Creating Character Quirks

Good information, Stephen. I enjoyed and learned.

Daniel Redstone's eyes take on a twinkle, and the skin around them starts to crinkle, when his ironic wit comes into play - just like my dad's.

Another, more recent persona that has contributed to that particular character has the same feature - one of the major reasons I admire his creator, and use the persona to help create a more vivid image.

Daniel also has a hard time waking up each morning. He probably got that from me, but his dry verbal wit also comes from my father.

One important thing - once a quirk is established, it has to be consistent - to the point that, when the narrator mentions it, you identify the character right away.

Ann

Yes, that is why Wolfe is such a memorable character. Stout was consistent with his traits.

When I created some of my characters, I based some of their traits on my likes/dislikes/humor/etc. Others I took from people I met during research, during critique groups, and other people I meet every day.