We read stories to experience things we might not otherwise. The more we feel like we’re there, right in the middle of the action, the better we like it and the longer we’ll remember it.

The same is true for learning about characters. We don’t want to be told what a character is like; we want to form our own opinions and figure it out for ourselves. That’s why the best way to introduce a character is to show them doing something that is typically them, then show how other characters react and respond.

Want to see how? Read the opening scene of Mikaela’s newest story, Eagle, for a great example of how to show, not tell. Well done, Mikaela!