How to Develop Character Viewpoint Synopses - The Novel Writing Roadmap: Step Twelve

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If you would like to write a novel, but you’re not sure where to start, then you’ve come to the right place.

This series of videos will help you go from initial story idea to publishing your completed manuscript.

This video covers: How to Develop Character Viewpoint Synopses

What are character viewpoint synopses?

Character viewpoint synopses are where you follow the story of your novel from the point of view of each of the major supporting characters, including what they do when they are ‘off stage’. This helps add texture and realism, as the supporting characters grow into their own lives, rather than just popping into existence when the plot demands it.
Why do character viewpoints?

There are several benefits to walking through the story from the point of view of each of your major supporting characters.

First of all, it can help highlight any impossibilities, such as a character being in two places at once, or knowing something when they shouldn’t.

But more importantly, it brings each of your characters to life in their own right, and can provide details about their existence which informs and enhances their behaviour and adds tension and conflict to the story.
How to write character viewpoint synopses?

Tell each scene from the point of view of each major character

In essence, you need to live each scene through the eyes of the supporting character.


For example, if the main character is riding at the helm of a great battalion, and the major supporting character is her lieutenant, write about what they see, hear, feel and do. Are they watching the back of the lead character? Have they overheard the whispers of dissent that the captain hasn’t? Are they considering making a run for it?


Watch the video to find out more!


You can read the text article that accompanies this video here: novel-software.com/roadmapstep12


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