Author Nation Live 25 B2-21 Character Identity (Your Writers for Diversity Toolkit)
This Author Nation session addressed the craft of writing authentic, diverse characters by examining identity through multiple frameworks. Eliana West, founder of Writers for Diversity (established 2007), introduced the concept of "default settings"—the unconscious biases that influence how authors construct characters—and distinguished between vertical identities (traits passed down through family and tradition) and horizontal identities (traits acquired through life experience). The session explored code-switching as a character development tool, using Michael Corleone's wedding scene in The Godfather as a masterclass in revealing identity through action rather than exposition. The presenter warned against creating "magical marginalized" characters—a term coined by Spike Lee in 1999—where diverse characters exist solely to advance a protagonist's storyline without possessing their own backstory, motivation, or agency. The framework connected character identity directly to backstory, motivation, and plot development, positioning identity work as the foundation of story structure rather than a surface-level consideration.
Key Concepts
- Default Setting: An author's unconscious biases that influence character creation; the ingrained assumptions about identity that may unintentionally shape how characters are written
- Vertical Identity: Identities passed down through family—religion, ethnicity, cultural traditions, language, values inherited without conscious choice
- Horizontal Identity: Identities acquired through life experience—skills learned, communities joined, beliefs adopted independently from family origin
- Code-Switching: The practice of changing language, behavior, or appearance to fit into different social contexts; a powerful character development tool showing identity through action
- Intergenerational Memory: Theory that memories and experiences are passed down genetically or culturally, influencing descendants' actions and beliefs unconsciously
- Magical Marginalized Character: A character from a historically marginalized community whose only purpose is to advance the protagonist's storyline, lacking their own backstory, motivation, or identity (term coined by Spike Lee, 1999)
- Intention vs. Impact: Framework for evaluating language and character choices—considering both what the author intends and the unintended effects on readers
- Colorblind Casting: Casting actors regardless of race without adjusting character backstory; can create authenticity problems when historical context is ignored
- Protective Code-Switch: Defensive identity management when confronted with invasive questions about identity (e.g., "What are you?")
Specific Strategies
- Character Interview Technique: Interview your character at three life stages—as a child, as a teenager, and at the point they enter your story
- Three Vertical/Three Horizontal Exercise: Identify three inherited identities and three acquired identities for each primary character
- Verb-Based Identity Mapping: Ask "What actions reflect my character's identity?" since reveal and hide are verbs (action words)
- Affinity Group Mapping: Identify which groups your character belongs to and how they navigate between them
- Intention/Impact Analysis: Before using sensitive language, ask: What is my intention? What impact do I expect? What unintended impact might occur?
🔒 Unlock the Full Replay
Unlock the full replay to hear the presenter's scene-by-scene breakdown of Michael Corleone's wedding sequence—every costume choice, physical gesture, and speech pattern that communicates identity through pure action. This analysis provides a masterclass in "show don't tell" for character identity.
Q: How do I avoid accidentally writing stereotypes when I'm trying to be inclusive?
A: Awareness is the foundation. The presenter recommends putting a sticky note on your computer asking "What is my default setting?" and reading your manuscript specifically looking for unintentional patterns. Ask whether each diverse character has a name, a backstory, and a purpose beyond advancing the protagonist's journey. The goal isn't perfection—it's intentionality. Writing inclusive characters is a skill that improves with practice.
Q: What's the difference between a mentor character and a "magical marginalized" character??
A: The distinction lies in whether the character has their own identity, backstory, and existence beyond their utility to the protagonist. A mentor character from any background can guide the hero—but if that character appears without context, has no life outside their mentorship role, and disappears once their narrative function is complete, they've become a plot device rather than a person. The presenter noted a friend's film role was literally named "Sassy Black Friend" in the script—her only scenes were encouraging the white protagonist at the beginning and celebrating her success at the end.
Q:How do I handle historically accurate but offensive language in period pieces?
A: The presenter advocates for intention versus impact analysis. If language is historically accurate and serves the story's authenticity, it may be appropriate—but never use offensive vocabulary for shock value. The presenter shared an example of their son's baseball report on the Negro Leagues: the teacher demanded removal of historically accurate terminology, which erased both cultural identity and historical fact. Context and purpose matter. The Conscious Style Guide is recommended as a resource for navigating these decisions.