Part 1: Continuity of Characters

by klparry

Hello Friends!

Today I’m writing to you about the art of continuity. I found this description referencing Wikipedia.

In fiction, continuity (also called time-scheme) is consistency of the characteristics of people, plot, objects, and places seen by the reader or viewer over some period of time. 

This is a broad subject covering many different aspects of story telling so I’ll start with characters.

Part 1: Continuity of Characters

What helps me to maintain continuity with my characters is to establish their age, what they look like, their social position, their personalities and how they fit into the story. This allows you to really know that character and how they are to look, sound and react in different situations. It helps to provide continuity with that particular character throughout the story.

Here is an example.

William Thaddeus Thorn

Late 30’s

Disfiguring scar on face. Auburn hair and blue eyes.

Currently Captain of the Raven. Pirate and ex-privateer.

Well spoken, smart, deranged and narcissistic. 

Protagonist’s best friend in youth, now mortal enemy.

If you are like me, characters develop as I write. As they do, new traits come to life. Add those to the list for referencing in future drafts.

Below I have provided an outline template, should you need a little visual aide.

Until next week, Write On!

~ K. L. Parry