In the realm of novel writing, the connection between characters’ educational backgrounds and their writing styles is a crucial aspect that can greatly enhance the authenticity and depth of a story. Characters with limited education bring a unique flavor to the narrative, and mastering how to depict their writing styles is essential for any aspiring novelist.
The Impact of Limited Education on Writing Style
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s language proficiency, vocabulary, and grammar usage. For characters with limited education, their writing often reflects a more basic level of communication. They may use simple sentence structures, with fewer complex clauses and conjunctions. For example, instead of saying “Although it was raining heavily, I still went to the store,” they might say “It was raining. I went to the store.” Language and Education on Wikipedia
Vocabulary Choices of Characters with Limited Education
The vocabulary of these characters tends to be more limited and everyday. They are likely to use common, straightforward words rather than sophisticated or technical terms. Words like “thing,” “stuff,” and “guy” are more prevalent in their writing. This simplicity not only reflects their lack of exposure to a wide range of words but also adds to their authenticity. In addition, they may struggle with spelling, using incorrect spellings or making frequent typos. Vocabulary on Britannica
To make your characters more believable, it’s important to research common language mistakes made by people with limited education. This could include incorrect verb tenses, subject-verb agreement issues, or misuse of homophones. By incorporating these elements into their writing, you can bring them to life on the page.
Readability guidance: Keep paragraphs short, use lists when possible, and ensure a good balance of sentence lengths. Incorporate transition words like “however,” “therefore,” and “for example” to make the text flow smoothly.
