Writer's Guide to Character Traits - 2nd Edition by Linda Edelstein (Paperback)

About the Book

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 behaviors and thought processes as well as common reactions to different situations* Sidebars and statistics on a variety of personality types, not previously included * A new section, "How to Use This Book," which guides readers through using the book's details to build all types of characters--from soccer moms to serial killersAll this new material and more makes this revised edition a must-have for every writer's library.

Book Synopsis

From Sex to Schizophrenia: Everything You Need to Develop Your Characters!

What makes a person commit a white-collar crime? Who is a likely candidate to join a cult? Why do children have imaginary friends? How does birth order affect whether or not a person gets married? When does mind over matter become a crippling problem?

Writer's Guide to Character Traits, 2nd edition answers all of these questions and many others. With more than 400 easy-to-reference lists of traits blended from a variety of behaviors and influences, you'll gain the knowledge you need to create distinctive characters whose personalities correspond to their thoughts and actions - no matter how normal or psychotic they might be. In this updated and expanded edition, you'll also find:

- Comprehensive instruction on how to use this book
- New statistical information to help you create true-to-life characters
- Corresponding exercises that show you how to put the material to work in your stories
- A quick-reference index to make cross-referencing a snap
- Idea sparkers to get your thoughts out of your head and onto the page

Plus, you'll learn about common - and not so common - psychological, physical, and relationship disorders; delve into the minds of criminals; find out what it takes to be a professional athlete, scientist, and truck driver; discover what life is like for a gang member, suicidal teen, and alcoholic; and more.

In Writer's Guide to Character Traits, 2nd edition, note psychologist and author Dr. Linda Edelstein takes you beyond generic personality types and into the depths of the human psyche where you're sure to find the resources you need to make your characters stand out from the crowd.