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kamikamiya Needs To Do Her Work! from Here and Deviantart Since: Jan, 2001
Needs To Do Her Work!
#1: Dec 15th 2010 at 6:47:35 PM

So I'm working on this Next Gen Naruto fic(please no comments about that specific point), and I realized that I have a lot of characters. With a lot of emotional backstory. Is there anyway I can manage to convey each characters motivations and issues while still keeping a relatively linear story?

But Don't Forget Knuckles O'Shaughnessy!
drunkscriblerian Street Writing Man from Castle Geekhaven Since: Oct, 2010 Relationship Status: In season
Street Writing Man
#2: Dec 15th 2010 at 6:50:14 PM

Inference is your friend. In an ensemble cast situation, its time to put tropes to use, rather than attempting to subvert, avert or deconstruct them. Remember, tropes are based off audience expectations; they see x, they'll be expecting y and z. Take advantage of that would be my advice.

If I were to write some of the strange things that come under my eyes they would not be believed. ~Cora M. Strayer~
Voltech44 The Electric Eccentric from The Smash Ultimate Salt Mines Since: Jul, 2010 Relationship Status: Forming Voltron
The Electric Eccentric
#3: Dec 15th 2010 at 7:26:25 PM

I'd say that your characters need time to stretch their legs. Focus on one or two at a time and develop them in the story, then move on to someone else when the time is right.

My Wattpad — A haven for delightful degeneracy
Ultrayellow Unchanging Avatar. Since: Dec, 2010
Unchanging Avatar.
#4: Dec 15th 2010 at 9:07:36 PM

If it's Naruto-based, give each of the supporting characters a theme to keep them easily distinguishable.

Except for 4/1/2011. That day lingers in my memory like...metaphor here...I should go.
chihuahua0 Since: Jul, 2010
#5: Dec 16th 2010 at 6:06:16 AM

Also, set up a character file to store some basic information on each characters, so you won't forget about them.

colbertimposter Since: Dec, 1969
#6: Dec 17th 2010 at 1:58:50 PM

Trio of point-of-view characters

Each with a trio of characters struggling through thematic tribulations

I can't provide more detailed advice, but if you'd like me to explain what I mean by the above, please ask.

edited 17th Dec '10 1:59:16 PM by colbertimposter

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