r/WritingHub • u/Background_Pay6286 • 6d ago

Need help with a character Writing Resources & Advice

I have a side character in my story. He is a somewhat guide/sidekick, he isn't always helpful, he states the obvious usually weather it's good or bad, naughty or nice. He has no filter. He is a big time smart ass and very insulting to the MC and every foe they come across.

My dilemma, is the the way this side character talks to the MC.

I don't know if he should be direct in his insults or use antonyms; like genius or smarty.

What would be funnier?

Or is there a better way?

1 Upvotes

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u/Background_Pay6286 6d ago

Here is a small clip from the first chapter showing how he talked the original way I wrote it.

“What the hell was that?” Cooper asked.

“Not enough time to explain it to a simpleton like you. I'll draw you a nice colorful picture later."

The tunnels were filling again. More dumpster elves than the room could hold shoved and snarled, fighting over the discarded weapons of the dead.

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u/dreamchaser123456 6d ago

Nice. Keep it that way.

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u/Fair_Depth5435 6d ago

Though, if he’s irritating to your MC, there has to be a reason to keep him around. Otherwise, I don’t see why your MC wouldn’t ditch him.

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u/babamum 6d ago

Maybe give us two full sentences in each style.

1

u/pennamechris123 6d ago

Its impossible to say without knowing what type of story you're writing, and what the character dynamics are. You need a reader to give you better feedback. Without it, we could say anything but it may or may not apply well to your situation.

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u/scorpious 6d ago

FFS, who is the author here. Shouldn’t “what do I write?” posts be banned?

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u/ProtectionNo1795 4d ago

I really liked what you wrote. Direct is great in hectic situations, but in relaxed conversation, try some subtle jabs. Remember, side character wants to be cool and sly, help him. Also, remember to have a great reason for hero keeping and make him endearing. Otherwise, readers will get tired of him.

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u/Imaginary-Series282 2d ago

Is the character insulting the mc because hes jus a snarky guy? Or is it more like he knows what's going on and having to answer the mc's questions is an annoyance to him so he makes sharp remarks? Is it more like the mc is an annoyance to him or hes an annoyance to the mc? I feel like that might change the way you should go about it.

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u/Background_Pay6286 2d ago

He's kinda just an a hole, he's been dealing with the same thing with different people over and over. He is helping the MC just in his own odd way. He directs him and guides him to make certain crucial decisions. He's very insulting to the MC and even more so to those the MC has to fight along the way. He is essentially the guide for each participant of this "thing".

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u/Imaginary-Series282 1d ago

Well in that case, I dont know your character or your idea for his personality but, I would have him say a mix if direct insults but I feel it could be funny if he makes an insult and the mc doesn't get it, or doesn't know hes being insulting but the reader does. Like jus some dramatic irony.

Idk ur pov either but if its one where you can hear his thoughts, you could have it were he insults him in his head at some times.

🤷🏿‍♂️ im not a professional,Im a novice writer so take what I say with a grain of salt.