The Writer's Guide to Character Traits Review
Author: Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D.Writer's Digest Books, October 1999.
Hardcover, 331 pages.
ISBN: 0898799015
The Writer's Guide to Character Traits is a great reference for helping writers with character development. Written by Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D., a practicing psychologist and associate professor at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, the book focuses on personality traits and human behaviors. Coverage in the book includes personality profiles, child and adolescent personality types, mental disorders, characteristics of criminals, personality traits associated with different careers, sexual development and disorders, group influences, effect of live events on behavior and nonverbal and verbal communication. With a better understanding of psychology, writers are able to write deeper characters and characters that will take realistic actions.
Dr. Edelstein explains psychological principles in an easy to follow manner. Her instruction is enhanced with examples, tables and lists. Understanding the psychology of behavior and personality is a critical skill for all writers. Crime writers looking for insights in how to write both victims and killers will find this book especially helpful. Dr. Edelstein's crash course about character and motivation is both unique and extremely helpful.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Return to the April 2000 issue of The IWJ.