Do You Base Your Characters On Real People?

Do I base my characters on real people?

Sort of.

This is Ben. He’s in the Navy and his encounter with SEALs prompted my story Bridging Two Hearts.

He is NOT the hero, but the hero is like him in a few strategic ways: fun-loving, loyal, determined and brave.

Ben’s adventures in Afghanistan also provided a kernel of an idea for my latest Christmas novella.

Using Kernels for the Characters

I take those kernels–attributes of people I know–mix them in with others and my imagination and come up with a unique character. Sometimes I’m surprised, though, when they talk like their inspiration.  🙂

Nancy’s a homeschooling mom in Hawai’i. I’m using a woman like her in A Bridal Lei for Happiness. Nancy also provided me with information I need to make the story up-to-date. Confirming the kernel of that story is still valid: the bridal couple on the right.

I’ve dressed up as an Elvis impersonator. My experience helped me write a character who takes a literary agent hostage in The Reconciliation Garden.

My young teacher friend Megan lost 90 pounds (she credits Weight Watchers). She’s an inspiration in a lot of ways, but particularly in my story about the 2004 tsunami: A Girl of Great Worth.

It took all three family members, combined, to produce one impudent bespectacled four-year-old, Luke, in Getting to Theo’s Wedding. I used their confidence, logic and willingness to reduce an older sibling to tears . . .

A young James Earl Jones made the cut, too. He plays the part of Navy Lieutenant Theo, in Getting to Theo’s Wedding!

His voice has turned up in several other roles in my stories.

I use historical characters, as well. Elijah Hanks’ brother, the Reverand Thomas Hanks, my great-great-great-grandfather appeared as himself in The Dogtrot Christmas. Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of Thomas, so his younger brother and sister-in-law will have to do.  🙂

And, finally, of course, there’s only one real hero in all my stories: my husband: