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JaneShuff posted an update 6 years, 7 months ago
Every single person in my novel is caucasian (which is a serious problem)and I want to introduce a character who isn’t but I’m absolutely terrified of getting it wrong. He’ll play neither a big nor a stereotypical role and I don’t want his enthnicity to be any more of a thing that another character’s hair colour and Scottish accent. Any pointers? Any advice?
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Hi Jane, you don’t say where your setting is but for the UK you can give him a non Caucasian name and that will be sufficient?
@janeshuff, my book is full of varied ethnicity because of the region I’ve set it in. To help, I have gone with what I know. First, I looked at who I knew personally, who might help me factually. Secondly, people I know or have known more remotely, have inspired other characters and I took notes of what I remembered about them. In addition, I sometimes take a notebook and sit in market cafe’s, noting observations of people, their language and mannerisms. I don’t know if any of that helps, but good luck.
I’m inclined towards Libby’s way. You’re not out to solve the problems of a multiracial society, so if you start planting hints and plot devices then you’ll end up with the author waving at the readers.
Hi Jane, You can tie yourself in knots, trying to be PC and non-culturally appropriative (if that’s a word: it is now) and not offend anybody. I read an article a while ago, suggesting that if you have a walk-on part using someone called ‘Steve’, change his name to ‘Sanjay’ and leave it at that. i.e. doing just what Steve did with Steve’s joys and woes, but the change of name brings its own flavour. So I tried that in my own opus and it worked brilliantly. Suddenly ‘Steve / Sanjay’ came alive with extra dimensions and possibilities. So as you say you don’t want the race to be a big deal (and why should it), just write the character as you normally would – then change the name. Et voila!
Thank you all. Extremely helpful as always.