No mystery is too complex for the fictional genius. In fact, they enjoy the challenge. The world of fiction is littered with them. Think of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Gregory House (who happens to be based on the former), or boy genius Artemis Fowl from the series of novels by Eoin Colfer. Even Harry Potter relies on Hermione Granger\u2019s extensive wits.<\/p>\n
The genius remains a fictional favorite. But how do you write one yourself? Let\u2019s take a closer look at this character type.<\/p>\n
Officially, a \u2018genius\u2019 has an IQ score of over 140. But modern psychology has admitted that IQ scores can be harder to define than first thought. These days, definitions refer to many types of genius, from intellectual through musical to sports. It\u2019s safe to say that the genius is innately outstanding in at least one field, whether they are doctors, violinists, or sprinters (or cannibals).<\/p>\n
Often, the genius (whether hero or antagonist) is a\u00a0polymath<\/em>\u2014they show exceptional abilities in various fields instead of just one. If you think of most genial characters, they not only have exceptional abilities in their own fields, but also happen to speak several languages and have talents elsewhere\u2014art, music, literature\u2014choose what you will, as long as you\u2019re getting the details right.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that genius might be artificially induced, such as by the drug NZT in Limitless.<\/p>\n Geniuses often see the world in a different way, which makes their methods unorthodox, sometimes with complete disregard for the rules or the socially acceptable. (They often get away with it, too, because when it comes to the bottom line they happen to be right.)<\/p>\n The stereotypical genius often shows a disregard for social convention \u2013 sometimes because they just don\u2019t understand them, or because they simply don\u2019t give a damn.<\/p>\n Their worldview might seem callous or abrasive. They often consider wits as the ultimate virtue, and other virtues, like sensitivity and emotional mindfulness, as inferior. The latter often happens because such virtues may be beyond their reach.<\/p>\n Most fictional geniuses find it difficult to maintain a personal relationship based on trust and reciprocity. That might be to help balance their intelligence and make their character more human. Don\u2019t skimp on the genius\u2019s private, human, almost fragile moments. They are the gems that make the character shine.<\/p>\n A recurring theme among genius characters is their lack of social skills. You can use this to comic effect\u2014Dr. Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory is an excellent example\u2014or give it a more serious spin, like with Dr. Gregory House. Or you can reverse the trope and write the charming genius, much like Bruce Wayne\u2019s public face, or the brazen Tony Stark (Iron Man).<\/p>\n The stereotypical genius is almost always known for being a little bit weird, though some would prefer to say eccentric.<\/p>\n Geniuses are selective of those they let into their inner circle. They might also have some kind of tic or habit that they themselves are not aware of.<\/p>\n Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption displayed his eccentricity by being isolated and seemingly on a quest of his own (and, of course, his odd rock carving habit). Hermione Granger is a bit of a teacher\u2019s pet. Lincoln Rhyme is eccentric for his thought process \u2013 which makes him excellent at solving crimes.<\/p>\n Add quirks and flair: How do they dress? Do they have any peculiar habits? What makes them appear\u00a0weird\u00a0<\/em>and\u00a0interesting<\/em>\u00a0to other characters and your readers? And how does each quirk tie into their genius?<\/p>\n Sometimes the genius character is portrayed as an outright savant.<\/p>\n The quickest example of a savant is the character played by Dustin Hoffman in the 1998 movie\u00a0Rain Man<\/em>, but there are other examples too\u2014including Christopher from Mark Haddon\u2019s 2003 novel\u00a0The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time<\/em>.<\/p>\n Character flaws give characters a measure of humanity. Nobody in real life is perfect; why should they be so in fiction?<\/p>\n The stereotypical problem-solving genius almost always presents with some type of character flaw. It can be something they were born with or something they developed over time. It is the cause of their core internal conflict, and may often hamper their progress.<\/p>\n In real life, people with high levels of IQ sometimes battle with addictive behaviour, obsessive or compulsive compulsion, perfectionism, or sometimes its polar opposite (think of the typical Mad Professor archetype).<\/p>\n Gregory House has what he calls a bum leg and chronic pain which he blames for his depression, anti-socialism, and drug addiction. He saves lives, so he obviously\u00a0wants<\/em>\u00a0to do good; but due to his flaws, he becomes snappy, isolated and heavily addicted to painkillers.<\/p>\n Sherlock Holmes is known for his love of pharmaceuticals. This places him at a point where he\u00a0needs it<\/em>\u00a0to function \u2013 here, we have a sense of urgency and intense sympathy for him, even in a time where most pharmaceuticals were legal.<\/p>\n Hannibal Lecter\u2019s internal conflict, on the other hand, comes from his severely tortured past. Hannibal is orphaned by war, captured with his sister and \u2013 horrifying as this might be \u2013 made to consume her in a broth by famished and sadistic soldiers driven to the point of cannibalism. This, only fully explored in Hannibal Rising, added much to explain his motivations and psychological break.<\/p>\n Such flaws often make the character a great read, but not someone you\u2019ll want to befriend in real life.<\/p>\n Your genius\u00a0is<\/em>\u00a0an expert in their field and when writing one, the devil does indeed hide in the details. It\u2019s vital that you as an author familiarize yourself with your character\u2019s field of expertise. A genius gets details right, and it\u2019s vital that the author manages to do the same. The easiest way to do this\u2014and how you stay away from making mistakes\u2014is to get in touch with a real expert to look the details over and to research, research, research.<\/p>\nStanding Out<\/h2>\n
Interpersonal Relationships<\/h2>\n
Eccentricity<\/h2>\n
The Savant<\/h2>\n
Internal Conflict and Character Flaws<\/h2>\n
Researching Your Hero\u2019s History<\/h2>\n
Antagonists, too!<\/h2>\n