Writing Examples: Characters

How to write a physical description of a character.

A physical description of any character, should flow naturally out of the scene you are writing; it SHOULD NOT bring that scene to a boring, thudding halt.

EXAMPLE:
Jack was on his way to the post office, strolling down his street at a leisurely pace. A pretty girl outside the pharmacy stared, because he was incredibly handsome. He had blond hair, gorgeous green eyes, tanned, chiseled features, a straight nose, was dressed in a tight t-shirt and blue jeans.
Her eyes followed him down the street.

This example tells us what Jack looks like, but not much else. It lacks flow and energy.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE:
Jack was on his way to the post office, strolling down his street at a leisurely pace. A pretty girl outside the pharmacy stared; Jack cut a swaggering, handsome figure.
The wind ruffled his blond hair, adding to the rakish air he emitted. He always had a devilish sparkle in his emerald eyes, and it gave the straight, chiseled features of his face a radiance. He was proud to show off his taut, tanned physique and was dressed in a snug t-shirt and blue jeans.
He threw the girl a bright, wide smile, and was well aware that her eyes followed him down the street.

In this example, not only do we find out what Jack looks like, but also get some insight into his personality. It is a good setup for what ever follows.