Crazy Characters!

Crafting Crazy Characters: A Deep Dive into Writing and Storytelling

Writing crazy characters can be both challenging and rewarding. It requires a delicate balance between creating a believable, complex personality and avoiding clichés. Here are some key points to consider when developing such characters, along with insights from the video transcript and additional writing principles.

1. Show, Don’t Tell

One of the most effective ways to portray a character’s insanity or instability is through their actions and dialogue rather than simply stating it. For example, in the video transcript, the author discusses how crazy characters inner monologue and interactions can reveal their true nature more effectively than explicit descriptions. This approach allows readers to form their own opinions about the character, making the storytelling more engaging and immersive.

Example: In Stephen King’s The Shining, Jack Torrance’s descent into madness is shown through his increasingly erratic behavior and interactions with his family, rather than being explicitly stated.

2. Perspective Matters

Using a consistent perspective can enhance the reader’s experience. The video transcript highlights the importance of maintaining a single perspective per chapter to create a smoother read. However, switching perspectives can add depth, especially when introducing crazy characters. This change can provide a fresh insight into the story and its characters.

Example: In the video transcript, the author switches to the perspective of a female demon character in the epilogue, which adds a new layer of understanding to the story and its characters.

3. Character Development Through Backstory

A well-crafted backstory can significantly enrich a character’s complexity. By understanding what motivates and shapes a character, you can create more believable and engaging interactions. For “crazy” characters, their backstory might explain why they behave in certain ways or hold specific beliefs.

Example: In The Collector by John Fowles, Frederick Clegg’s obsession with collecting beautiful things is rooted in his past experiences and desires, making his actions more understandable and complex.

4. Avoiding Clichés

When writing crazy characters, it’s easy to fall into clichés like the “mad scientist” or “maniacal laughter.” To avoid these, focus on creating unique motivations and thought patterns. Researching real mental health conditions can help you develop more realistic and respectful portrayals.

Example: In Fight Club, the narrator’s instability is revealed gradually, making his character both unpredictable and believable. His actions are driven by a complex mix of motivations, rather than relying on stereotypes.

5. Complexity and Contradictions

Complex characters often have contradictions—traits that seem to conflict with each other. This depth makes them more relatable and interesting. For crazy characters, these contradictions can be particularly compelling, as they might exhibit both brilliance and instability.

Example: In Don Quixote, the titular character’s madness is both tragic and comedic, as he rejects reality in favor of his own chivalric fantasies. This blend of humor and pathos makes him a memorable and complex character.

6. Inner Conflict and Motivation

Understanding what drives a character is crucial. For crazy characters, their motivations might be unconventional or obsessive. This inner conflict can lead to unpredictable actions and reactions, making them more engaging to readers.

Example: In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, Henry Jekyll’s desire to indulge in vice without repercussions leads to his transformation into Mr. Hyde. This internal struggle between good and evil creates a compelling narrative.

7. Physicality and Voice

A character’s physicality and voice can convey a lot about their personality. For crazy characters, these elements can be exaggerated or unusual, adding to their unpredictability and memorability.

Example: In Alice in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat’s ability to disappear and reappear, along with its mischievous grin, makes it a memorable and iconic “crazy” character.

By incorporating these principles into your writing, you can create crazy characters that are both believable and captivating. Remember to focus on showing rather than telling, avoid clichés, and delve deep into the complexities of your characters’ motivations and backstories.

Your Crazy Characters Signs & Symptoms

Here’s a guide to help authors describe crazy characters experiencing common mental health conditions or altered states without diagnosing. This focuses on observable behaviors and how crazy characters might describe their experiences to others.

1. Anxiety Disorders

• Observable Behaviors: Restlessness, difficulty concentrating, rapid heartbeat, sweating, avoidance of social situations.
• Character’s Description: “I feel like I’m always on edge, like something bad is about to happen. My mind won’t stop racing, and I get these awful knots in my stomach.”

2. Major Depressive Disorder

• Observable Behaviors: Withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, low energy.
• Character’s Description: “I just feel empty inside. Nothing seems fun anymore, and I’m tired all the time. It’s hard to get out of bed in the morning.”

3. Bipolar Disorder

• Observable Behaviors: Mood swings, increased energy during manic phases, decreased energy during depressive phases.
• Character’s Description: “Sometimes I feel like I can conquer the world, and other times I just want to hide under a blanket. It’s like my emotions are on a rollercoaster.”

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Observable Behaviors: Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, heightened alertness.
• Character’s Description: “I keep reliving that night in my dreams. It feels like it’s happening all over again, and I wake up feeling scared and on edge.”

5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Observable Behaviors: Repetitive behaviors (e.g., handwashing), intrusive thoughts.
• Character’s Description: “I keep thinking about germs everywhere, and I have to wash my hands over and over. It’s like my brain won’t let me stop.”

6. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Observable Behaviors: Difficulty focusing, impulsivity, restlessness.
• Character’s Description: “I get distracted so easily. I’ll be in the middle of something, and suddenly I’m thinking about something completely different. It’s hard to sit still.”

7. Dissociative Disorders

• Observable Behaviors: Detachment from reality, memory lapses.
• Character’s Description: “Sometimes I feel like I’m watching myself from outside my body. It’s weird, like I’m not really here.”

8. Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

• Observable Behaviors: Hallucinations, disorganized thinking, social withdrawal.
• Character’s Description: “I hear voices sometimes. They tell me things that don’t make sense, and it’s hard to know what’s real.”

9. Borderline Personality Disorder

• Observable Behaviors: Intense emotional dysregulation, unstable relationships.
• Character’s Description: “I feel like I’m on an emotional rollercoaster. One minute I love someone, and the next, I hate them. It’s exhausting.”

10. Antisocial Personality Disorder

11. Substance Use Disorders

12. Eating Disorders

13. Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders (e.g., Acute Stress Disorder)

When writing about these conditions, it’s essential to focus on the character’s humanity and avoid stereotypes. Show how their experiences affect their relationships and daily life, and include coping mechanisms or support systems they might use. This approach helps create a more nuanced and empathetic portrayal.

Crazy Characters Gone Crazy Through Chemical Impairments:

Here’s a guide to help authors describe characters experiencing chemical impairments, focusing on observable behaviors and how characters might describe their experiences.

1. Alcohol Impairment

• Observable Behaviors: Slurred speech, loss of coordination, impaired judgment, increased risk-taking, emotional instability, memory loss, or blackouts.
• Character’s Description: “I feel like I’m floating, and everything seems funny. I just want to laugh and have a good time, but my words are getting all jumbled. I’m not sure what happened last night.”

2. Stimulants (e.g., Cocaine, Methamphetamine)

• Observable Behaviors: Increased energy, talkativeness, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, paranoia.
• Character’s Description: “I feel like I can do anything right now. My mind is racing, and I just want to keep going. But sometimes I get really anxious and paranoid like someone’s watching me.”

3. Depressants (e.g., Heroin, Benzodiazepines)

• Observable Behaviors: Drowsiness, poor coordination, slower reflexes, relaxed demeanor.
• Character’s Description: “I feel really calm and relaxed like nothing matters. But it’s hard to focus, and I just want to sleep all the time.”

4. Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, Psilocybin)

• Observable Behaviors: Distorted perceptions, altered mood, confusion, emotional swings.
• Character’s Description: “Everything looks different like colors are brighter and sounds are louder. It’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s not. Sometimes I feel happy, and then suddenly I’m scared.”

5. Cannabis

• Observable Behaviors: Relaxed mood, altered perception, impaired memory, increased appetite.
• Character’s Description: “I feel really chill like nothing bothers me. But sometimes I forget what I was saying, and I just want to eat everything in sight.”

6. Opioids

• Observable Behaviors: Drowsiness, slowed breathing, constipation, euphoria.
• Character’s Description: “I feel like I’m in a dream, really relaxed and happy. But it’s hard to stay awake, and sometimes I feel really constipated.”

7. MDMA (Ecstasy)

• Observable Behaviors: Increased empathy, heightened senses, increased energy, dehydration.
• Character’s Description: “I feel so connected to everyone around me. The music sounds amazing, and I just want to dance all night. But I’m really thirsty and need to drink more water.”

8. PCP (Phencyclidine)

• Observable Behaviors: Disorientation, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, memory problems.
• Character’s Description: “I feel like I’m in a different world. Things don’t make sense, and I see things that aren’t there. Sometimes I get really angry for no reason.”

9. Ketamine

• Observable Behaviors: Dissociation, hallucinations, impaired motor skills.
• Character’s Description: “I feel like I’m floating outside my body. It’s hard to move or talk, and everything seems really weird.”

10. Nicotine

• Observable Behaviors: Increased alertness, anxiety, and irritability during withdrawal.
• Character’s Description: “I feel more alert when I smoke, but when I don’t, I get really anxious and irritable. It’s hard to concentrate without it.”

11. Benzodiazepines

• Observable Behaviors: Calmness, drowsiness, impaired coordination.
• Character’s Description: “I feel really calm and relaxed, but it’s hard to stay awake. Sometimes I stumble or lose my balance.”

12. Synthetic Cannabinoids

• Observable Behaviors: Altered perception, agitation, confusion.
• Character’s Description: “Everything seems different, and I feel really anxious. It’s hard to think clearly, and I just want to calm down.”

13. Amphetamines (Prescription)

• Observable Behaviors: Increased focus, energy, insomnia, anxiety.
• Character’s Description: “I feel really focused and alert, but I haven’t slept in days. Sometimes I get really anxious or jittery.”

When writing about these conditions, it’s essential to focus on the character’s humanity and avoid stereotypes. Show how their experiences affect their relationships and daily life, and include coping mechanisms or support systems they might use. This approach helps create a more nuanced and empathetic portrayal.

Crazy Characters Wrap-Up!

As authors, crafting believable characters requires a deep understanding of human experiences, including mental health conditions and chemical impairments. By incorporating these elements into your storytelling, you can create complex, relatable characters that resonate with readers. Whether your character is struggling with anxiety, navigating the highs and lows of bipolar disorder, or experiencing the altered perceptions of hallucinogens, it’s essential to focus on their humanity and avoid stereotypes.

Remember to use your descriptive tools to show how these conditions affect their daily life, relationships, and interactions. For instance, a character with anxiety might describe feeling “on edge” and having racing thoughts, while someone under the influence of hallucinogens might see “colors brighter and sounds louder.” By weaving these details into your narrative, you can build characters that are both authentic and compelling.

The goal is not to diagnose but to describe, allowing your readers to form their connections with your characters.

With this approach, you can enrich your stories, foster empathy, and create characters that truly come alive on the page.

The Referral!

When you are ready for more, we discussed character writing prompts HERE: 577 Character Writing Prompts

Good hunting!