how do you write a liar?
How to Write Liars Believably
Language
The motive of every goal is the make the lie seem plausible while taking blame off the speaker, so liars will often project what they say to a third party: "Katie said that..."
Referring to third parties as "they" rather than he or she
In the case of a deliberate lie prepped beforehand, there will be an overuse of specific names (rather than pronouns) as the speaker tries to get the details right.
Overuse of non-committal words like "something may have happened"
Masking or obscuring facts like "to the best of my knowledge" and “it is extremely unlikely," etc.
Avoiding answers to specific, pressing questions
Voice
There's isn't a set tone/speed/style of speaking, but your character's speech patten will differ from his normal one.
People tend to speak faster when they're nervous and are not used to lying.
Body Language
Covering their mouth
Constantly touching their nose
fidgeting, squirming or breaking eye contact
turning away, blinking faster, or clutching a comfort object like a cushion as they speak
nostril flaring, rapid shallow breathing or slow deep breaths, lip biting, contracting, sitting on your hands, or drumming your fingers.
Highly-trained liars have mastered the art of compensation by freezing their bodies and looking at you straight in the eye.
Trained liars can also be experts in the art of looking relaxed. They sit back, put their feet up on the table and hands behind their head.
For deliberate lies, the character may even carefully control his body language, as though his is actually putting on a show
The Four Types of Liars
Deceitful: those who lie to others about facts
2. Delusional: those who lie to themselves about facts
3. Duplicitious: those who lie to others about their values
Lying about values can be even more corrosive to relationships than lying about facts.
4. Demoralized: those who lie to themselves about their values
Additional Notes
Genuine smiles or laughs are hard to fake
Exaggerations of words (that would normally not be emphasized) or exaggerated body language
Many savvy detectives ask suspects to tell the story in reverse or non-linear fashion to expose a lie. They often ask unexpected, or seemingly irrelevant questions to throw suspects off track.
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Ultimate "Know Your Character Inside Out" Template
The ultimate template for creating a character, without losing your mind, while you're at it.
Character Background Template ... (open)
1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Gender & Pronouns:
4. Physical Appearance:
- Hair color:
- Eye color:
- Height:
- Build:
- Distinguishing features (scars, tattoos, etc.):
5. Background and Upbringing:
- Where were they born and raised?
- What was their family structure like (parents, siblings)?
- Describe their childhood environment and upbringing.
- Were there any significant events or traumas in their past?
6. Education and Skills:
- What level of education did they receive?
- Did they excel in any particular subjects or skills?
- Have they pursued any additional training or education since then?
7. Personality Traits:
- Describe their personality in a few words.
- What are their strengths and weaknesses?
- How do they typically react under stress or pressure?
8. Motivations and Goals:
- What are their short-term and long-term goals?
- What drives them to pursue these goals?
- Are there any fears or insecurities that motivate or hinder them?
9. Relationships:
- Who are the most important people in their life?
- How do they interact with family, friends, and acquaintances?
- Do they have any romantic interests or significant relationships?
10. Past Experiences:
- Have they faced any major challenges or setbacks in the past?
- How have these experiences shaped their beliefs and values?
- Have they experienced any significant losses or tragedies?
11. Worldview and Beliefs:
- What are their core beliefs and values?
- How do they view the world around them?
- Are there any cultural, religious, or philosophical influences in their life?
12. Inner Conflict:
- What internal struggles do they face?
- Are there any unresolved issues from their past that continue to affect them?
- How do these inner conflicts impact their decisions and actions?
13. Connection to Outer Conflict/Plot:
- How does their personal journey intersect with the main plot or external conflict?
- What stakes are involved for the character in the larger story?
- How do their goals and motivations align (or conflict) with the central conflict?
(Shorter) Knowing Your Character Inside Out Checklist
Personality Traits:
- Introverted/Extroverted
- Optimistic/Pessimistic
- Assertive/Passive
- Empathetic/Self-centered
- Logical/Emotional
- Adventurous/Cautious
- Honest/Dishonest
- Ambitious/Content
Beliefs and Values:
- Religious beliefs (if any)
- Moral code
- Political beliefs
- Views on relationships
- Attitude towards authority
Fears and Insecurities:
- Common fears (spiders, heights, etc.)
- Deep-seated insecurities (failure, rejection, etc.)
- Traumatic experiences (if applicable)
Desires and Goals:
- Short-term goals
- Long-term aspirations
- What motivates them to pursue these goals?
Strengths:
- Intellectual strengths
- Physical abilities
- Emotional resilience
- Social skills
- Unique talents or abilities
Weaknesses:
- Personal flaws
- Areas of vulnerability
- Bad habits
- Limiting beliefs
Backstory:
- Family background
- Childhood experiences
- Significant life events that shaped their identity
- Education and career path
- Previous relationships
-Josie
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writers writing: pacing must be an intentional element of mood and style; grammar and punctuation has to be on point; wording needs to be perfect.!!
writers texting: im.,, silly. i put the punctuation whereever my heart desires........ must not sound upright or passive aggressive.,,,,
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