compelling enough, their imaginary people become real.
Because if the character isn’t real to the writer, it’s unlikely the character will be real to a reader.
In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee created wonderful characters who were reflections of the real people in her life. People with weaknesses who struggled with life and circumstances, and strengths that helped them rise above what their world dictated.
Readers See Imaginary People
Readers envision the people described on the pages of a book.
Actually, a reader takes a few written physical details, actions, and reactions of characters and let those words roll through their perceptions and mind.
And if the words are compelling enough, they visualize those imaginary characters as real people.
Because the character is as real to a reader as it is to the writer.
Every character in To Kill A Mockingbird came alive in my mind when I first read the book, and they are alive when I think of them. As I’ve shared before, they showed me who they were, what life was for them, and most important…
That like them, I can choose to overcome evil with good, show courage in the face of opposition, and be respectful to everyone.
If people who don’t exist can teach those lessons, imagine what real people could accomplish if we all acted like that.
What have imaginary people helped you learn?
Do You See Imaginary People? What have they helped you learn? Share on XJoni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.
May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.
Yes! I see imaginary people. I love the way you bring it all together in this compelling message. As a child, I created imaginary people in my head (I never “saw” them). Now as an author, I can do this and people don’t think I’m crazy!
Thanks, Katherine. Yes, I’m grateful other people also see imaginary people!
Great post. Much easier said than done based on my experience. But that’s what makes great writers great. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing, Tim. We just keep trying as writers to write what God wants. Acclaim in this world may or may not come, but I’m thankful God sees our efforts to serve Him.
The characters in Jan Karon’s Mitford books are easy to identify with, because they remind me of people I know. The struggles are real, and eternal truths are evident.
Thanks for sharing about the Mitford characters, Phyllis.
One of the most recent revelations for me came from a short story written by my son, titled “Ethereal”. His “imaginary” character, Ethan, helped me to learn… a simple life can actually be very rewarding, we don’t need to look at what others have and compare, but just be grateful for what we have. His final sentence in the story — “Ethan smiled—not because life was perfect, but because he finally saw it didn’t have to be.” — has resonated over and over in my mind… life doesn’t have to be perfect to be fulfilling.
Thanks for sharing this important insight, Jane. Very true, indeed.