Interviewing a person for a character

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So I'm building a character who works in a particular field of science and I found an e-mail for a scientist on the internet and emailed him. I described how I'm writing a sci-fi story and gave him some details to get him interested in the project. He replied and I asked about how things work in his field. (I emailed several questions and I'm yet to get a reply).



My question is, when researching in this way, should I tell people I'm building a character based on them and then interview, or pretend that I'm just interested about their field and wanted to ask a few questions out of curiosity?










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  • What do you mean by "building a character based on them"? Is the character just going to have the same job or are they also going to share other characteristics - completely separate from their job - with the person you're "interviewing"?
    – Anthony Grist
    Sep 17 at 9:48






  • 1




    Sorry I should have been more clear here. I don't mean to use his identity or anything that is specific to that person. I just meant "a character based on his profession."
    – Harshfi6
    Sep 17 at 9:51















up vote
11
down vote

favorite
1












So I'm building a character who works in a particular field of science and I found an e-mail for a scientist on the internet and emailed him. I described how I'm writing a sci-fi story and gave him some details to get him interested in the project. He replied and I asked about how things work in his field. (I emailed several questions and I'm yet to get a reply).



My question is, when researching in this way, should I tell people I'm building a character based on them and then interview, or pretend that I'm just interested about their field and wanted to ask a few questions out of curiosity?










share|improve this question























  • What do you mean by "building a character based on them"? Is the character just going to have the same job or are they also going to share other characteristics - completely separate from their job - with the person you're "interviewing"?
    – Anthony Grist
    Sep 17 at 9:48






  • 1




    Sorry I should have been more clear here. I don't mean to use his identity or anything that is specific to that person. I just meant "a character based on his profession."
    – Harshfi6
    Sep 17 at 9:51













up vote
11
down vote

favorite
1









up vote
11
down vote

favorite
1






1





So I'm building a character who works in a particular field of science and I found an e-mail for a scientist on the internet and emailed him. I described how I'm writing a sci-fi story and gave him some details to get him interested in the project. He replied and I asked about how things work in his field. (I emailed several questions and I'm yet to get a reply).



My question is, when researching in this way, should I tell people I'm building a character based on them and then interview, or pretend that I'm just interested about their field and wanted to ask a few questions out of curiosity?










share|improve this question















So I'm building a character who works in a particular field of science and I found an e-mail for a scientist on the internet and emailed him. I described how I'm writing a sci-fi story and gave him some details to get him interested in the project. He replied and I asked about how things work in his field. (I emailed several questions and I'm yet to get a reply).



My question is, when researching in this way, should I tell people I'm building a character based on them and then interview, or pretend that I'm just interested about their field and wanted to ask a few questions out of curiosity?







characters character-development research






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edited Sep 17 at 14:18









Kevin

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asked Sep 16 at 19:24









Harshfi6

565




565











  • What do you mean by "building a character based on them"? Is the character just going to have the same job or are they also going to share other characteristics - completely separate from their job - with the person you're "interviewing"?
    – Anthony Grist
    Sep 17 at 9:48






  • 1




    Sorry I should have been more clear here. I don't mean to use his identity or anything that is specific to that person. I just meant "a character based on his profession."
    – Harshfi6
    Sep 17 at 9:51

















  • What do you mean by "building a character based on them"? Is the character just going to have the same job or are they also going to share other characteristics - completely separate from their job - with the person you're "interviewing"?
    – Anthony Grist
    Sep 17 at 9:48






  • 1




    Sorry I should have been more clear here. I don't mean to use his identity or anything that is specific to that person. I just meant "a character based on his profession."
    – Harshfi6
    Sep 17 at 9:51
















What do you mean by "building a character based on them"? Is the character just going to have the same job or are they also going to share other characteristics - completely separate from their job - with the person you're "interviewing"?
– Anthony Grist
Sep 17 at 9:48




What do you mean by "building a character based on them"? Is the character just going to have the same job or are they also going to share other characteristics - completely separate from their job - with the person you're "interviewing"?
– Anthony Grist
Sep 17 at 9:48




1




1




Sorry I should have been more clear here. I don't mean to use his identity or anything that is specific to that person. I just meant "a character based on his profession."
– Harshfi6
Sep 17 at 9:51





Sorry I should have been more clear here. I don't mean to use his identity or anything that is specific to that person. I just meant "a character based on his profession."
– Harshfi6
Sep 17 at 9:51











4 Answers
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"I'm just curious" is not a very compelling argument, especially when you're emailing a random stranger who's probably too busy to answer every such email that enters his inbox. "I'm writing a book", however... who doesn't want to have their story told in a book, or see something they're passionate about get adapted into a story?



Let me give you an example. Robot combat is one of my lifelong passions - I don't compete myself, but I'm pretty knowledgeable about it. If you were to ask me, "Hey F1, could you tell me a few things about robot combat? I'm just curious", I'd link you the Wikipedia article and some Robot Wars fights on YouTube, and answer any technical questions that I knew the answers to. If you were to say, "Hey F1, I'm writing a book about robot combat, could you tell me--", you would not be able to shut me up. And I'd be first in line to buy that book, but I digress.



So yes, definitely mention that you're writing a book. It'll get the person engaged more.



As for "building a character based on them": I'll start by noting that just because you're using information from this scientist to create your character and his research, that doesn't mean that the character is actually based on him. Their personalities, appearances etc. could be completely different, they just so happen to work in the same field.



If in doubt, it's probably worth asking, "Is it okay if I base one of my characters on you?" As @hhhhhhhhhhhhh indicated in his answer, not everyone would be okay with that. If he isn't, you can just tweak your character until it's clearly distinguishable from the real person.






share|improve this answer




















  • Although I agree "I'm just curious" is not a compelling argument, as a university professor and research scientist, I do not want MY story told in a book, not one I did not write myself with complete control. I want no part of that, reputation is gold in academics, and I don't want to become the butt of jokes about some fictional character invented by some stranger, or attain fame in the scientific community in ANY way that is not due directly to my scientific work. Nor do I want "something I am passionate about" adapted into a story, I don't want layman impressions about my work out there.
    – Amadeus
    Sep 19 at 11:03

















up vote
6
down vote













Speaking as a research scientist, I cannot really explain to you "how things work in my field."



What things? There are myriad things, like in any other profession. How to propose experiments, how to limit research, how to manage students, how to manage professorial duties besides dealing with classes and students, how to get on committees, how to propose collaborations, how to apply for funding, how to help students choose PhD research topics.



You have to limit your questions to specific things I can answer. I would propose you have a list of potential things you WANT to do in your story, and ask me if those are plausible, or not.



e.g. Could a researcher actually discover a new advanced form of AI, and keep it a secret, to make a fortune off of it privately? Yes. Unless she had collaborators, like other professors or her own graduate students, then the answer is likely No, not for long anyway. Research like that is just not compartmentalized in that way.



Pick things relevant to your story that you want to sound plausible, even to actual scientists, and ask about them. That will be entertaining to the scientist you are questioning. You can offer her credit as a consultant for certain questions you had within the story.



Do not try to base your character on her without written permission, as I commented above, you risk a lawsuit if you do. Professors are not generally wealthy, but they are upper middle class, and reputation is paramount in the academic fields; do not assume they won't protect themselves and their reputation.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    5
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    Personally, as a scientist, I'd very much appreciate it if you were honest with me. I wouldn't want to be portrayed in a novel, and if you tricked me into "modelling" for you, I might sue you.



    As a writer, I would use the knowledge about their field that my contact person gave me, but I would create my own character not from them but from what my story requires.






    share|improve this answer
















    • 5




      As a former university professor and currently full time research scientist, #1 I keep every email conversation I have ever had, and #2 I agree, I'd likely be friendly and tell you about my field, but if you base a book on me I will sue you. And I have been involved in several businesses, I have lawyers I have worked with for decades on my phone, and I have experience with lawsuits. Be honest. You don't need a real person, a fictional scientist can be far more interesting. A famous scientist will know how to protect his name and brand and sue you silly. Don't think you can trick them.
      – Amadeus
      Sep 16 at 21:51

















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    In terms of building a character, what should guide you is what the story requires. If you need a mad scientist to make Frankenstein's monster, but the person you meet is nice and well-spoken, do you then change your whole story?



    It is not a bad idea to notice things about people, and incorporate them into the story when you need them. Habits, pose, movement, dress, verbal tics. For example, J.K. Rowling had an unpleasant teacher who had a preference for twee things. The unpleasantness bound with the style became a defining trait of Professor Umbridge. But the impetus to incorporate the particular person into the story came from the story, not the other way round. It's not until the 5th book that Umbridge comes in.



    You can go to a professional for professional knowledge, that makes sense, but as far as being a person goes, we're all professionals in that. Why should you base your character on a guy you haven't even met yet?




    There is another element in play: if you tell a person you're going to base a character on them, first they might not want this. They might well be concerned about how you represent them, want to maintain their privacy, or prefer to avoid this for some other reason. Second, if they don't mind, they might well be self-conscious during your interview, acting unnaturally. How does that help you write a character? Third, suppose you promise a person to base a character on them, but then for various plot reasons, you decide you need the character to be different. How are you going to explain that to the real person you've made a promise to? Fourth, suppose you base a character on the person, but then you need him to do something immoral - commit a crime, lie, create a monster, whatever. How do you think the real person is going to feel?



    Note that most fiction books contain a disclaimer on the copyright page, along the lines of




    All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.




    This is done exactly to protect you from all the trouble I've listed above (and more similar trouble). Which proves that there is trouble to be had with basing a character on a real person without their consent. (And of course, you cannot very well put such a disclaimer in your book if it's a lie.)




    And yet another thing, though maybe this should go without saying. Do your homework before you meet a professional in person. Find out as much as you can about the subject you're going to be asking about, and prepare the specific questions you want to ask. The person's time is valuable. Don't waste it. If the hour you have with a scientist is spent on him explaining you the basics, you've gained nothing you couldn't have found yourself. If you already know the basics and can understand what he's talking about, you can use the time to gain an advanced insight that can make your story better.






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    • 1




      I should note, that particular disclaimer is not a bullet proof shield: It has been been defeated in court. If the author bases a character on a real person and a judge or jury believes the details prove this was no accident, especially if the author had communications with this person, then the disclaimer can be treated like any other lie that made it into print. Just sayin' it don't make it so. Nor does just saying it actually protect you from lawsuit; it may contribute to protection if the references to the person are weak and inconclusive.
      – Amadeus
      Sep 16 at 22:00










    • @Amadeus Good point. Edited that in. Thanks!
      – Galastel
      Sep 16 at 23:58











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    4 Answers
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    4 Answers
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    up vote
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    "I'm just curious" is not a very compelling argument, especially when you're emailing a random stranger who's probably too busy to answer every such email that enters his inbox. "I'm writing a book", however... who doesn't want to have their story told in a book, or see something they're passionate about get adapted into a story?



    Let me give you an example. Robot combat is one of my lifelong passions - I don't compete myself, but I'm pretty knowledgeable about it. If you were to ask me, "Hey F1, could you tell me a few things about robot combat? I'm just curious", I'd link you the Wikipedia article and some Robot Wars fights on YouTube, and answer any technical questions that I knew the answers to. If you were to say, "Hey F1, I'm writing a book about robot combat, could you tell me--", you would not be able to shut me up. And I'd be first in line to buy that book, but I digress.



    So yes, definitely mention that you're writing a book. It'll get the person engaged more.



    As for "building a character based on them": I'll start by noting that just because you're using information from this scientist to create your character and his research, that doesn't mean that the character is actually based on him. Their personalities, appearances etc. could be completely different, they just so happen to work in the same field.



    If in doubt, it's probably worth asking, "Is it okay if I base one of my characters on you?" As @hhhhhhhhhhhhh indicated in his answer, not everyone would be okay with that. If he isn't, you can just tweak your character until it's clearly distinguishable from the real person.






    share|improve this answer




















    • Although I agree "I'm just curious" is not a compelling argument, as a university professor and research scientist, I do not want MY story told in a book, not one I did not write myself with complete control. I want no part of that, reputation is gold in academics, and I don't want to become the butt of jokes about some fictional character invented by some stranger, or attain fame in the scientific community in ANY way that is not due directly to my scientific work. Nor do I want "something I am passionate about" adapted into a story, I don't want layman impressions about my work out there.
      – Amadeus
      Sep 19 at 11:03














    up vote
    13
    down vote













    "I'm just curious" is not a very compelling argument, especially when you're emailing a random stranger who's probably too busy to answer every such email that enters his inbox. "I'm writing a book", however... who doesn't want to have their story told in a book, or see something they're passionate about get adapted into a story?



    Let me give you an example. Robot combat is one of my lifelong passions - I don't compete myself, but I'm pretty knowledgeable about it. If you were to ask me, "Hey F1, could you tell me a few things about robot combat? I'm just curious", I'd link you the Wikipedia article and some Robot Wars fights on YouTube, and answer any technical questions that I knew the answers to. If you were to say, "Hey F1, I'm writing a book about robot combat, could you tell me--", you would not be able to shut me up. And I'd be first in line to buy that book, but I digress.



    So yes, definitely mention that you're writing a book. It'll get the person engaged more.



    As for "building a character based on them": I'll start by noting that just because you're using information from this scientist to create your character and his research, that doesn't mean that the character is actually based on him. Their personalities, appearances etc. could be completely different, they just so happen to work in the same field.



    If in doubt, it's probably worth asking, "Is it okay if I base one of my characters on you?" As @hhhhhhhhhhhhh indicated in his answer, not everyone would be okay with that. If he isn't, you can just tweak your character until it's clearly distinguishable from the real person.






    share|improve this answer




















    • Although I agree "I'm just curious" is not a compelling argument, as a university professor and research scientist, I do not want MY story told in a book, not one I did not write myself with complete control. I want no part of that, reputation is gold in academics, and I don't want to become the butt of jokes about some fictional character invented by some stranger, or attain fame in the scientific community in ANY way that is not due directly to my scientific work. Nor do I want "something I am passionate about" adapted into a story, I don't want layman impressions about my work out there.
      – Amadeus
      Sep 19 at 11:03












    up vote
    13
    down vote










    up vote
    13
    down vote









    "I'm just curious" is not a very compelling argument, especially when you're emailing a random stranger who's probably too busy to answer every such email that enters his inbox. "I'm writing a book", however... who doesn't want to have their story told in a book, or see something they're passionate about get adapted into a story?



    Let me give you an example. Robot combat is one of my lifelong passions - I don't compete myself, but I'm pretty knowledgeable about it. If you were to ask me, "Hey F1, could you tell me a few things about robot combat? I'm just curious", I'd link you the Wikipedia article and some Robot Wars fights on YouTube, and answer any technical questions that I knew the answers to. If you were to say, "Hey F1, I'm writing a book about robot combat, could you tell me--", you would not be able to shut me up. And I'd be first in line to buy that book, but I digress.



    So yes, definitely mention that you're writing a book. It'll get the person engaged more.



    As for "building a character based on them": I'll start by noting that just because you're using information from this scientist to create your character and his research, that doesn't mean that the character is actually based on him. Their personalities, appearances etc. could be completely different, they just so happen to work in the same field.



    If in doubt, it's probably worth asking, "Is it okay if I base one of my characters on you?" As @hhhhhhhhhhhhh indicated in his answer, not everyone would be okay with that. If he isn't, you can just tweak your character until it's clearly distinguishable from the real person.






    share|improve this answer












    "I'm just curious" is not a very compelling argument, especially when you're emailing a random stranger who's probably too busy to answer every such email that enters his inbox. "I'm writing a book", however... who doesn't want to have their story told in a book, or see something they're passionate about get adapted into a story?



    Let me give you an example. Robot combat is one of my lifelong passions - I don't compete myself, but I'm pretty knowledgeable about it. If you were to ask me, "Hey F1, could you tell me a few things about robot combat? I'm just curious", I'd link you the Wikipedia article and some Robot Wars fights on YouTube, and answer any technical questions that I knew the answers to. If you were to say, "Hey F1, I'm writing a book about robot combat, could you tell me--", you would not be able to shut me up. And I'd be first in line to buy that book, but I digress.



    So yes, definitely mention that you're writing a book. It'll get the person engaged more.



    As for "building a character based on them": I'll start by noting that just because you're using information from this scientist to create your character and his research, that doesn't mean that the character is actually based on him. Their personalities, appearances etc. could be completely different, they just so happen to work in the same field.



    If in doubt, it's probably worth asking, "Is it okay if I base one of my characters on you?" As @hhhhhhhhhhhhh indicated in his answer, not everyone would be okay with that. If he isn't, you can just tweak your character until it's clearly distinguishable from the real person.







    share|improve this answer












    share|improve this answer



    share|improve this answer










    answered Sep 16 at 20:45









    F1Krazy

    3,632831




    3,632831











    • Although I agree "I'm just curious" is not a compelling argument, as a university professor and research scientist, I do not want MY story told in a book, not one I did not write myself with complete control. I want no part of that, reputation is gold in academics, and I don't want to become the butt of jokes about some fictional character invented by some stranger, or attain fame in the scientific community in ANY way that is not due directly to my scientific work. Nor do I want "something I am passionate about" adapted into a story, I don't want layman impressions about my work out there.
      – Amadeus
      Sep 19 at 11:03
















    • Although I agree "I'm just curious" is not a compelling argument, as a university professor and research scientist, I do not want MY story told in a book, not one I did not write myself with complete control. I want no part of that, reputation is gold in academics, and I don't want to become the butt of jokes about some fictional character invented by some stranger, or attain fame in the scientific community in ANY way that is not due directly to my scientific work. Nor do I want "something I am passionate about" adapted into a story, I don't want layman impressions about my work out there.
      – Amadeus
      Sep 19 at 11:03















    Although I agree "I'm just curious" is not a compelling argument, as a university professor and research scientist, I do not want MY story told in a book, not one I did not write myself with complete control. I want no part of that, reputation is gold in academics, and I don't want to become the butt of jokes about some fictional character invented by some stranger, or attain fame in the scientific community in ANY way that is not due directly to my scientific work. Nor do I want "something I am passionate about" adapted into a story, I don't want layman impressions about my work out there.
    – Amadeus
    Sep 19 at 11:03




    Although I agree "I'm just curious" is not a compelling argument, as a university professor and research scientist, I do not want MY story told in a book, not one I did not write myself with complete control. I want no part of that, reputation is gold in academics, and I don't want to become the butt of jokes about some fictional character invented by some stranger, or attain fame in the scientific community in ANY way that is not due directly to my scientific work. Nor do I want "something I am passionate about" adapted into a story, I don't want layman impressions about my work out there.
    – Amadeus
    Sep 19 at 11:03










    up vote
    6
    down vote













    Speaking as a research scientist, I cannot really explain to you "how things work in my field."



    What things? There are myriad things, like in any other profession. How to propose experiments, how to limit research, how to manage students, how to manage professorial duties besides dealing with classes and students, how to get on committees, how to propose collaborations, how to apply for funding, how to help students choose PhD research topics.



    You have to limit your questions to specific things I can answer. I would propose you have a list of potential things you WANT to do in your story, and ask me if those are plausible, or not.



    e.g. Could a researcher actually discover a new advanced form of AI, and keep it a secret, to make a fortune off of it privately? Yes. Unless she had collaborators, like other professors or her own graduate students, then the answer is likely No, not for long anyway. Research like that is just not compartmentalized in that way.



    Pick things relevant to your story that you want to sound plausible, even to actual scientists, and ask about them. That will be entertaining to the scientist you are questioning. You can offer her credit as a consultant for certain questions you had within the story.



    Do not try to base your character on her without written permission, as I commented above, you risk a lawsuit if you do. Professors are not generally wealthy, but they are upper middle class, and reputation is paramount in the academic fields; do not assume they won't protect themselves and their reputation.






    share|improve this answer
























      up vote
      6
      down vote













      Speaking as a research scientist, I cannot really explain to you "how things work in my field."



      What things? There are myriad things, like in any other profession. How to propose experiments, how to limit research, how to manage students, how to manage professorial duties besides dealing with classes and students, how to get on committees, how to propose collaborations, how to apply for funding, how to help students choose PhD research topics.



      You have to limit your questions to specific things I can answer. I would propose you have a list of potential things you WANT to do in your story, and ask me if those are plausible, or not.



      e.g. Could a researcher actually discover a new advanced form of AI, and keep it a secret, to make a fortune off of it privately? Yes. Unless she had collaborators, like other professors or her own graduate students, then the answer is likely No, not for long anyway. Research like that is just not compartmentalized in that way.



      Pick things relevant to your story that you want to sound plausible, even to actual scientists, and ask about them. That will be entertaining to the scientist you are questioning. You can offer her credit as a consultant for certain questions you had within the story.



      Do not try to base your character on her without written permission, as I commented above, you risk a lawsuit if you do. Professors are not generally wealthy, but they are upper middle class, and reputation is paramount in the academic fields; do not assume they won't protect themselves and their reputation.






      share|improve this answer






















        up vote
        6
        down vote










        up vote
        6
        down vote









        Speaking as a research scientist, I cannot really explain to you "how things work in my field."



        What things? There are myriad things, like in any other profession. How to propose experiments, how to limit research, how to manage students, how to manage professorial duties besides dealing with classes and students, how to get on committees, how to propose collaborations, how to apply for funding, how to help students choose PhD research topics.



        You have to limit your questions to specific things I can answer. I would propose you have a list of potential things you WANT to do in your story, and ask me if those are plausible, or not.



        e.g. Could a researcher actually discover a new advanced form of AI, and keep it a secret, to make a fortune off of it privately? Yes. Unless she had collaborators, like other professors or her own graduate students, then the answer is likely No, not for long anyway. Research like that is just not compartmentalized in that way.



        Pick things relevant to your story that you want to sound plausible, even to actual scientists, and ask about them. That will be entertaining to the scientist you are questioning. You can offer her credit as a consultant for certain questions you had within the story.



        Do not try to base your character on her without written permission, as I commented above, you risk a lawsuit if you do. Professors are not generally wealthy, but they are upper middle class, and reputation is paramount in the academic fields; do not assume they won't protect themselves and their reputation.






        share|improve this answer












        Speaking as a research scientist, I cannot really explain to you "how things work in my field."



        What things? There are myriad things, like in any other profession. How to propose experiments, how to limit research, how to manage students, how to manage professorial duties besides dealing with classes and students, how to get on committees, how to propose collaborations, how to apply for funding, how to help students choose PhD research topics.



        You have to limit your questions to specific things I can answer. I would propose you have a list of potential things you WANT to do in your story, and ask me if those are plausible, or not.



        e.g. Could a researcher actually discover a new advanced form of AI, and keep it a secret, to make a fortune off of it privately? Yes. Unless she had collaborators, like other professors or her own graduate students, then the answer is likely No, not for long anyway. Research like that is just not compartmentalized in that way.



        Pick things relevant to your story that you want to sound plausible, even to actual scientists, and ask about them. That will be entertaining to the scientist you are questioning. You can offer her credit as a consultant for certain questions you had within the story.



        Do not try to base your character on her without written permission, as I commented above, you risk a lawsuit if you do. Professors are not generally wealthy, but they are upper middle class, and reputation is paramount in the academic fields; do not assume they won't protect themselves and their reputation.







        share|improve this answer












        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer










        answered Sep 16 at 22:20









        Amadeus

        39.6k246130




        39.6k246130




















            up vote
            5
            down vote













            Personally, as a scientist, I'd very much appreciate it if you were honest with me. I wouldn't want to be portrayed in a novel, and if you tricked me into "modelling" for you, I might sue you.



            As a writer, I would use the knowledge about their field that my contact person gave me, but I would create my own character not from them but from what my story requires.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 5




              As a former university professor and currently full time research scientist, #1 I keep every email conversation I have ever had, and #2 I agree, I'd likely be friendly and tell you about my field, but if you base a book on me I will sue you. And I have been involved in several businesses, I have lawyers I have worked with for decades on my phone, and I have experience with lawsuits. Be honest. You don't need a real person, a fictional scientist can be far more interesting. A famous scientist will know how to protect his name and brand and sue you silly. Don't think you can trick them.
              – Amadeus
              Sep 16 at 21:51














            up vote
            5
            down vote













            Personally, as a scientist, I'd very much appreciate it if you were honest with me. I wouldn't want to be portrayed in a novel, and if you tricked me into "modelling" for you, I might sue you.



            As a writer, I would use the knowledge about their field that my contact person gave me, but I would create my own character not from them but from what my story requires.






            share|improve this answer
















            • 5




              As a former university professor and currently full time research scientist, #1 I keep every email conversation I have ever had, and #2 I agree, I'd likely be friendly and tell you about my field, but if you base a book on me I will sue you. And I have been involved in several businesses, I have lawyers I have worked with for decades on my phone, and I have experience with lawsuits. Be honest. You don't need a real person, a fictional scientist can be far more interesting. A famous scientist will know how to protect his name and brand and sue you silly. Don't think you can trick them.
              – Amadeus
              Sep 16 at 21:51












            up vote
            5
            down vote










            up vote
            5
            down vote









            Personally, as a scientist, I'd very much appreciate it if you were honest with me. I wouldn't want to be portrayed in a novel, and if you tricked me into "modelling" for you, I might sue you.



            As a writer, I would use the knowledge about their field that my contact person gave me, but I would create my own character not from them but from what my story requires.






            share|improve this answer












            Personally, as a scientist, I'd very much appreciate it if you were honest with me. I wouldn't want to be portrayed in a novel, and if you tricked me into "modelling" for you, I might sue you.



            As a writer, I would use the knowledge about their field that my contact person gave me, but I would create my own character not from them but from what my story requires.







            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Sep 16 at 20:15









            hhhhhhhhhhhhh

            511




            511







            • 5




              As a former university professor and currently full time research scientist, #1 I keep every email conversation I have ever had, and #2 I agree, I'd likely be friendly and tell you about my field, but if you base a book on me I will sue you. And I have been involved in several businesses, I have lawyers I have worked with for decades on my phone, and I have experience with lawsuits. Be honest. You don't need a real person, a fictional scientist can be far more interesting. A famous scientist will know how to protect his name and brand and sue you silly. Don't think you can trick them.
              – Amadeus
              Sep 16 at 21:51












            • 5




              As a former university professor and currently full time research scientist, #1 I keep every email conversation I have ever had, and #2 I agree, I'd likely be friendly and tell you about my field, but if you base a book on me I will sue you. And I have been involved in several businesses, I have lawyers I have worked with for decades on my phone, and I have experience with lawsuits. Be honest. You don't need a real person, a fictional scientist can be far more interesting. A famous scientist will know how to protect his name and brand and sue you silly. Don't think you can trick them.
              – Amadeus
              Sep 16 at 21:51







            5




            5




            As a former university professor and currently full time research scientist, #1 I keep every email conversation I have ever had, and #2 I agree, I'd likely be friendly and tell you about my field, but if you base a book on me I will sue you. And I have been involved in several businesses, I have lawyers I have worked with for decades on my phone, and I have experience with lawsuits. Be honest. You don't need a real person, a fictional scientist can be far more interesting. A famous scientist will know how to protect his name and brand and sue you silly. Don't think you can trick them.
            – Amadeus
            Sep 16 at 21:51




            As a former university professor and currently full time research scientist, #1 I keep every email conversation I have ever had, and #2 I agree, I'd likely be friendly and tell you about my field, but if you base a book on me I will sue you. And I have been involved in several businesses, I have lawyers I have worked with for decades on my phone, and I have experience with lawsuits. Be honest. You don't need a real person, a fictional scientist can be far more interesting. A famous scientist will know how to protect his name and brand and sue you silly. Don't think you can trick them.
            – Amadeus
            Sep 16 at 21:51










            up vote
            3
            down vote













            In terms of building a character, what should guide you is what the story requires. If you need a mad scientist to make Frankenstein's monster, but the person you meet is nice and well-spoken, do you then change your whole story?



            It is not a bad idea to notice things about people, and incorporate them into the story when you need them. Habits, pose, movement, dress, verbal tics. For example, J.K. Rowling had an unpleasant teacher who had a preference for twee things. The unpleasantness bound with the style became a defining trait of Professor Umbridge. But the impetus to incorporate the particular person into the story came from the story, not the other way round. It's not until the 5th book that Umbridge comes in.



            You can go to a professional for professional knowledge, that makes sense, but as far as being a person goes, we're all professionals in that. Why should you base your character on a guy you haven't even met yet?




            There is another element in play: if you tell a person you're going to base a character on them, first they might not want this. They might well be concerned about how you represent them, want to maintain their privacy, or prefer to avoid this for some other reason. Second, if they don't mind, they might well be self-conscious during your interview, acting unnaturally. How does that help you write a character? Third, suppose you promise a person to base a character on them, but then for various plot reasons, you decide you need the character to be different. How are you going to explain that to the real person you've made a promise to? Fourth, suppose you base a character on the person, but then you need him to do something immoral - commit a crime, lie, create a monster, whatever. How do you think the real person is going to feel?



            Note that most fiction books contain a disclaimer on the copyright page, along the lines of




            All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.




            This is done exactly to protect you from all the trouble I've listed above (and more similar trouble). Which proves that there is trouble to be had with basing a character on a real person without their consent. (And of course, you cannot very well put such a disclaimer in your book if it's a lie.)




            And yet another thing, though maybe this should go without saying. Do your homework before you meet a professional in person. Find out as much as you can about the subject you're going to be asking about, and prepare the specific questions you want to ask. The person's time is valuable. Don't waste it. If the hour you have with a scientist is spent on him explaining you the basics, you've gained nothing you couldn't have found yourself. If you already know the basics and can understand what he's talking about, you can use the time to gain an advanced insight that can make your story better.






            share|improve this answer


















            • 1




              I should note, that particular disclaimer is not a bullet proof shield: It has been been defeated in court. If the author bases a character on a real person and a judge or jury believes the details prove this was no accident, especially if the author had communications with this person, then the disclaimer can be treated like any other lie that made it into print. Just sayin' it don't make it so. Nor does just saying it actually protect you from lawsuit; it may contribute to protection if the references to the person are weak and inconclusive.
              – Amadeus
              Sep 16 at 22:00










            • @Amadeus Good point. Edited that in. Thanks!
              – Galastel
              Sep 16 at 23:58















            up vote
            3
            down vote













            In terms of building a character, what should guide you is what the story requires. If you need a mad scientist to make Frankenstein's monster, but the person you meet is nice and well-spoken, do you then change your whole story?



            It is not a bad idea to notice things about people, and incorporate them into the story when you need them. Habits, pose, movement, dress, verbal tics. For example, J.K. Rowling had an unpleasant teacher who had a preference for twee things. The unpleasantness bound with the style became a defining trait of Professor Umbridge. But the impetus to incorporate the particular person into the story came from the story, not the other way round. It's not until the 5th book that Umbridge comes in.



            You can go to a professional for professional knowledge, that makes sense, but as far as being a person goes, we're all professionals in that. Why should you base your character on a guy you haven't even met yet?




            There is another element in play: if you tell a person you're going to base a character on them, first they might not want this. They might well be concerned about how you represent them, want to maintain their privacy, or prefer to avoid this for some other reason. Second, if they don't mind, they might well be self-conscious during your interview, acting unnaturally. How does that help you write a character? Third, suppose you promise a person to base a character on them, but then for various plot reasons, you decide you need the character to be different. How are you going to explain that to the real person you've made a promise to? Fourth, suppose you base a character on the person, but then you need him to do something immoral - commit a crime, lie, create a monster, whatever. How do you think the real person is going to feel?



            Note that most fiction books contain a disclaimer on the copyright page, along the lines of




            All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.




            This is done exactly to protect you from all the trouble I've listed above (and more similar trouble). Which proves that there is trouble to be had with basing a character on a real person without their consent. (And of course, you cannot very well put such a disclaimer in your book if it's a lie.)




            And yet another thing, though maybe this should go without saying. Do your homework before you meet a professional in person. Find out as much as you can about the subject you're going to be asking about, and prepare the specific questions you want to ask. The person's time is valuable. Don't waste it. If the hour you have with a scientist is spent on him explaining you the basics, you've gained nothing you couldn't have found yourself. If you already know the basics and can understand what he's talking about, you can use the time to gain an advanced insight that can make your story better.






            share|improve this answer


















            • 1




              I should note, that particular disclaimer is not a bullet proof shield: It has been been defeated in court. If the author bases a character on a real person and a judge or jury believes the details prove this was no accident, especially if the author had communications with this person, then the disclaimer can be treated like any other lie that made it into print. Just sayin' it don't make it so. Nor does just saying it actually protect you from lawsuit; it may contribute to protection if the references to the person are weak and inconclusive.
              – Amadeus
              Sep 16 at 22:00










            • @Amadeus Good point. Edited that in. Thanks!
              – Galastel
              Sep 16 at 23:58













            up vote
            3
            down vote










            up vote
            3
            down vote









            In terms of building a character, what should guide you is what the story requires. If you need a mad scientist to make Frankenstein's monster, but the person you meet is nice and well-spoken, do you then change your whole story?



            It is not a bad idea to notice things about people, and incorporate them into the story when you need them. Habits, pose, movement, dress, verbal tics. For example, J.K. Rowling had an unpleasant teacher who had a preference for twee things. The unpleasantness bound with the style became a defining trait of Professor Umbridge. But the impetus to incorporate the particular person into the story came from the story, not the other way round. It's not until the 5th book that Umbridge comes in.



            You can go to a professional for professional knowledge, that makes sense, but as far as being a person goes, we're all professionals in that. Why should you base your character on a guy you haven't even met yet?




            There is another element in play: if you tell a person you're going to base a character on them, first they might not want this. They might well be concerned about how you represent them, want to maintain their privacy, or prefer to avoid this for some other reason. Second, if they don't mind, they might well be self-conscious during your interview, acting unnaturally. How does that help you write a character? Third, suppose you promise a person to base a character on them, but then for various plot reasons, you decide you need the character to be different. How are you going to explain that to the real person you've made a promise to? Fourth, suppose you base a character on the person, but then you need him to do something immoral - commit a crime, lie, create a monster, whatever. How do you think the real person is going to feel?



            Note that most fiction books contain a disclaimer on the copyright page, along the lines of




            All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.




            This is done exactly to protect you from all the trouble I've listed above (and more similar trouble). Which proves that there is trouble to be had with basing a character on a real person without their consent. (And of course, you cannot very well put such a disclaimer in your book if it's a lie.)




            And yet another thing, though maybe this should go without saying. Do your homework before you meet a professional in person. Find out as much as you can about the subject you're going to be asking about, and prepare the specific questions you want to ask. The person's time is valuable. Don't waste it. If the hour you have with a scientist is spent on him explaining you the basics, you've gained nothing you couldn't have found yourself. If you already know the basics and can understand what he's talking about, you can use the time to gain an advanced insight that can make your story better.






            share|improve this answer














            In terms of building a character, what should guide you is what the story requires. If you need a mad scientist to make Frankenstein's monster, but the person you meet is nice and well-spoken, do you then change your whole story?



            It is not a bad idea to notice things about people, and incorporate them into the story when you need them. Habits, pose, movement, dress, verbal tics. For example, J.K. Rowling had an unpleasant teacher who had a preference for twee things. The unpleasantness bound with the style became a defining trait of Professor Umbridge. But the impetus to incorporate the particular person into the story came from the story, not the other way round. It's not until the 5th book that Umbridge comes in.



            You can go to a professional for professional knowledge, that makes sense, but as far as being a person goes, we're all professionals in that. Why should you base your character on a guy you haven't even met yet?




            There is another element in play: if you tell a person you're going to base a character on them, first they might not want this. They might well be concerned about how you represent them, want to maintain their privacy, or prefer to avoid this for some other reason. Second, if they don't mind, they might well be self-conscious during your interview, acting unnaturally. How does that help you write a character? Third, suppose you promise a person to base a character on them, but then for various plot reasons, you decide you need the character to be different. How are you going to explain that to the real person you've made a promise to? Fourth, suppose you base a character on the person, but then you need him to do something immoral - commit a crime, lie, create a monster, whatever. How do you think the real person is going to feel?



            Note that most fiction books contain a disclaimer on the copyright page, along the lines of




            All the characters in this book are fictitious, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.




            This is done exactly to protect you from all the trouble I've listed above (and more similar trouble). Which proves that there is trouble to be had with basing a character on a real person without their consent. (And of course, you cannot very well put such a disclaimer in your book if it's a lie.)




            And yet another thing, though maybe this should go without saying. Do your homework before you meet a professional in person. Find out as much as you can about the subject you're going to be asking about, and prepare the specific questions you want to ask. The person's time is valuable. Don't waste it. If the hour you have with a scientist is spent on him explaining you the basics, you've gained nothing you couldn't have found yourself. If you already know the basics and can understand what he's talking about, you can use the time to gain an advanced insight that can make your story better.







            share|improve this answer














            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer








            edited Sep 16 at 23:56

























            answered Sep 16 at 20:59









            Galastel

            16.9k34497




            16.9k34497







            • 1




              I should note, that particular disclaimer is not a bullet proof shield: It has been been defeated in court. If the author bases a character on a real person and a judge or jury believes the details prove this was no accident, especially if the author had communications with this person, then the disclaimer can be treated like any other lie that made it into print. Just sayin' it don't make it so. Nor does just saying it actually protect you from lawsuit; it may contribute to protection if the references to the person are weak and inconclusive.
              – Amadeus
              Sep 16 at 22:00










            • @Amadeus Good point. Edited that in. Thanks!
              – Galastel
              Sep 16 at 23:58













            • 1




              I should note, that particular disclaimer is not a bullet proof shield: It has been been defeated in court. If the author bases a character on a real person and a judge or jury believes the details prove this was no accident, especially if the author had communications with this person, then the disclaimer can be treated like any other lie that made it into print. Just sayin' it don't make it so. Nor does just saying it actually protect you from lawsuit; it may contribute to protection if the references to the person are weak and inconclusive.
              – Amadeus
              Sep 16 at 22:00










            • @Amadeus Good point. Edited that in. Thanks!
              – Galastel
              Sep 16 at 23:58








            1




            1




            I should note, that particular disclaimer is not a bullet proof shield: It has been been defeated in court. If the author bases a character on a real person and a judge or jury believes the details prove this was no accident, especially if the author had communications with this person, then the disclaimer can be treated like any other lie that made it into print. Just sayin' it don't make it so. Nor does just saying it actually protect you from lawsuit; it may contribute to protection if the references to the person are weak and inconclusive.
            – Amadeus
            Sep 16 at 22:00




            I should note, that particular disclaimer is not a bullet proof shield: It has been been defeated in court. If the author bases a character on a real person and a judge or jury believes the details prove this was no accident, especially if the author had communications with this person, then the disclaimer can be treated like any other lie that made it into print. Just sayin' it don't make it so. Nor does just saying it actually protect you from lawsuit; it may contribute to protection if the references to the person are weak and inconclusive.
            – Amadeus
            Sep 16 at 22:00












            @Amadeus Good point. Edited that in. Thanks!
            – Galastel
            Sep 16 at 23:58





            @Amadeus Good point. Edited that in. Thanks!
            – Galastel
            Sep 16 at 23:58


















             

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