By Linda Edelstein
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Review & Description
With over 40,000 copies sold, "The Writer's Guide to Character Traits" is a classic reference for writers who want to create realistic and distinct characters. Written by Dr. Linda Edelstein, a practicing psychologist who is an authority in her field, it includes: over 400 easy-to-reference character listings, detailing typical behaviours and thought processes as well as common reactions to different situations; and sidebars and statistics on a variety of personality types, not previously included. With a new "How to Use This Book" section and new material, this revised edition is a must-have for every writer's library.Stereotypes exist for a reason; usually, because there's an element of truth to them. With The Writer's Guide to Character Traits, psychologist-professor Linda Edelstein has created a kind of Psych 101 for Writers. Her goal is a "friendly reference" for writers who want "to create believable characters and need accurate information about personality and behavior." Sure, disparage it if you like. But wouldn't you like to know which of your protagonist's offspring is most predisposed to warming up to their new stepfather? What kind of criminal is likely to have a religious mother? The traits of people who commit suicide? Edelstein has included more than 400 lists: of traits associated with child development, psychological disorders, criminal styles, sexual styles, love and marriage, life-changing events, physical problems, career, and so on. "Even when a writer's imagination soars to places more fascinating than reality," says Edelstein, "characters must possess an internal cohesiveness; they must make sense." And let's face it: "People," she adds, "are more consistent than not." (With real-life character anecdotes from Edelstein's own work and a huge character-trait cross-referencing index at book's end.) --Jane Steinberg Read more
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