Reveal Character through Objects

More than descriptions of how they look, or what they say, stories can also reveal character through objects.

Memento Mori

The things we carry, the things we cherish, these say as much, sometimes more about us than the words we express. Heirlooms and keepsakes; tokens of love and affection; small gifts that mean so much. Objects shape us; they remind us of who we are, or where we’re from. They are reminders of people, places and experiences. They mark significant milestones in our lives; achievements, beginnings, endings.

A meaningful object might be a pebble from a beach, a pressed flower, a piece of jewelry. In past times, a lock of hair held much symbolism.

Perhaps it’s a gift from a parent, sibling, lover or friend. Perhaps it’s something we inherit, something that meant more to the person who’s gone than to us.

Why do I keep a small ceramic pig that my grandmother carried around? Or a little mouse with spectacles and a waistcoat from my mother’s kitchen? Why do I mourn the loss of my grandfather’s pen knife decades on? My old, battered teddy bear sits on my mother’s bed

Anchors to the past

Many of these objects are anchors to the past. They might represent times of safety, or happiness. They might remind us of glory days; old trophies, badges, certificates. Some remind us of darker days, survival markers of bad times; an AA pin, or a soldier’s footlocker.

Anchors to the present

Some objects anchor us to present routines; a favorite coffee mug, a pen, a makeup mirror. A keyring or a lucky rabbit’s foot might give us reassurance.

All about character

If these are all real-world examples, then what can objects tell us about character in fiction? In my stories, Danaan the shaman carries a small reed flute with him, engraves with a symbol near the mouthpiece. It’s a cherished gift from someone in his past, and ties in to his love of music.

Varla is less sentimental. He takes care of his two distinctive short blades, the tools of his military success; and to his horsebow, a short, powerful recurve design. Not because he inherited it from his father; the horsebow is an effective and versatile weapon, deadly in the hands of this guerilla fighter. These weapons keep Varla alive and allow him to strike at his enemies.

Yari carries a small sliver figurine of a phoenix for most of her first story. Given to her by a patron to pay for the services of an expert thief, the phoenix becomes a touchstone of sorts. At the end of the story, she hands it over. She knows little of the legend of the phoenix, but we know what it symbolizes. Passing it on becomes a marker along her journey.