I was chatting with my informal writing coach today (he’s a fiction author and we chat on messenger to keep in touch – well I bug him and he responds!) Anyway we were chatting about characters in a fiction story, and he said not to have more than a handful of key characters, any more than that and the readers will get confused.

He also said that if a character had a bit part and wasn’t a key part of the plot, that I shouldn’t give them a name, because when you do that, readers think they have to remember the person they’ve just been introduced too.

The Key Characters in my Memoir

This has got me thinking about the characters in my memoir.

Up to this point I’ve only been thinking of the two key characters – me the protagonist, and MOH who’s the antagonist. But I thought it was about time to map out my characters so that as I flesh out my outline, I know who to include.

1. Me – Protagonist
2. MOH – Antagonist
3. My Mum
4. 2 close friends in Los Angeles
5. My boss at work (my Mentor?)

The Supporting Characters in my Memoir

1. Best friend (via the phone)
2. My brother

Unnamed Characters in my Memoir

1. My team at work
2. My group of friends

This question raises another chicken and the egg scenario. Do you start writing your outline and use that process to identify your cast of characters, or do you compile your cast of characters stage-right, so you have them on hand when it’s time to write your outline?

You know, I don’t think it matters! This list I’ve created is a good start, and I think as I flesh out my outline, my cast of characters to ebb and flow. I don’t think anyone will drop off the list, but I may add others, and maybe they’ll switch around in importance.

Have you determined who your cast of characters are yet?

Next Steps

• I’m using this cast of characters and my Story Map as input for my detailed outline.

If you’re on the same path, and want to write your memoir and are looking for some inspiration (or can provide some inspiration), please join in the conversation in the comments section below and lets get our memoirs written.

Theme	Characters	Plot