G is for Gifts...

 

Or in other words, what are your characters special skills / talents / abilities?

I'm aware that when you read this title you will think to yourselves, oh...she's on about fantasy or sci -fi novels, but you couldn't be further(ish) from the truth.

In the real world, people have gifts, or talents, they can create a piece of breath-taking sculpture from a lump of damp clay, knit a detailed, Alien costume for their grandkid, and write a story where the reader can immerse themselves so much that they can feel, taste and see the world they have created in their minds eye. 

The real world has their computer genius's who hack others computers, or work for the government, race car drivers who would make amazing getaway drivers, Scientists who battle to save the world from disease and sometimes create that disease themselves. 

Because they exist in the real world authors must be able to create these kinds of characters in their made up worlds. Peopled with the worlds best or worst admins, detectives that would leave Sherlock or Monk to shame, enforcers who equalise the playing field with their military prowess. 

Even in the worlds of fantasy and sci - fi they can be peopled with their worlds best swordsperson, shape shifters, telepaths and multi billionaire play woman with her tricked out battle suit and amazing fighting toys.

in the world of horror, your character can be skilled at monster creation, or fighting, they could have the power of hypnotism, and potion making, of taking their wrappings and using them like a whip (or several whips), control of bugs directing them to murder their enemies. They could be skilled butchers, chefs, or even potters (I found out that Kilns are good for getting rid of bones), or keen gardeners (best tomatoes ever)!

Thriller books and mystery books would have puzzle solvers, military tacticians, computer nerds, B&E experts, thieves, deductive abilities, and evasive manoeuvres. 

Looking at the character profiles that you are creating, and the story, you can figure out what skills are needed and who should have them as well as how they will be used. It would help if the character had a flaw, something that would make it difficult for them to utilise their entire skill range, something that they would have to overcome before the end of the story.