We can all think of characteristics that makes an impact. A character can have a limp,a lisp, wild hair, or just plain act crazy. But what about teeth?
In reading we hardly ever get a description of teeth unless there is something unsettling in their appearance or out of place. Unsettling teeth can be missing or discolored and the author conveys an idea of an unhealthy, poor, or evil individual. We rarely get the perfect teeth description unless they are for a purpose. A perfect set of chompers typically represent overindulgence or a snake oil salesman.
This week I ran into a kid in one of my education classes whose two front teeth were pitted. It looked as if braces were forceably ripped off of those teeth and then nothing was done. What kind of person do you think he was? Well, I can say I had the "pleasure" of introducing the kid. He was a jerk. I'm thinking about making him the basis of a killer in one of the sections of my work in progress. I think the teeth really make him the leading candidate. Along with the stringy unkept hair and patchy beard make him the perfect looking killer. Where has this guy been all my life? Oh, by the way, he wants to educate your children....*shiver*
My point? Think of a character that you have that may become stronger with a missing tooth or so. Or if you want to set convention on it's head, give a protagonist a bad set of snaggled teeth. Austin Powers comes to mind, but his teeth were literally a joke. If you take a serious character and give them teeth that you're momma would be shocked by...how does that effect that character? A ruined confidence? Definitely a self esteem issue. But what else can they do that overcomes their teeth issues? Maybe it makes them better undercover. Maybe it drives them to be the best at what they do. Experiment a little.
Posts
I can honestly say I have never thought about my characters' teeth. And now I will never NOT think about them!
ReplyDeleteInteresting idea, and I love that it came from a real-life experience.
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
Well, teeth would be one way to set your character apart, that's for sure. And it's a good idea to do that. In my completed, but as yet unpublished second novel, the bad guy has one eye...lost at the battle of Gettysburg...and an eye patch to cover the socket. I'm hoping that makes him memorable.
ReplyDeleteBest Wishes Galen.
Imagineering Fiction Blog
Galen,
ReplyDeleteYou got it covered. Just trying to think of unique ways that may set a character apart. That kid in my class was like a dream walking in. I have never seen anything quite like that before. Has that kind of thing ever happened to you?
I have to say that I almost never describe mu characters teeth. The only time I recall was the following.
ReplyDelete"He grinned at me, an unsettling sight, revealing a mouth full of broken and yellowed teeth. Yet his mid-country accent, as always, was reassuring..."
Here the teeth are the opposite of the character's personality. I suppose I like that characters who are not always what they seem at first.