Writers are fabulous people-watchers. We have to be. After all, the imaginary characters we create must seem both true-to-life and intriguing to the reader.
One way we add interest and realism to our characters is to give them quirks. My dictionary says a quirk is a peculiarity, and a peculiarity is something that is unique, special, or odd. Those definitions give us a good bit of leeway in creating quirks, but first we have to look at what kind of characters we intend to create before we assign them certain “one-of-a-kind” idiosyncracies.
In characters that should come across to readers as three-dimensional individuals, but not strange, we choose quirks that are unique or special, and steer away from odd. My heroine in the To Catch a Thief series is a classic movie buff and often compares people and life situations to old films. She also taps her upper lip when she’s thinking hard. These are both quirks. One is a mental quirk revealed by inner monolog or sometimes dialogue; the other is physical, revealed by action. But neither of them are strange.
When we want to create a strange character we choose strange quirks. Peter Falk in the classic mystery series, Columbo, is an odd cop. No question about it. He masks his brilliance by slouching around in an ancient, rumpled trench coat, fingering a cigar, and starting off-the-wall conversations about the wife we never meet. Plus, he insists on driving a car out of the Stone Age. Who is really going to take him seriously as an investigator? Well, besides his superiors who know his track record. But his quirks all taken together are what make him a memorable character, able to solve crimes from a unique approach. No wonder the series ran for nine seasons!
So how do we get fresh ideas for quirks? Fiction authors in particular need a wide array to choose from as we develop our novels. Here’s my suggestion. Purchase an inexpensive, pocket-sized notebook that you can carry around in purse or pocket most anywhere. Whenever you notice someone exhibiting an interesting quirk, jot it down. And believe it or not, church is one of the best shopping places for quirks!
One more suggestion: reply with particularly delicious quirks that have stood out to you in books, TV shows, movies, or people you’ve observed. Let’s get some sharing going to jumpstart our creative juices.