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The Mini Guide to Crafting Compelling Royal Characters for Fiction Writers

Creating royal characters can be both exciting and challenging. These regal figures often play pivotal roles in stories, capturing readers' imaginations with their power, privilege, and the weight of responsibility they carry. Whether you're writing historical fiction, fantasy, or contemporary novels featuring monarchs, this comprehensive (mini) guide will help you develop authentic, multi-dimensional royal characters that will resonate with your readers.

Understanding the Basics of Royalty

Before diving into character creation, it's essential to have a solid grasp of what royalty entails. Royalty typically refers to members of a ruling family, including kings, queens, princes, princesses, and other nobles within a monarchical system. These individuals are often born into their roles, though some may ascend to power through marriage or other means.

Key aspects to consider:

Hierarchy and succession

Royal duties and responsibilities

Protocol and etiquette

The concept of divine right (in some cultures)

The relationship between royalty and their subjects

Remember, while these elements are common in many royal systems, you have the creative freedom to adapt or reimagine them for your fictional world.

Developing Your Royal Character's Background

Every character, royal or not, needs a rich backstory. For royal characters, this background is particularly crucial as it shapes their worldview, values, and decision-making processes.

Consider the following:

a) Lineage: What is your character's family history? Are they from a long-standing dynasty or a newly established royal house?

b) Upbringing: How were they raised? Were they groomed for leadership from birth, or did they have a more sheltered upbringing?

c) Education: What kind of education did they receive? Was it formal, focusing on statecraft and diplomacy, or more well-rounded?

d) Relationships: How do they relate to their family members, courtiers, and subjects?

e) Personal experiences: What significant events have shaped their character and outlook on life?

Crafting a Unique Personality

Avoid the trap of creating one-dimensional royal stereotypes. Your character should be as complex and nuanced as any other well-developed protagonist or antagonist.

Consider these aspects:

a) Strengths and weaknesses: What are your character's admirable qualities? What flaws do they struggle with?

b) Motivations: What drives them? Is it a sense of duty, personal ambition, or something else entirely?

c) Internal conflicts: What personal struggles do they face? How do these conflicts affect their rule and relationships?

d) Hobbies and interests: What passions do they pursue outside of their royal duties?

e) Sense of humor: How do they express humor, if at all? Is it dry wit, sarcasm, or something else?

Balancing Power and Vulnerability

One of the most intriguing aspects of royal characters is the juxtaposition between their immense power and their human vulnerabilities. This balance can create compelling internal and external conflicts for your character.

Consider:

The weight of responsibility and its impact on their personal life

The isolation that often comes with a royal position

The constant scrutiny they face from the public and court

The struggle between personal desires and duty to the crown

Creating a Believable Royal World

Your royal character doesn't exist in a vacuum (I hope not). They're part of a larger royal ecosystem that includes family members, advisors, courtiers, and subjects. Developing this world adds depth and authenticity to your story.

Key elements to consider:

Court dynamics and politics

Relationships with other noble houses or kingdoms

The role of advisors and how they influence decisions

Traditions and customs specific to your royal setting

The economic and social structure of the kingdom

Addressing the Challenges of Royal Life

Royal characters face unique challenges that can drive your plot and character development. Some common themes include:

a) Succession disputes b) Balancing personal happiness with duty c) Navigating political alliances and conflicts d) Managing public opinion and maintaining legitimacy e) Dealing with threats to their rule or life

Use these challenges to create tension and drive your story forward while revealing more about your character's personality and values.

The Impact of Historical Context

If you're writing historical fiction or a fantasy inspired by real-world monarchies, it's crucial to consider the historical context. Research the time period and culture you're drawing from to ensure authenticity in your character's behavior, beliefs, and challenges.

Key areas to research:

Social norms and expectations of the time

Political systems and power structures

Technology and its impact on governance

Religious beliefs and their influence on royalty

Gender roles and how they affect royal duties and succession

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When creating royal characters, be mindful of these common mistakes:

a) Making them too perfect or too villainous b) Ignoring the realities of royal life (e.g., lack of privacy, constant duties) c) Overlooking the impact of their decisions on their subjects d) Failing to show growth or change over the course of the story e) Relying too heavily on stereotypes or clichés

Incorporating Royal Etiquette and Protocol

Royal characters often adhere to strict codes of conduct and protocol. While you don't need to become an expert in royal etiquette, incorporating some of these elements can add authenticity to your story:

Forms of address (Your Majesty, Your Highness, etc.)

Court ceremonies and rituals

Dress codes and regalia

Rules of precedence in social situations

Diplomatic protocols when interacting with other royals or dignitaries

Exploring Different Types of Royal Characters

Remember that not all royal characters need to be ruling monarchs. Consider exploring other royal roles, such as:

The rebel prince or princess who rejects their royal duties

The reluctant heir thrust into power unexpectedly

The exiled royal fighting to reclaim their throne

The royal spouse adapting to life in the palace

The illegitimate child discovering their royal heritage

Each of these archetypes offers unique storytelling opportunities and challenges for character development.

Balancing Historical Accuracy and Creative License

If you're writing historical fiction featuring real royalty, you'll need to strike a balance between historical accuracy and creative interpretation. While it's important to respect known facts and timelines, you also have the freedom to explore the inner lives and motivations of these historical figures.

Tips for balancing accuracy and creativity:

Thoroughly research the historical figure and their time period

Clearly differentiate between historical fact and fictional interpretation

Use author's notes to explain any significant departures from known history

Focus on filling in the gaps in the historical record rather than contradicting established facts

Developing Royal Character Arcs

Like any well-rounded character, your royal protagonist should undergo growth and change throughout your story. Consider how their experiences might challenge their beliefs, alter their perspective, or force them to confront their flaws.

Possible character arcs for royal characters:

From naive idealist to pragmatic ruler

From reluctant heir to confident leader

From isolated monarch to connected leader who understands their subjects

From power-hungry tyrant to benevolent ruler (or vice versa)

Remember, character growth doesn't always have to be positive. Sometimes, the most compelling stories involve characters who face moral decline or tragic falls from grace.

Remember, while the trappings of royalty may be grand, at their core, your royal characters are still human. They love, fear, hope, and struggle like anyone else. It's this humanity, set against the backdrop of power and responsibility, that makes royal characters so fascinating to read and write about.

Happy writing, - Rin T

Hey fellow writers! I'm super excited to share that I've just launched a Tumblr community. I'm inviting all of you to join my community. All you have to do is fill out this Google form, and I'll personally send you an invitation to join the Write Right Society on Tumblr! Can't wait to see your posts!

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Membership Form for Write Right Society (Fill-Out Form!)

Welcome to Write Right Society! At Write Right Society, we are dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit and honing the skills of writers a

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The Writer's Scene Workbook

Calling all aspiring storytellers with hearts full of whimsy! Get ready to sprinkle a touch of enchantment into your scenes with my Scene Wo

Venus Signs and their romantic ways

Made this thread on Twitter @starseedtwenty (follow for all my updates) and thought I’d share it here.

🌹 Aries Venus 🌹

- They love in a way: That is loud, proud and full of passion. They don’t think twice or get indecisive or play cat & mouse when they are interested in you. They give what they can from the jump, and try to make you theirs in whatever way they can, BUT if you play weird as time goes they *shake their head* and just move on from you w/o you even knowing it.

- What they seek: A love that is sure, steady and wholesome. They want to know and feel that you are their person and are not scared to show that. They want a love that is active (in bed, in life, in any situation) and not something that’s boring. A love where you guys can be direct and open with each other.

- Things not to do with them: Don’t play games or play hard to get for too long (just enough to lure them in, after you get them, be softer). Don’t contemplate too much or wonder too much if you should do, be, have, say, etc, anything with them (just let yourself be, because with them you can be comfortable). And don’t love them more than you love yourself (they are loveable beings, but if you give too much, it slightly shows a lack of self-respect which turns them off very quickly).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Capricorn.

🌹 Taurus Venus 🌹

- They love in a way: That is honest, dependable and very supportive. Their love is a perfect mix of poetic and traditional (making them husband/wifey material, even if they don’t wanna admit it). They know how to stick by your side through thick and thin, unless you truly, truly hurt them, then they have no choice but to leave. But on the down low, they really don’t mind spending forever with you when they love you.

- What they seek: A love that is genuine, stable and long-term, a love that they can write a story about and tell to their grandchildren while they both sit in the nursery home holding hands, a love that contains devotion, support, and pleasure. Their partner must also be able to please all five sense and give all five love languages [because they know how to please & give them all as well].

- Things not to do with them: Don’t be flaky or hard to ground (they can sense that easily and it will turn them off) because their love is patient and grounded. Do not rush them, do not rush what you want with them (let them be and they’ll come around if they really like you, but do make sure to show your love). And do not be aggressive, no matter what.

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Taurus, Cancer, Capricorn, Pisces.

🌹 Gemini Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That is fun, open-minded and stimulating. Their love is pretty much something out of the movies, an experience for books. You can’t say you’re bored with them cause they make you laugh, think, and feel like you can be weird with them. They love in a way that just makes you feel like ‘as long as I’ve got you, life’s a breeze’ because rough situations become lighter, and happy times become a more enjoyable experience.

- What they seek: A love that’s full of memories, laughter, joy and great experiences. They want you to be their best friend as well as their partner in one. They want to feel like they can share their dumbest thoughts as well as their deepest secrets with you. They want someone who they can laugh out loud with and be open to their ideas of things to do, as well as someone who can hug them and cry with when they’re sad and won’t make them feel weird, just always be there with them.

- Things not to do with them: Don’t dumb them down and make them feel incompetent, feel bad or feel weird or as if they’re a bore (like them for who they are or move along). Do not be too serious or boring, because they will get bored rather quick (be fun and comfortable to be around, if they have an idea, be open to it). And don’t pressure them to make decisions or plans or anything like that (they like it when it’s a joint decision that’s cool for both of you guys).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Gemini, Libra, Aquarius, Sagittarius.

🌹 Cancer Venus 🌹

- Love in a way that: That is caring, gentle and sensitive to your needs. They are pretty sweet and tender when they love you a lot and hope that you are to. They are also rather shy and coy though, so they aren’t very assertive with their love, but hope that you can sense them and that they can sense you as well and give you the love that you need. Either way, their love is just one that is soft and feels like a warm hug in a cold day.

- What they seek: A love that is pure, consistent and feels like home. Sometimes their emotions (with Cancer being ruled by the moon) can fluctuate and they can run to their shell when they’re feeling sad or just not feeling up to much, so they seek someone who’s able to stick with their moods sometimes, and love them wholly for who they are. They want a love that overall kind, nurturing and emotionally supportive.

- Things not to do with them: Do not be cold or insensitive to them (they don’t take it lightly, and will cut you off). Don’t be superficial or aloof (have depth and authenticity, that’s a huge tick for them). Don’t be laidback and relaxed in your efforts to get them, they are already pretty shy so if you’re also shy or laidback it does nothing (show them that you want them and be serious, but don’t be aggressive, do it in a gentle manner).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Pisces.

🌹 Leo Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That is warm, youthful, and confident. [Since Leo is ruled by the Sun] They let their love shine to you and hit the rays to everyone, enough to make people envious of how much they love their partner. They don’t mind grand gestures and also like the little gestures of love (in giving and in receiving). Their love is basically 'power couple’ mixed with 'two little kids who like each other and end up being sweethearts til old age’.

- What they seek: A love that’s wholesome, fun and cool. A love that’s childlike enough where you guys can run/race on the sand at the beach on a sunny day and play outdoor games, as well as mature enough where you guys can handle adulthood together and talk about deep stuff in a way where it’s not weird. A love where people are jealous of what you guys have.

- Things not to do with them: Don’t hide your feelings or act weird with them if you like them (be honest, open, confident and warm). Don’t pick at their faults or insecurities (look at the good sides, not the bad sides). And don’t humiliate them ever. EVER (be respectful and honorable).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius.

🌹 Virgo Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That is kind, attentive and a little unpredictable. They have versatility, so some moments they will show their love, and other moments they will become shy or just fall back. It’s just something they do, doesn’t mean they love you less, (ac if you still love them through their weird moments, they love you more). They also love in a way where they sense you and feel like they should know what to do or say, making them pretty intuitive.

- What they seek: A love that is compassionate, steady, and a love that seems perfect. It doesn’t even have to be, but if it feels like it then it’s fine. They want something where they feel loved and understood. Because they love in a way that is steady (like in a way, they’re always ready to give you love and be compassionate in their actions) they want something that’s reciprocated like that as well.

- Things not to do with them: Don’t be dramatic or wild or extreme with things you do (that turns them off pretty quickly, because “why are you embarrassing me/yourself?” is their question). Don’t look like a mess who can’t take care of themselves (a clean, independent, well-spoken person is a big turn on for them). Don’t look for things deeply when it’s all simple (be logical and smart and realistic).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn.

🌹 Libra Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That is assertive, sensual, and giving. They love as if they are writing a romantic novel and they are the main character. They love in a way where they are very much able to share and see you as a companion, and give what they can to the relationship. They are able to prioritize you as their partner, as well as prioritize themselves and see themselves as the coolest beings, which is how they are able to be assertive. But they get butthurt if you don’t appreciate them.

- What they seek: A love that is balanced, aesthetical and romantic. The keyword here is balanced. They want a fusion of everything. Something deep and also lighthearted. Something fiery and also relaxed. Something adventurous and also homey. Something traditional and also modern/futuristic. Something routine-like and also unpredictable. They want it all, and they want to experience it with someone who wants it like this just as much as they do.

- Things not to do with them: Do not be extreme or go overboard in the way you do things [with them] (have a balance and give just enough). Do not be to shy or laidback/lame either (that turns them off as well because they don’t want to give too much either, they want to be met halfway). And don’t rush them or pressure them in a way (they will get turned off so quick).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Gemini, Leo, Libra, Aquarius.

🌹 Scorpio Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That is  deep, intense, and fulfilling. They love so deep that sometimes it hurts them, they just have this ocean of love inside of them and they want to pour it out so bad, yet they get scared or overthink and end up just holding back or giving little drops. If they were to give the love they have, it would be overwhelming to some, which is why they hold back sometimes. For some though, who love something deep and sensual, then a Scorpio venus is perfect for them.

- What they seek: A love that is genuine, and emotional, and transformational. One that makes them feel that there is a lot going on. A load of emotions, a load of thoughts, a load of memories, a load of experiences, and all of it is authentic and true, something that cannot be faked or found anywhere else. Something like a thrill but deeper and more long-term, and they feel comfortable enough to let out all that they feel for you, and you will still stick by them forever.

- Things not to do with them: Don’t be fake or superficial (they don’t care about the 'outer’ things, they love the inner things). Don’t hide or keep stuff from them ('honesty is the best policy’ is the biggest note to keep if you’re dealing them. Even if it hurts them, they want what’s real). And don’t be seasonal (stick with them through the dark and the light, not just when you feel like it).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces.

🌹 Sagittarius Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That is enticing, philosophical, and very enthusiastic. They love in a way that’s enthusiastic/dramatic because they are living for the moment and they like to give their all (being ruled by Jupiter) when they can. In some ways they are also pretty philosophical, so their love can be one where you give and gain knowledge with them or just generally expand your mind through their thoughts and actions. Which is why travelling is something they love.

- What they seek: A love that is liberating, fiery, and about the bigger things. A love that is a breathe of fresh air where they feel understood and they can learn a lot from you and you from them. A love where you make them think, make them laugh, and make them feel free & cool. Just a love where you can go on adventures for a lifetime with them.

- Things not to do with them: Don’t ever be a nag or someone who’s highly opinionated or likes to criticize all the time (major turn off for them). Do not try to pin them down or force them to commit to something (they probably might if they like you, but secretly check out if they feel like you’re caging their freedom). Don’t be repetitive, especially with something that’s boring. 

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Aries, Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius.

🌹 Capricorn Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That has self-control and is respectful and mature. They love with a lot of maturity, my goodness. They know how to be serious about what they have with you when they truly love you, and with them, they’d hate to loose you (especially after establishing a solid foundation) which makes breaking up a far-fetched idea if they love you. But well, if you hurt them or act immature or become unfaithful to them, they can and will leave you, after much consideration.

- What they seek: A love that is serious, secure and long-term. A patient love that doesn’t stress them or make them feel shaky, as if it’s something for fun or short-term. They obvs want something fun, but something *for fun* is not that interesting to them, they won’t see you as 'a keeper’ if there’s that vibe. They want a serious and more committed love has faith and dedication to the connection, this comforts them a lot.

- Things not to do with them: Do not be aggressive or dramatic or whine too much (maturity turns them on more than anything). Don’t act immature and be too flaky or playful or indecisive (it gives them an 'unserious’ vibe which they don’t like). Don’t be overly sensitive or emotional (cause they won’t know what to do or say, since they’re chilled/mature with their emotions).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn.

🌹 Aquarius Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That is quirky, transparent and very cool. Aquarius are masters of making things seem cool (or at least try to), and so with Venus being there, so is their love. A cool, vibrant, funny, quirky love, that is quite transparent. They have not much to hide, if they love you, they’ll show you, if they don’t, then there’s nothing to show. They are also chilled and generous with their love, so they show it to everyone, and may show you that same side they show to another person/stranger.

- What they seek: A love that is interesting, communicative, and down to earth. An interesting love to them is one that keeps them feeling refreshed and free to be their weird selves (as well as see your cool, weird side) and not conjoined or 'caged’ in something boring. They want to think and communicate funny and cool stuff with you, and for you to be the same. They want something worth giving their shy feelings to, something warm and comfortable, but not overwhelming or possessive.

- Things not to do with them: Do not be possessive or clingy or overwhelming with your emotions to them (it rubs them off lol). Don’t be fake or pretentious (keep it real with them, in a chilled way. they appreciate honesty a lot). Don’t be arrogant and loud, especially in a negative way (be humble, but love yourself and show it).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Aries, Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

🌹 Pisces Venus 🌹

- Love in a way: That is dreamy, devoted and never-ending. When they love, they loooove. They don’t give just the hand or half an arm, they give their entire body, and they love with their whole heart, unlike any other sign. It’s amazing. They are also very forgiving. But with all of this, they are also very sensitive, so they get hurt easily and the more you hurt them, the more closed-off they become, without you even noticing. Other than that, their love is also almost movie-like because of how dreamy and unrealistic they want it to be.

- What they seek: A love that is comfortable, faithful and kind. What they want it someone who is compassionate, someone who is also spiritual or believes in fateful/universal energies, and someone who makes them feel understood with their crazy little mind that can overthink. Their hearts can also overlove, so they want someone who can be the cup for them to pour their love into, and not someone who will run away or play games with their love. They are also ready to receive and be a cup to your love if it’s as caring and dedicated as theirs, though their love can sometimes seem hidden or unspoken, but they feel it.

- Things not to do with them: Do not be rough or cold (be gentle in a stern way). Don’t take them for granted (idk how many times I’ve seen Pisceans not being loved enough when they’re there, but cried for when they’re gone. you will regret it if you don’t appreciate what they have to give). And don’t be too honest/blunt or boring (things must be funnier and sweeter than they are. they like the dream/movie/fantasy state of things, you stating the reality bores them).

- Most Compatible with: Venus in Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces.

💖💖💖💖💖

P.S - It’s all just from the vibes, not down to the specifics. you as a person are unique.

Monday | July 29th, 2024 | Day #002

So I finally got around to starting attacks for ArtFight this year. I let the website randomly decide my team for me this year since I'm not quite the hugest fan of the theme chosen for this year's ArtFight. I ended up on Team Stardust which I'm okay with since I think it's the cooler one of the two.

My profile:

I preceded to just click on the Random Character button on the site to decide what character I should draw first for my attacks. Despite the fact I got a few characters bookmarked already. But I'm not quite motivated to start drawing them just yet.

The Random Character I Received:

I didn't get around to finishing the entire drawing just the sketching part before I got around to doing the lineart and coloring. Plus, I decided to do it on paper instead of me usually doing it as an illustration on Procreate with my iPad.

Drawing Process:

(Ignore my messy room in the background 😅)

I'll finish it up sometime tomorrow once I'm off from work. But I think it looks good so far.

I'm pretty proud of myself of doing this much.

🎧 | Song of the Day: THUG (Truly Humble Under God) by Amaarae

Thursday | August 1st, 2024 | Day #005

I mostly spent the majority of this day just going on a shopping spree with one of my friends. In addition to this, got productive and grabbed some groceries I needed to get for myself. Plus, some books that has been on my Wanting To Read list on Goodreads for a good minute and I happen to see them in stores and went ahead and grabbed a few while I was there.

We also bought those murder mystery solving cases games you see in Barnes and Nobles and attempted to finish it together. Unfortunately we didn't finish it in a day as we will try to finish it together next time we can hangout with each other.

I will most likely get back to working upon my second attack for ArtFight sometime tomorrow since I'm off from work that day as well.

🎧 | Song of the Day: Alter Ego by Doechii and JT