Do you realize that the detailed living space of a character speaks volumes about the type of person they are? Allow me to explain:
Dynamic extrovert:
A character with this personality type will typically live in a vibrant space.
Scatterbrained:
Your flighty or flaky character may have a messy, yet cozy living space.
Lonely introvert:
A loner will most likely live in a crisp, clean, non-cluttered environment.
I'm sure you can see where I am going with this. Your characters' personalities will determine the type of space where they live, work, or spend their time.
These spaces do not simply serve as a backdrop, they are scenes in your story and need to be treated as such.
Example:
Susan walked into her living room and dropped her keys and briefcase onto the couch, after scooting the flannel blanket aside. As she sat, she glanced around the room and realized it had been weeks since she picked up or cleaned the place. Dustbunnies were gathered at her feet and take-out boxes from last week still sat on the coffee table.
Does this scene make you think that Susan is a straight-laced professional who has her life together? Nope. It sounds like Susan falls in line with a scatterbrained character, right?
Houses, rooms, workspaces, and hangouts can show the reader into the life and personality of your character.
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