Hello, kittens. I was wondering if anyone can give me some pointers on doing effective research for characters. Normally, I don't have trouble with coming up with characters for stories, but this one has me stumped. Probably because he's an elderly Italian guy.
Here are some facts on him:
1. He was born after WWII.
2. He is descended from aristocrats.
3. He studied architecture in college and went on to design multi-million dollar homes, most of them in New York state.
Just fine so far? Some points that need fine-tuning? Here's what I need to know:
1. Just how bad off was Italy after the war? Knowing how the upper class fared during this time might change this character's biography.
2. I chose Cappellini as this guy's surname... but I realize that some surnames are related to nobility. Plus, his ancestors would have made their fortune doing something... well, I don't want to stereotype him and have him descended from wine makers. Maybe his ancestors had a farm?
3. I imagine that he would have gone to the best university for his education... but again, his family's income might change the type of school. Also, the university's location (any good architecture schools in Italy, or would he have gone abroad?).
Other things that have me stumped:
1. Mannerisms, etiquette, and customs. What was the average day like for people, particularly Italians, in the 1940s-60s?
2. Religion. He's Roman Catholic, but how would his religion during his youth have differed from the Roman Catholicism of today?
3. Language. I'd love to stick in a few authentic phrases and curse words. (Confession could be fun with this guy
)
Maybe I'm going overboard with this character, but I want him to be believable. The fact that he was raised in a different era and country also adds pressure. Mistakes and inaccuracies are inevitable, but I don't want people to look at my project and say, "There's no way he would do/say/think that."
Any ideas? Websites, books, blogs I can look at to get a head start?
Thanks in advance!
Here are some facts on him:
1. He was born after WWII.
2. He is descended from aristocrats.
3. He studied architecture in college and went on to design multi-million dollar homes, most of them in New York state.
Just fine so far? Some points that need fine-tuning? Here's what I need to know:
1. Just how bad off was Italy after the war? Knowing how the upper class fared during this time might change this character's biography.
2. I chose Cappellini as this guy's surname... but I realize that some surnames are related to nobility. Plus, his ancestors would have made their fortune doing something... well, I don't want to stereotype him and have him descended from wine makers. Maybe his ancestors had a farm?
3. I imagine that he would have gone to the best university for his education... but again, his family's income might change the type of school. Also, the university's location (any good architecture schools in Italy, or would he have gone abroad?).
Other things that have me stumped:
1. Mannerisms, etiquette, and customs. What was the average day like for people, particularly Italians, in the 1940s-60s?
2. Religion. He's Roman Catholic, but how would his religion during his youth have differed from the Roman Catholicism of today?
3. Language. I'd love to stick in a few authentic phrases and curse words. (Confession could be fun with this guy
)Maybe I'm going overboard with this character, but I want him to be believable. The fact that he was raised in a different era and country also adds pressure. Mistakes and inaccuracies are inevitable, but I don't want people to look at my project and say, "There's no way he would do/say/think that."
Any ideas? Websites, books, blogs I can look at to get a head start?
Thanks in advance!