Does Your Character Pick His Nose?

Warning: This post is gross. The subject? Awful. I'm so sorry to put you through this, but for some reason, I must.

How well do you know your characters? I mean, really know your characters. It's time to go to an ugly place and get dirty.

Does your main character pick his nose?



No? Well, has he ever picked his nose? When he was a child, did he dig up in there? Did he ever eat what came out? Did he get teased and decide right then and there he'd never pick it again?

Or is the answer yes? Is he discreet? Does he fling the contents? Wipe them, or (please tell me no) eat them? Does he ever unearth goodies from his nostrils in public?

Has anyone caught him recently? How would he feel if he looked over, mid-pick, and saw someone watching him? Would it bother him? Or would he shake it off with a laugh?

Hey, this stuff is important. If your character picks his nose in public, you know he's not only confident but doesn't care a fig for other's opinions. His co-workers avoid him and maybe grimace when he walks by. If he has a girlfriend, she's probably either completely grossed out and actively trying to change him, or she's just as obnoxious as he is.

If he's a sneaky picker, you can go full out on his reasons why. My goodness--the possibilities! Why does he feel the need to pick and why does he need to hide it?

On a similar note, do any of your characters adjust their undergarments? Scratch themselves? Sniff their armpits?

Will any of these actions show up in a book? Probably not. But knowing your character's dirty little habits provides insight into their character and motivation for their actions.

Join me on Friday when we'll talk about character's clothing.

Happy Writing!

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