Sandy Supposes....

Meet Derrald

PROMPT: Creation Saturday---What sort of planning goes into the creation of your characters? What must you know about them before you can tell their story? If you have a favourite character in something you have already written post a link to share with us.

         I like my characters to be believable, an everyman, everywoman sort of person. I people-watch. I listen to the stories I am told. I engage others in conversation. I keep a journal in which I record these interactions.

         The human brain is so complex and fascinating. We develop as a response to genetics, nurturing, environment, and stimulation. What makes us tick? We are similar, yet unique. I have cared for people with dementia and Alzheimer's. Why do they lose newer memories, but retain those of their childhood? I know a young man diagnosed as autistic. He is a walking contradiction. His behaviour is often baffling, and unintentionally amusing.

         I created a character named Derrald who struggles with autism. He has a terrific memory that is understandably tinged by his interpretations. He is abrupt. He has no guile, and no concept of deceit; he cannot lie, but he is able to twist a tale and omit key elements. He is impulsive. Derrald cannot seem to grasp the concept of consequences; he often finds himself in situations that he could not avoid because he never considered the outcomes of his actions. He is socially awkward, and cannot read cues; voice inflections, body postures, facial expressions, word nuances. He is an observer and an imitator. He mimics actions and words, but does not comprehend them. He is controlled by self-imposed rituals. He devotes a great deal of time to these compulsions. They must be executed in a set order, and in an exact way.

          I have attempted twice to portray Derrald. He is compelling.

THE NEWBIE  (13+) Derrald struggles to fit in at his warehouse job, one day at a time. #2035982 by SandraLynn Team Florent!

and

THE WAVE  (13+) Derrald discovers that a simple wave can have disastrous results! #1989350 by SandraLynn Team Florent!