For purposes of this workshop, a monster character could be a vampire, shapeshifter, cyborg, demon, alien – any character with specific characteristics.

A monster can also be a self-imposed social outcast, the “other” who isn’t allowed entry into the mainstream or, someone lacking a moral compass.

Essentially the monster doesn’t have to be a real monster in your story. They could have the traits of a monster or be an outcast or a brooding loner. There are variations of the monster character – as we’ll cover in an upcoming lesson – so he doesn’t have to be supernatural or cursed.

Whatever form you choose, the monster is both a forbidding and compelling character that has existed for centuries. He can be – and should be – as three-dimensional a character as any of the ones you include in your stories.

Traits

Monster characters have a lot of similarities with Bad Boys and Anti-Heroes. The characteristics that make those character types attractive are also what draws readers to the monster characters.

When writing the monster character, consider what traits you can give him. Whether he is an alien, a god, a demon, a ghost, a cyborg, a shifter, an orc – who is this character on the inside? What would make him attractive to a potential love interest? What would make him irresistible to a reader – no matter what he looks like on the outside?

There should be elements of the forbidden, of deep emotions and mystery, of unpredictability and danger as well. And yet there should be transformation as the relationship grows and evolves, and ultimately trust and love emerge.

Showing Humanity

Find ways to show the monster’s humanity by using some of the following:

-Emotional Transparency

-Internal Struggles & Conflicts

-Physical Weakness or Injury

-Past Trauma or Hurt

-Self-Doubt and Insecurity

-Acts of Vulnerability

-Revealing Flaws and Imperfections

-Seeking Comfort and Support

Non-human characters and intimacy

What does the hero enjoy when it comes to sex? What arouses them? Are they driven by mating urges? What happens during those times?

If the hero has to marry a human that he’s never met, what would attract him to be with a human in the first place? How does he show attraction? Are there physical, mental, or emotional changes that happen during intimacy?

And probably most importantly, if there are physical differences between the hero and the love interest, how will that be resolved?

Romantic and intimate scenes

Since this is a story featuring human and non-human main characters, how can you show the differences between them? Yes, you want your non-human character to show humanity – but they will have different ways to communicate that humanity.

Based on their characteristics the hero will respond in different ways. They’ll have needs, wants and desires that align with who and what they are.

Even if they are presented as having most (or all) of the power in the relationship, it isn’t enough to only show them forcing themselves on their partner. What other layers are there in their personality? If it’s just force for the sake of force, that’s not a three-dimensional character. What’s beneath their show of force? What do they really want and desire?

Also, you can check out the Discussion threads where I’ve shared common tropes and plot points involving monster characters.

Questions?

If you have any questions that haven't been answered, please be sure to ask them!

This is the last class! I've really enjoyed it, and I hope you have too.

It's not too late to share excerpts and homework. I'll check back over the weekend. Also, you can reach me here on Savvy Authors as well.

I've got upcoming classes coming up on Savvy Authors. You’ll probably be receiving notifications about them soon, so I hope you'll take a look and sign up if you're interested:

Good luck on your writing journey!

Loving the Monster: Writing the Shifter/Cyborg/Monster Romantic Hero with Deb Bailey