How a Character’s Choice of Clothing Benefits the Story
When writing, it’s
important that everything you include serves a purpose. The character’s name, their
favorite color, and their choice of companion give an impression about the character,
the world around them, and the past that shaped who they are. The more you amplify
these elements, the greater the image you’re painting for the reader.
For example, say the plot calls for the character to buy a car, and they choose a blue one. “Blue” is a necessary detail to include in the narrative, but by giving this specific decision meaning, you make it important. Perhaps blue was their parent’s favorite color, and they strive to please them. Perhaps blue is a calming color, and it reflects their calm personality. This makes the narrative richer.
In the same way, characters need clothing, so why not make it a useful element in the story? Take advantage of this opportunity to tell the reader something. Here are three things your character’s choice of clothing can amplify in the story.
- It Says Something About Their Personality: The way a character dresses can reflect their tastes, views, and emotions. For example, your boisterous character might be best dressed in colorful shorty shorts to reflect her free spirit. Her sass and disregard for other’s opinions is what tells us her personality, but this small addition has made the fact visual as well as mental. In another case, your reserved and slightly distrustful character might be better dressed in a bulky designer coat; this reflects on his desire to be enclosed but also regarded as superior. Your character’s personality is independent, but the proper clothing can complement and amplify their unique views.
- It Says Something About The Setting: Dressing your characters in clothing that reflects their setting will reinforce this new atmosphere in the reader’s mind. Colors give impressions all on their own; dark colors such as greys or blacks will match the dark atmospheres. If you’re trying to show a contrast between two groups – one more successful and the other starving – dressing one group in bright pinks or yellows will give a sense of light and energy, making them seem healthier. The style also reflects the world; conservative dress such as long sleeves or coats can reflect order or oppression, while less conservative clothing can show rebellion and freedom. Your world itself will determine the setting, but clothing can complement it, amplifying the atmosphere.
- It Can Say Something About Them Physically: In addition to symbolism, clothing can serve a literal purpose. If you have a young character, dressing them in outfits which are colorful and airy can complement their younger attitudes. If you have a character with an embarrassing scar or injury they wish to hide, constantly dressing them in long sleeves, despite weather, can subtly reveal this. These details can amplify the characters themselves but also open new doors for foreshadowing.
Every detail included in
your piece of fiction should serve a purpose, and perhaps even tell a story
within a story. Minor details such as a character’s style, their choice of
design, or their choice of color can breathe new life into the details of your
narrative.
Over the course of the next few weeks, I’ll post different character clothing options as inspiration, and detail how each item could be an asset to your story. Hopefully this will stir up some creative juices and help you make choices to apply to your cast.
Happy writing! And feel free to check out my website: November Ink
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