This morning “M” is for MELODRAMATIC. You know the type — overly everything! Exaggeration reigns supreme in this character, and never is he or she at a loss for sensationalism.
1. of, like, or befitting melodrama. 2. exaggerated and emotional or
sentimental; sensational or sensationalized; overdramatic.
* * *
As I sat down to write on this topic, the first image coming to mind was that of Theda Bara. Famous silent film star, Bara was well-known for her vampish onscreen characters but also for her melodramatic expressions. Note the image to the right.
Without words, Bara was able to convey emotions and feelings with simple facial expressions.
However, as a writer, you have the ability to give your character not only facial and physical expressiveness, but also the dialogue to mold this person into one of melodramatic proportions.
In researching melodrama for this post, I came across a site, PTypes, which offers descriptions of various personalities. Under dramatic personality type, you’ll find a list of character traits, interests, strengths, and much more. Here is a short list of traits that would build your melodramatic character into a believable one:
- Enjoying being seen and noticed
- Meticulous in personal appearance
- Eagerly respond to new ideas and suggestions of others
- Quickly build new relationships
- Rich imagination and love telling stories
Hope this post and PTypes‘ descriptions provide useful.
Image attributions may be found by clicking on the image.
Lovely post Sherrey thank you! The expression on Theda Bara’s face is one that I know I ‘put on’ from time to time!Yes, the drama queen is one we all know and I for one, can certainly enact this when all seems (to me) too much.
Mmm, I can see I am going to have to make a special file to put all your extremely useful tips for character building in writing – thank you so much!
Susan Scott’s Soul Stuff
Susan, thanks for your continuing visits and encouragement. Love that sometimes you wear Theda Bara’s expression. 🙂 I’m honored that you feel you need a “special file” to tuck all my tips in. In fact, I think I feel a blush coming on.
Just stopping by from the A-Z Challenge list to say “Hi” 🙂
Really interesting post honey.
Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
x
Thanks for stopping by — good luck to you too!
Hi, I am just stopping by from the A to Z challenge. This was a very interesting post. I did a little bit of enneagram studying, while working on the development of my characters, for my novel and this type of personality sounds very much like the #4- the individualist/romantic. I love learning about how humans think and act. It is fascinating.
Humans and their personality traits are fascinating, aren’t they? I’ve always thought so and now that I’m writing more I find personalities even more intriguing. Glad you enjoyed the post!
thanks for that link – I’ve copied it – always looking for ways to enhance my characters
Glad I could you give you something useful!
Some families seem to have a lot of “drama” in them. I guess the melodramatic skill is still around.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Oh, mine was a dramatic family when we were growing up. Too much drama in fact! Still a few drama queens around but not as many as before.
I raised a whole crew of funny drama Queens and Kings! They often remind me of Theda Bara with the overly dramatic looks!Thank you for stopping by my blog.
Connie
A to Z-ing
Peanut Butter and Whine
Love the image you conjure up with “a whole crew of funny drama Queens and Kings! 🙂
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