For my skateboard fiction series, I’m busy figuring out all the details which includes my characters. So far, this is what I’ve come up with:

Char. 1: Stu.

• He loves the shit town and the crappy scene he’s surrounded by.
• Afraid of change and challenges.
• Feels threatened by others.
• If good at skating
• Keeps the scene alive by getting people out together.
• Downbeat about travel.
• Worried about being shown up.
• If he loses his crew, he loses his identity; his family is unstable and this is the only thing he’s in control of.

Stu hates people moving on and loves attention; his strength is his anger and brawn. I can show his desire to keep the crew together by writing his reaction to someone leaving. His attention seeking nature can be shown in a scene where he takes on high risks, when the only reward is people talking about his antics.

Char. 2: Dylan.

• Hates the town/scene he’s in and spots he has access to.
• Always wants to go on a skate mission.
• Fires people up to plan, save, and drive.
• Constantly looks for somewhere new to ride – even if it’s nearby.
• Tries to change things if they are stale.
• Wants people around him.
• Is inspiring.
• Full of stories – even if he’s stretching the truth.

Dylan hates the small town mentality and loves breaking out; his strength is his drive and ambition. I can show his attitude to narrow-mindedness by writing a confrontational scene with another regarding his fashion/style choice. Dylan is likely to start the day with a flip of the coin, or a dart in the map, even if he can’t yet manifest that change.

Char. 3: Dixel.

• A total scene girl.
• Got into skating by an Ex and now hooked on rolling around and learning stuff.
• Prefers ramp to street; finds it easier to learn.
• Wears current brands.
• Not supported by her family; they resent her choice of activity and social circle.
• Independent and a tom-boy.
• Constantly proving herself.
• Knows how to handle herself.

Dixel hates being weaker than the boys, and loves the creative arts (the lack of rules keeps her coming back to skating). Her strength is in her power dynamic in the male group. I can display her creative nature by showing her pitching new ideas and visualising/designing them without prompting. I can show her weakness by writing a scene where her stubbornness is stronger than her brawn.

Char. 4: Ferris.

• Is the new kid turning up at spots daily, putting in the hours but has nothing to show for it.
• Hasn’t discovered his voice yet; he often gets mocked, silenced, or worse when he speaks.
• He’s resilient, but only because there’s nothing else going on.
• Member of the school chess club.
• Is on the verge of quitting the Swim club, if he didn’t feel guilty making his family move house to swim more.
• Friends have noticed the change and Ferris is pulling away from them.

Ferris hates swimming and feels guilty for wanting to quit. I can show that guilt by writing a scene about him letting down people who have made a big effort for him, or are relying on him for something. Ferris loves the sense of belonging he has with his skate friends. His strength is his ability to deconstruct (skate tricks).