Last updated on Jul 31, 2024

What role does voice play in developing strong characters in YA novels?

In the realm of Young Adult (YA) novels, voice isn't just a literary device—it's the soul of your characters. Think of voice as the unique lens through which a character sees the world, a blend of their vocabulary, rhythm, and perspective. It's what makes characters leap off the page and into the hearts of readers, creating a connection that can last a lifetime. When you're crafting a YA novel, pay close attention to how your characters express themselves, for their voices will shape their identities and drive their stories forward.

1 Voice Matters

Voice in YA fiction is the distinctive style or the narrative point of view that makes a character stand out. It's how you convey a character's personality, background, and emotional state. A strong voice will make your protagonist or any other character feel like a real person, someone readers can relate to or root for. It's about authenticity; if the voice of a teenager sounds like that of an adult, it can disconnect readers from the story. Therefore, mastering voice is crucial for developing characters that resonate with your audience.

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Claire Worsham

Pen name: Claire Stibbe, Author | Psychological and Crime Thrillers
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Voice is definitely the most important thing in writing. YA books like The Hunger Games became so successful due to Catniss Everdene's voice. People could relate to her, they resonated with her hardships, her emotions, and her struggles. They wanted her to succeed through every twist and turn and they commiserated with her. She was believable and I think that's what made that book a success. Same with Harry Potter, the Divergent series and so many others.

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2 Authenticity Key

Authenticity in a character's voice involves representing age-appropriate language, concerns, and worldviews. In YA novels, this means your characters should think and speak like actual teenagers. This authenticity builds credibility and allows readers to see themselves in the characters. It's a balancing act—while you aim for realism, you also need to avoid dated slang or references that might not stand the test of time. Crafting an authentic voice involves understanding your audience and reflecting their experiences.

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3 Emotional Depth

A character's voice is a powerful tool to convey their inner life and emotional depth. In YA novels, where character growth is often a central theme, voice can reveal vulnerabilities, hopes, and fears. It's through voice that readers experience the character's journey, empathizing with their struggles and celebrating their triumphs. A well-crafted voice allows you to show rather than tell emotions, making the character's experiences more immersive and impactful.

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4 Cultural Nuances

Voice can also reflect cultural nuances, adding layers of depth to your characters. In YA fiction, where diverse representation is increasingly important, voice can showcase different backgrounds and perspectives. By incorporating cultural references, dialects, or multilingual elements into a character's voice, you create a more authentic and inclusive narrative. This not only enriches the story but also resonates with a broader range of readers who may see their own experiences reflected in the characters.

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5 Dialogue Dynamics

Dialogue is where voice becomes most evident. In YA novels, dialogue is not just about advancing the plot; it's about revealing character dynamics and building relationships. Through dialogue, you can highlight contrasts between characters' voices, which can underscore their unique personalities or social backgrounds. Paying attention to how characters interact through speech will not only develop their individual voices but also the voice of the novel as a whole.

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Claire Worsham

Pen name: Claire Stibbe, Author | Psychological and Crime Thrillers
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Dialogue is so much more than just the words. It's a writer's job to take a character's words and infuse them with expression and emotion. It tells the reader what they're afraid of and reveals the many different layers to their personalities. Speech patterns and opinions drive the plot forward as do external and internal conflict. I love books with all that internal monologue. Take Stephen King's Misery. As Paul is held prisoner by Annie Wilkes the suspense is brilliantly portrayed through his thoughts. Effective dialogue usually includes action, body language, subtext, and the thoughts, opinions, and emotions of the viewpoint character. It’s a powerful, dynamic device that, done right, will draw readers deep into your story.

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6 Narrative Voice

Beyond character dialogue, narrative voice plays a significant role in YA fiction. Whether you're writing in first person or third person, the narrator's voice sets the tone for the entire novel. It's important to choose a narrative voice that complements your characters' voices and aligns with the story you want to tell. A strong narrative voice can add another layer of connection for the reader, pulling them deeper into the world you've created.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What role does voice play in developing strong characters in YA novels?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Voice Matters

2 Authenticity Key

3 Emotional Depth

4 Cultural Nuances

5 Dialogue Dynamics

6 Narrative Voice

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Development

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What role does voice play in developing strong characters in YA novels?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Voice Matters

2 Authenticity Key

3 Emotional Depth

4 Cultural Nuances

5 Dialogue Dynamics

6 Narrative Voice

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Development

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