Sometimes when I’m telling stories I wish I had a fun character thought up already for a quick cameo. Someone memorable, who stands out from the rest, but doesn’t require a lot of back story or fleshing out. In case you, like me, wish you had that available, here’s a list of a few character types that would make great short-lived heroes.

• Constantly uses non sequiturs or improper antecedents
• Has a large vocabulary, but can’t say the words, or mixes up what means what
• Fidgets with whatever is nearest
• Giggles nervously at inappropriate times
• Extremely thick accent
• Has a patois of the local language or uses local slang that is entirely unfamiliar
• Extremely clumsy
• Can hear something you can’t, and talks to it
• Likes animals way more than people
• Up-talker
• Close talker
• Can’t breathe with their mouth closed/really bad cold
• Complete know-it-all/ says everything as if it’s conclusive
• Mimics the other characters unconsciously
• Unreliable “yes” man
• Doesn’t speak where action will suffice
• Indecisive without direction
• Extreme risk taker
• Very religious
• Conspiracy theorist

In book-related news, the first beta reader came back with the first four chapters and said that it might be my strongest start yet, and that she got misty-eyed! Score! Now just to finish the damn thing. Everyone please send me fast-writing thoughts. Or if you see me loitering on Facebook, tell me to get my ass back to work. Thanks!!