Writing prompt #104: THE SOUND OF YOUR CHARACTER'S VOICE

Hi Everyone,

I’ve been rereading—leisurely, pleasurably—THE GENERAL IN HIS LABYRINTH by Gabriel García Márquez. It’s one of my favorite novels of his, along with LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA. Why? Because no opportunity is lost to saturate readers with vibrant sensory and historical details.

Note how even this passing description of the main character’s voice is richly evocative:

“His voice was metallic and cracked with fever, and his Caribbean accent, which so many years of travel and the tribulations of war had not softened, sounded even harsher compared to the lush diction of the Andeans.”

YOUR PROMPT: Describe your main character’s voice in no more than a couple of sentences. What specifics can you share that offer a more complete portrait of this person? How do the qualities of their voice invite us into their history, health, allegiances? After you describe their voice, review their dialogue. Is it as vivid an extension of their identity as you can make it?

Take your time with this. Voice is everything.

Abrazos,

Cristina