Using Stereotypes

Stereotypes are a part of life. Whether good or bad, intentional or unintentional, in our heads or out loud, we are stereotyping anytime we meet someone new. It's not our fault, though; it's how our brains are wired. Bunching people into broad groups is easier for our brain to comprehend. Once we've grasped that we are stereotypers by nature, we can use this to our advantage in our writing. It doesn't work all the time or for every character, but when it does, it can make for a more believable character that readers will understand.

Create the Stereotype

The first step to using a stereotype is creating it. Decide if Suzie is a blonde-haired, blue-eyed babe or a sweet, little book worm. Make Tony a buff, jock who loves sports or an emotional teen who hates his parents. Pick your stereotype and stick to it. A stereotype is easy for readers to pick up on, and an easier grasp of your character makes them seem more real.

What Does Everyone Else See?

Your character is more than just the sum of their parts (stereotypical or not); they are what others see in them as well. Everyone else sees Suzie's perfect body and they know exactly who she is. Just like your readers, the other characters have a stereotypical idea of exactly who Suzie is. Use that to your advantage and let it help you develop your character. How other people treat your character says a lot about them - not just in their words but in their actions, too. Make use of it.

Build on the Stereotype

The next step is to make the stereotype more than just a stereotype. Sure, Suzie is a cheerleader with big breats and a sweet smile, but there's more to her than that. She has a personality that goes deeper than the uniform, and it's your job to make that come out. Use her stereotypical cheerleader personality to build that part of her - that's easy for your readers to understand - then add the curtains, drapes and garden that make Suzie different from all the other cheerleaders out there.