Writing religious characters...

[Barbarique]

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[NeuroFizz]

You are the boss. You can do anything you want with your characters, as long as you make them interesting. I think how you play them depends on the story, and how the characterization can best work with the story to keep a reader turning pages. I don't think the author's views on religion and faith should dictate how a character is written, although it may influence it (strongly even). And, since you are writing fiction (making stuff up) you shouldn't feel even a twinge of conscience if one of your characters doesn't come out as pious as you originally planned, nor should you lament it if they do.

[Tasmin21]

I admit that I've dodged this particular issue out of sheer cowardice.

In my urban fantasy, the only mentions of religion pertain to two characters, one of which is wiccan, the other agnostic. I know I'll have to touch on some devout Christian folk eventually (with demons abounding, God has to come into it somewhere) but....I'm putting it off because I'm a weenie.

[Azraelsbane]

I don't necessarily write pious characters, but all my writing is heavily tinged with religious themes/stories.

I have an angel in my series named Lucifer who carries a hand-carved rosary and is seriously reverential when it comes to Christ. Does that count? ;)

I would just say, make it obvious in their actions, but not necessarily their words. For instance, (and sorry to use more examples from my writing, but I've been writing a lot lately, so it's the first thing that comes to mind), I have a character that wields great power, possibly the most of any character in my series, but he has a very high standard of morals, and therefore his power is rarely used to harm others, even when it might have saved himself a great deal of pain. In my opinion, this makes him faith-based, because he believes that his actions have meaning past the moment he chooses what to do, and past the life he's currently living. The fact that he doesn't prescribe to any specific religion or go to church is trivial, but that's just my opinion.

[callalily61]

In my first ms, the MC hasn't ever heard the word "God." (Rebuilt post-nuke society with strick info control.) At her sidekick's 3rd or 4th attempt to "instruct" her, she tells sidekick to put a sock in it. More than once. MC discovers spirituality on her own, later, minus anything like preching.

Ever read any Christian fiction? It's so syrupy it makes me want to scrub my mind with a loofah. Even Peretti, whom I generally like. I avoid it like the plague now.

Although I read a fic starring a Wiccan and it was just as preachy. One with an atheist, too. Wham-wham-wham. All books with such an overt agenda turn me off.

[JEMcGee]

I'm glad you are trying to do this - I am tired of the extremist treatment of religion. Either it's syrupy, it's completely absent, it's a negative stereotype or it's something completely made up. There are so few natural treatments of religion.

Everyone of us thinks about religion and God and spirituality in our own unique way and I think if you treat your characters beliefs in a way that matches his/her personality, rather than your own, it will be natural.

It's okay for the author to believe one thing and the characters to believe something else...

[Scothoser]

I would just say, make it obvious in their actions, but not necessarily their words.

I completely agree with Azraelsbane here. When you deal with religion, regardless of what religion you have, the real devotion they show is in actions, not words. Those books that have people talking about religion, mentioning their devotion, etc. generally turn me off because they haven't done anything.

If you are looking for a great way to explore the devotion of your character to their religious belief, you may want to create a situation that has them question it (natural disasters are quite effective). Their devotion then has a chance to shine through their deeds, and not just words.

[Mania]

In series' 4 & 6, the stories were basically based around Satanism, so a lot of religious messages had to go into them from all sides. Now, my own beliefs did come into it, but not from the MC's POV so I was alright with writing it. At the end of the day, write what you feel comfortable with.

[JoNightshade]

I'm a "mainstream Christian" (sorta) and I also find this subject difficult. No matter what, you're probably going to offend someone. I suggest, as others have, to show it through actions rather than words. I also suggest that you focus on religion not as a whole, but as very individual to each character. Perhaps THIS character views going to church every Sunday and participating in bible studies, etc., as necessary to HER spiritual and mental health. Perhaps THAT character values helping others. Everyone's faith, even if we believe similar things, is expressed in a different and unique way. Each of our relationships with God is different-- so don't generalize. Personalize. That way, when others look at your work, no matter what perspective they are coming from, they are unlikely to be offended. They'll see the characters as individuals rather than a statement about this or that religious practice.

I have a character who I "know" is a Christian. But her religious practices don't have anything to do with the story, so I don't mention them. However, towards the end, the reader finds out that her parents were missionaries. I hope that, based on her previous actions, the reader will think, "Hm, that makes sense."

[RRK]

I think part of the trick is also to not talk about it all the time. Religion (as a caveat, this is coming from an agnostic) should be subtle, showing itself in the little things someone does in their everyday life. Like someone praying for someone they don't particularly like, or even just going out of their way to be kind to someone else (not necessarily a sign of religion, but still a sign of the kind of attitude I think a truly religious person should have).

I've had to deal with this a little in one of my WIPs. The MC there is totally not religious, but basically the point of the novel is his gradual conversion to "religion"--religion in this instance meaning his conversion to being a good person who believes that there truly is a higher power, even if it's just right v. wrong.

Of course, it's a little easier showing the reader that most of my characters have some kind of religion, because 95% of the WIP is set in Heaven...

[AnnieColleen]

Same as with any other kind of character -- try to get into their heads, figure out their individual beliefs, quirks, habits, etc. Basically what Jo said above. What's the character's religious background? Convert, cradle, revert? Learning the faith from childhood, through individual study, both, something else, not much of anything? Emotional associations between religion (specific elements, I mean) and other life experiences (faithfully staying a morning prayer because that's what Grandma did)? More introverted & favors solitary prayer or anonymous acts of charity; more extroverted and favors coming together in prayer or public discussion/testimony?

Also, get into not just their thoughts/experiences about religion, but about God - especially if you'll be showing the character's thoughts, but really in any case. Same questions; where did the beliefs/knowledge come from for this character; what are the emotional associations; etc. Probably this type of character would not think of religion and God as separate concepts; one would lead naturally to the other.

These are just brainstorming questions, obviously; not expecting you to answer each one here! Basically, avoiding the extremes - stereotypes and the Two-by-Four of Truth - you should be fine.

:)

[RG570]

I actually have one in my current project. I hadn't planned for him to be a hardcore Christian, and really didn't want to get into that. But it's going that way anyway.

His faith drives him to do some nasty things, but on the other hand, he did renew this once lost fervor because he's actually in a coma and has the ability to project himself elsewhere, which is why he thinks he's so pious . . . I don't know if that's a good excuse for an over the top pious character.

It's something I worry about with this novel.

On the other hand, I think it's sad that we have to be afraid of doing this, even when it's not an attack on anyone's beliefs and just part of the story.

[JoNightshade]

On the other hand, I think it's sad that we have to be afraid of doing this, even when it's not an attack on anyone's beliefs and just part of the story.

I don't think it's fear; it's sensitivity. Religious beliefs (or lack thereof) are part of the core of who we are as human beings. You can't treat a character's religion as flippantly as a character's preference for tomatoes because they just aren't on the same level. It's like treading lightly around death, or any other weighty subject. It's complex, and it deserves serious consideration.

[III]

I just like characters who are genuine and not stereotypes or characters whose actions are driven by a need to move the plot more than their own internal drives.

"Religious" people run the gammut - some are annoying and obnoxious, some are wishy-washy, some are sincere but flawed, some are charming/witty/bald/smart/handsome/exceedingly-humble, and some are just absolutely wonderful and full of love and wisdom.

True piety expresses itself in a loving, selfless attitude. Hopefully there are a few people in your life who are like that and you can model your characters after them. It's really all about love. Think of a character who genuinely loves others and cares about the needs of others above their own.

[RG570]

I don't think it's fear; it's sensitivity. Religious beliefs (or lack thereof) are part of the core of who we are as human beings. You can't treat a character's religion as flippantly as a character's preference for tomatoes because they just aren't on the same level. It's like treading lightly around death, or any other weighty subject. It's complex, and it deserves serious consideration.


Uh oh. We have to tread lightly around death too?

I think I'm done for. Unless there's a genre for irreverent brats.

[Azraelsbane]

Uh oh. We have to tread lightly around death too?

I think I'm done for. Unless there's a genre for irreverent brats.

I'm with you, but I understand what Jo is saying.

[RG570]

Oh, of course I understand it and it's probably correct.

I just didn't think it applied to fiction. To general social relations, sure, but fiction?

[Azraelsbane]

Hmm, I'm trying to think of novels where death and dying are subjects of hilarity. Well, perhaps in crazy spoofs like "Catch-22", where the irreverence is crucial to the whole theme. But in my kind of writing (down-to-earth realism) death is no laughing matter. :(

Death is no laughing matter in my writing either, but I sure as heck don't tread lightly around it. ;)

[Ravenlocks]

I think one important thing is to make sure religion isn't always equated with intolerance. That just comes off as stereotypical. Of course, intolerance sometimes will be there, since it tends to come along with any strong set of beliefs, whether religious or otherwise. But things like the "evil fundamentalist Christians who preach God and abuse children" are so old and tired that I'm even sick of them, and I'm not remotely a fundamentalist.

I think part of the problem with writing religious characters may be that it's hard to write characters who are good people. I have a guy in my WIP who once wanted to become a monk, but he's since gone off and become a murderer and worse. I have no problems writing him. But when I took him back to the monastery for a visit, I had a lot of problems writing this wise old elder who's supposed to be pious and good and forgiving. The elder even has some flaws, but I guess he doesn't have enough.

[chartreuse]

Well, the place I draw the line between "over the top" religious folks and not is between those people who are simply content to worship privately and those who think they have to go around trying to convert others, either in person or at the ballot box.

Not that there aren't exceptions on either side, but as a reader I definitely would think that anyone who goes around trying to shove their beliefs down others' throats is more than a bit nutty. (And to be honest, I think that in "real" life too). It's just kind of one of those signs you can use to size people up.

[Xx|e|ph|e|me|r|al|xX]

Xx|I'd say make them sympathetic--sounds general, I know. But I know that no matter the religion to which they subscribe, I could sympathize with them. They could be Buddhist and worried their god has forsaken them, I'd still sympathize if it's done realistically and well. A person is a person, with emotions and feelings and drives and motives, etc., there's no reason why I couldn't feel for them if they're hurting just because the source of that pain is some religion or other.

So that probably doesn't help much. There was something I wanted to say that conveniently left me when I touched my fingers to the keyboard. Whatever; good luck! :)|xX

[Zoombie]

As a one time pseudo Buddist, I'm pretty sure that there are no traditional gods in the Buddist pantheon...and I'm also pretty sure that there is no real Buddist panthon, just teachings from a real bright guy.

I too am annoyed at how religious people are shown in books. Mostly with the atheists...so many of them are bitter and crusty. Most of the atheists I know are more squishy, and tend to go well with Red Wine...mmm...I could go for that right now!

But if you want a really good way of doing religious and pious characterization, read a Warhammer 40,000 book!

[reenkam]

As a one time pseudo Buddist, I'm pretty sure that there are no traditional gods in the Buddist pantheon...and I'm also pretty sure that there is no real Buddist panthon, just teachings from a real bright guy.

There are different kinds of Buddhism, some of which have pantheons...


Most of my characters aren't very religious. It doesn't have to do with my story, so it doesn't come up. I did have one character talk about 'God' once, but I never really specified what religion he is. I think the description was broad enough that he could have been a couple different religions, though I guess people will assume that he's Christian. (I feel like he's actually Jewish though...from his mom's side. :Shrug:)

I'm also writing a massive book (that I don't really intend to publish) where the main characters are Wiccan. The plot centers around that fact, but other religions definitely come in play. But I don't really see that being published, so I guess that might not count for anything...

[Xx|e|ph|e|me|r|al|xX]

As a one time pseudo Buddist, I'm pretty sure that there are no traditional gods in the Buddist pantheon...and I'm also pretty sure that there is no real Buddist panthon, just teachings from a real bright guy.

Xx|I admit I don't know much about Buddhism. XD But I think everything can be a god, anything a religion. One could worship food. Even if you're not consciously calling it God and praying to it, you can "worship" (or idolize) it. That's the thought process I was kind of going on. When I think of Buddhism, all I can think of is that little bronze man sitting with his legs crossed. XD You get the idea, though. My apologies--I didn't think I was accurate, if it's any consolation.:tongue|xX

[DancingMaenid]

Religious characters can be a little tricky for me to write, as least if their beliefs differ greatly from mine (I would call myself religious in the least, but I do have beliefs). But at the same time, I like it, because writing from the POV of characters who are very different from me is where the challenge and fun comes in. Plus, I've learned about some fascinating things while researching for my characters. A few years ago, I seriously considered converting to Judaism after reading up on it for a story. The story didn't pan out, and I ended up deciding it wasn't right for me at that time, but it was a great experience to learn about that.

[wayndom]

I was brought up in a household where religiosity was an intense, pervasive, 24/7 element of daily existence. I've long since discarded that way of life because I found it stifling, but I nonetheless retain a deep sense of spirituality. The challenge for me in writing comes when one of my characters is strongly faith-based. I want them to be pious but not over-the-top.

I get the impression that it's your own feelings about religious people that are giving you trouble. Do you know anyone who's "pious but not over-the-top"? I suspect not, since if you did, you'd have a model for the character(s) you want to create. Of course, you might be pious but not over-the-top, but creating a character based on yourself obviously has its own pitfalls.

I'd say look for real-life models, but I'm not sure where you'd find them. I've known some people like that, but I didn't meet them in any sort of religious environment -- just worked with them. Typically, they never showed any interest in converting me (I'm a four-square atheist), even though most of them were seminary students.

[wayndom]

Uh oh. We have to tread lightly around death too?


No.

"Dead men write no nasty letters to the editor."

[wayndom]

A few years ago, I seriously considered converting to Judaism after reading up on it for a story. The story didn't pan out, and I ended up deciding it wasn't right for me at that time, but it was a great experience to learn about that.

Think of how different your life might be today, if that story had been published...

[farfromfearless]

I was brought up in a household where religiosity was an intense, pervasive, 24/7 element of daily existence. I've long since discarded that way of life because I found it stifling, but I nonetheless retain a deep sense of spirituality. The challenge for me in writing comes when one of my characters is strongly faith-based. I want them to be pious but not over-the-top. Especially nowadays, with the sharp divisions in our society, it's tricky to make religion appealing rather than appalling.

Has anyone else dealt with this in their work? :)

I grew up as a missionary's kid. Not sucha big fan of religion. Im currently dealing with religion in my WIP -- my protagonist is not an overly spiritual character, in fact shuns it, but her life is deeply affected by it (religion/faith). On the other side I have a character who is deeply devoted; this works well for conflict, and I found that in order to render believeability (IMO) for a devout character, doubt was essential. Not necessarily to make religion appear appealing to the reader, but to the character.

[Patricia]

I think the key, or at least for me, is to think “personal experience” rather than religion. The religion turns people off. I try to make my Christian character believable and flawed, as they truly are in real life. “Real” is what people are drawn to, and I think, ultimately impressed with. They deal with life challenges just as any one else, except that they rely on their faith to sustain them.

I will say that some Christian readers though, really enjoy the sugary type novels and that’s why they sell so well.

I’m just about finished with my second novel, and am wondering if my editor is going to “edit” some of my “love scenes.” And I use a little more “language” in the current WIP too. After all, not all characters are pure and saintly Christians and go to church every Sunday. “Real” is where it’s at, in my opinion. I really like to show that Christians are just like everyone else. Flawed, but with a different spiritual perspective on life that works well for them.

[narselon]

I'm having trouble with this as well. In my world just about everybody is religious because they have witnessed the Gods and believing they exist is not a matter of faith. But because of this their society has become very secular with people of varying degrees of devotion.

As the story goes he gets mixed up with a bunch of heretics and begins to lose his own faith as he understands the reasons why each of them came to such an unusual conclusion. Showing why they lost their faith turned out easier than I thought it would be. A child prodigy deduces a logical flaw with the Gods' actions, an unsuccessful bartender yearns to accomplish something in the world on his own, a slacker becomes disenchanted when the Gods allowed his brother to be convicted of murder, and a revolutionary from a long line of heretics who seeks to avenge his murdered parents and break free from his destined path to die to set an example to all those who desire to disrupt order.

Now while I have a definite slant I do not want to depict the religious as evil. Unfortunately I'm not sure if it comes out that way. When my MC is framed for murder his friends and family betray him because the Gods said he dd so in spite of his good nature. I have him defending the Gods even after this happens because he knows they have a plan and would not send an innocent man to death. He starts to believe at one point it is all part of an elaborate scheme to thwart the plans of the evil God Chaos, whom he believes is controlling the heretics, like in ancient myths. He also blames Chaos for all the bad things in his life. There are instances of God intervention like lightning and snow on a holiday but beyond that theres not much to show his or anyone's religious views. I later show that it was the belief in the Gods that kept the world in peace for centuries and their actions have always been for the greater good, but it feels like I'm missing an opportunity.