When you're writing a story and want your characters to sound different, there are some simple tips to help you out. Here’s a breakdown of what you can do:

1. Different Ways of Talking

Each character should have their own unique way of speaking. Consider these points:

• Speed and Style: Does your character talk quickly and jump from one thought to another? Or do they speak slowly and choose their words carefully?
• Word Choice: Think about where your character is from. For example, a smart character might use fancy words, while a little kid would stick to simpler ones.
• Favorite Phrases: You can give characters special phrases they often say. For instance, one character might say "you know?" a lot, while another might frequently use "totally" to make a point.

2. Knowing Their Background

Understanding a character’s past can change how they act and talk. Here are some things to consider:

• Cultural Background: A character from another culture might use specific words or sayings from that culture.
• Life Experiences: Characters who have been through hard times might speak more directly or with a bit of sarcasm. In contrast, characters who have had easy lives might sound more innocent.

3. How They Look and Move

Sometimes, how a character looks can affect how they speak. You can show their voice through:

• Body Language: A confident character might walk with purpose and look people in the eye. A shy character might fidget or avoid eye contact.
• Small Actions: Use actions to make their voice clearer. For example, a character might nod a lot when they agree, showing they are excited.

4. What They Think

Understanding what characters think can also show their voices. Here are some ways to do this:

• Stream of Consciousness: This lets readers see what a character is thinking. A nervous character might have scattered thoughts, while a logical character would think things through step by step.
• Journaling: Writing diary entries from a character’s perspective can help you explore how they think and speak.

5. Read Aloud

One great tip is to read what you’ve written out loud. This can help you hear any awkward parts in how your characters sound. You can even act out scenes to see if their voices fit.

6. Get Feedback

Ask friends or a writing group for their thoughts. Sometimes, you might not notice if your characters sound different enough. Getting other people's opinions can help you see what works and what doesn’t.

7. Use Writing Prompts

Try out writing prompts that focus on voice. For example, create scenes where characters only talk to each other. This can help improve how they sound.

By using these tips, you can create characters that feel real and stand out. Each character will connect with readers in different ways, making your story much more enjoyable. Remember, the more real your characters seem, the better your readers will connect with them!