Okay, so here’s something I’ve figured out when writing characters with disablities:
Don’t start out with ‘this is a dyslexic/blind/deaf/bipolar character.’
What’s the problem with that approach to character building, you might ask?
Well, it focuses on the disability. It makes them the ‘blind character’ or the ‘schizophrenic character.’
While of course having a disability influences how a person acts and what they’re like, it isn’t exactly who they are. There are so many more variables, like what kind of a learner they are, whether they are an introvert or extrovert, whether they’re good with kids, what their sexuality is, what sorts of music, shows and art they’re attracted to, etc. etc. etc.
Point is, the second you make the character about their disability, you do a disservice to disabled people.
For instance, a character in my novel (still in progress) is dyslexic. However, that’s only a minor part of her character.
My advice, when you’re going to have a disabled character, is to brainstorm personality before you go into the details of what the disability is and how severe etc. Don’t bog yourself down in research about the disorder before you have at least a skeleton to build off of.
Anyway, it’s just what’s worked for me. Hopefully, you can find what works for you.
(Submitted by evaneveve)
It’s worse when you’re figuring out a scene in your head when walking around the supermarket or something similar. There’s probably a lot of people wondering why that girl was so angry at the pasta.
(Submitted by Scribling)
I’ve heard far, far too many people say this…
But… What? Why?
