Spencer Lanoue
Creating a character with PTSD is not just a storytelling decision. It's a responsibility. You want to portray such characters with sensitivity and accuracy, capturing the realities of living with this condition without turning it into a trope or plot device. In this guide, we'll look at how you can write a character with PTSD in a way that feels real and respectful, offering practical tips and examples to help you along the way.
Understanding PTSD: A Brief Overview
Before diving into character development, it's helpful to have a basic understanding of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). PTSD is a mental health condition that arises after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. It's characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. These symptoms can vary widely from person to person, affecting daily life and relationships.
It's important to remember that PTSD isn't the same for everyone. Some might experience intense flashbacks, while others may struggle more with anxiety or depression. Recognizing this variety will help you create a character that feels nuanced and authentic.
Diving into Research: Where to Start
Writing a character with PTSD means doing your homework. Research is your best friend here. Start by reading firsthand accounts from people who live with PTSD. Autobiographies, interviews, and personal blogs can provide invaluable insights into their daily lives and struggles.
Another useful resource is clinical literature on PTSD. Articles and books written by mental health professionals can give you a deeper understanding of the symptoms and treatment options. This background knowledge will inform your writing and ensure your portrayal is realistic.
While research is crucial, balance it with empathy and creativity. Remember, you're not just compiling facts; you're creating a living, breathing character with their own unique story.
Developing Your Character's Backstory
Every character with PTSD has a past that shapes their present. The traumatic event or series of events that led to their PTSD is a significant part of their backstory. When crafting this backstory, consider the following questions:
- What was the traumatic event? Was it a single incident or a series of experiences?
- How did the character react immediately after the event(s)?
- What support systems did they have in place, if any?
- How has the event shaped their personality, beliefs, and current life situation?
Let's say your character, Alex, is a veteran who developed PTSD after a deployment. Their backstory might include details about their time in the military, the specific events that impacted them, and their life after returning home. This backstory helps you understand how Alex's past influences their present actions and relationships.
Portraying Symptoms: The Dos and Don'ts
When portraying PTSD symptoms, nuance is key. Aim for a realistic depiction without resorting to clichés or stereotypes. Remember, PTSD is not just about flashbacks and nightmares. It can also involve:
- Hyper-vigilance: Constantly being on edge or easily startled.
- Avoidance: Steering clear of places, people, or activities that remind them of the trauma.
- Emotional numbness: Difficulty expressing emotions or feeling detached from others.
- Negative changes in thoughts and mood: Persistent negative thoughts about oneself or the world.
Use these symptoms to show rather than tell. For example, instead of stating, "Alex is hyper-vigilant," you might write:
Alex sat in the corner of the café, his back to the wall. His eyes flitted from the door to the window, fingers tapping an anxious rhythm on the table. Every time the bell above the entrance jingled, his muscles tensed, ready to spring.
Through this scene, you convey Alex's hyper-vigilance without explicitly pointing it out.
The Role of Triggers: A Double-Edged Sword
Triggers are stimuli that remind a person of their trauma, causing an emotional response. They can be anything from a sound or smell to a particular location or situation. When writing about triggers, be mindful of their complexity. They can provide insight into your character's inner world but should be used thoughtfully.
Consider how your character reacts to triggers. Do they experience a flashback, a panic attack, or a moment of dissociation? How do they cope in these moments? For instance, if Alex is triggered by fireworks, you might include a scene where he has to leave a Fourth of July celebration, grappling with the overwhelming noise and memories it stirs.
However, avoid over-relying on triggers as a plot device. They should enhance the character's depth, not just serve as a convenient way to inject drama.
Building Relationships: The Impact on Others
PTSD doesn't just affect the person experiencing it. It impacts their relationships too. Consider how your character's PTSD influences their interactions with family, friends, and colleagues. Do they push people away, or do they seek support? Are there misunderstandings or tensions that arise because of their symptoms?
Showing these dynamics can add layers to your narrative. For example, Alex might struggle to connect with his partner, who doesn't fully understand his PTSD. This could lead to moments of conflict and tenderness, illustrating the challenges and rewards of maintaining a relationship while managing PTSD.
Writing these interactions authentically can be challenging, but it adds realism and emotional depth to your story.
The Journey to Healing: A Realistic Arc
Healing from PTSD is often a long and non-linear process. It's crucial to portray this journey with honesty, avoiding the temptation to offer a quick fix or a neatly tied-up resolution. Consider how your character navigates their path to healing:
- Do they seek therapy, medication, or alternative treatments?
- How do they cope with setbacks or relapses?
- What small victories or moments of growth do they experience?
For Alex, healing might involve attending support groups, learning grounding techniques, or finding solace in creative outlets like writing or art. These elements can demonstrate resilience and hope without dismissing the ongoing challenges of living with PTSD.
While it's important to show progress, remember that healing is deeply personal and varies greatly from person to person.
Writing with Empathy: Putting Yourself in Their Shoes
Empathy is your most valuable tool when writing about PTSD. It allows you to create a character that resonates with authenticity and compassion. To cultivate empathy, try stepping into your character's shoes and considering how they perceive the world.
Ask yourself:
- What fears or insecurities do they grapple with daily?
- How do they find moments of joy or connection despite their struggles?
- What do they wish others understood about their experience?
Writing with empathy also means being open to feedback. Consider sharing your drafts with individuals who have PTSD or mental health professionals who can provide insights and suggestions. This collaboration can help refine your portrayal and ensure it resonates authentically.
On a practical note, if you're using Spell, you can leverage its AI capabilities to draft, revise, and refine your character's journey with ease, combining your creative insights with a tool built to streamline the writing process.
Balancing Plot and Character: The Art of Subtlety
While PTSD is a significant aspect of your character's identity, it shouldn't overshadow their entire existence. Balance is key. Ensure your character is well-rounded, with interests, goals, and relationships beyond their trauma.
Consider how PTSD intersects with other aspects of their life. Does it affect their career ambitions or hobbies? How does it influence their worldview or sense of humor? By weaving these elements together, you create a multi-dimensional character that feels real and relatable.
For instance, Alex might find solace in volunteering at a local animal shelter, channeling his empathy and care into helping others. This pursuit not only enriches his character but also provides opportunities for plot development and growth.
Remember, your character's PTSD is a part of who they are, but it's not the entirety of their identity.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a character with PTSD is a journey that requires sensitivity, research, and a commitment to authenticity. By digging deep into the nuances of PTSD and portraying your character with empathy, you can create a narrative that resonates with readers and offers a glimpse into the complex realities of living with this condition. If you're looking for a tool to streamline your writing process, consider using Spell to help you craft, edit, and refine your character's journey with ease.
