As writers, we want to make our characters as unique and interesting as possible. One way to do this is to give your character a special skill or talent that sets him apart from other people. This might be something small, like having a green thumb or being good with animals, to a larger and more competitive talent like stock car racing or being an award-winning film producer. 

When choosing a talent or skill, think about the personality of your character, his range of experiences and who his role models might have been. Some talents might be genetically imparted while others are created through exposure (such as a character talented at fixing watches from growing up in his father’s watch shop) or grow out of interest (archery, wakeboarding, or magic). Don’t be afraid to be creative and make sure the skill or talent is something that works with the scope of the story. 

NAVIGATION

Description: the act, activity, or process of finding the way from one place to another; this entry will focus on the ability to find one’s way without technological support

When in unfamiliar territory, such as the high sea or the middle of a desert, you can find your way if you know the position of the stars; by locating certain stars or constellations, you can determine which direction you’re headed and adjust your course if necessary. The …

Beneficial Strengths or Abilities: Good eye sight, stamina, a reliable memory

Character Traits Suited for this Skill or Talent: meticulous, patient, observant,  level-headed, persistent

Required Resources and Training: Whatever method a character uses to find his way (stars, currents, winds, etc.), he needs to be trained in that method so he can see and correctly read the signs.

Scenarios Where this Skill Might be Useful:

• traveling in a time prior to technological advances
• post-apocalyptic scenarios where maps and GPS aren’t available
• finding one’s way through the woods, desert, or other large-scale settings where people and settlements are scarce…

Resources for Further Information:

Secrets of Ancient Navigators

Celestial Navigation in the Classroom

Using the Sun to Find True North

Navigating without a Compass

Finding Your Way in the Wilderness

Talents and skills not only make our characters stand out, they often help them attain their goals. So choosing them strategically can greatly enhance both the character and the story.

If this is something you’d like to learn more about, you can find the entries in their entirety at One Stop For Writers, where all our thesauruses are cross-referenced and linked for easy navigation. If you’re interested in seeing a free sampling of the Talent and Skill Thesaurus and our other descriptive collections, head on over and register at One Stop!

Image: schaeffler @ Pixabay