How to write a good child characters (protagonists), especially ones with magical powers

[Deleted member 156316]

Short question: Title is self explanatory

Long question:
I am already somewhere on the Chapter 15-ish of my Novel and my child characters are already ready for an adventure with their recently manifested powers/abilities.

But I'm not sure how to make them react to very dangerous threats, considering early on in my story, they were captured and accused of something, which was already hard for them to process. (That, along with the fact that monsterous creatures exist and their home was(?) destroyed)

Now my question are:
1. How would child characters react to this revelation and are now destined to become heroes to bring peace? (My protagonists are duo and biological siblings trope or something)

2. How would child characters react to a battle scenario? — I heard kids don't think like adults and would either run away or try to fight back out of instinct/attempt at being courageous.

3. I do have adults in my story watching the kids, but would it be wise to let them handle the battles whilst my child protagonists watch? — I do want to let my child protagonists learn from their superiors, but I also think they should learn hardships and the ability to fight by themselves as well. This part is what conflicts me often if I were to start writing a fight scene only using my child protagonists.

 

[LuoirM]

I have an adult with a mentally capability of a child, and I have roleplayed her very deep before, so I would gladly join in, but, please be advise; My situation is quite unique and it probably won't relate to you, but I hope you can get something.

1. With a child character, you don't need full on logic for their thoughts process, let's imagine an adult hearing the word "hero" and "responsibility"
First thought, fuck, I'm going to die, I have to train? But I want to bang that chick from downtown first... I still have my mom to take care of... I don't want to defeat the human king or what not

But a child? They'll have stars in their eyes if they're actually innocent and have heard tales of greatness, they think they're brave (brats) want fun.
But in your scenario, captured and accused? They'd cry for their momma first, keep it simple, they'd want to be home rather than any peace.

2. This actually is quite simple... Uhh
In my case, my character is destined and chose this path because god told her to, so she was forced to put on a brave act, she proudly told everyone "I'm brave, I will protect you! Even though you're much toughter and taller than me, I can protect you, hehe" to cope with herself, she closed her eyes and pray whenever danger comes and just act on instincts.
But a real, literal child? Definitely would stood there, on their ass, fight or flight

3. Uh... I think this really relates on what their plan is... To teach the kid? But teach what? Fightingship? Reactions? Situationship? Yeah... You gotta think on your own bout this

 

[Nolff]

I have a question for your question.

-How old is the child?
This will help me form my answers.y

Because... If the age of them are around 12-13, then I can certainly help. Because... Well, just check my profile.
Also, I've seen quite a lot of reactions from children. Ranging from the age of 6 to teens.

If they have superpowers, I can certainly manifest how they would react if they were tasked to do heroes stuff.

 

[MintiLime]

Depends on age and personality - for late teens I would think “adults with less impulse control” They may be forced to seemingly grow up quicker, just to snap and release emotions at a different time.

For younger, I would consider looking into symptoms of trauma…

Some kids will definitely not understand the weight of death at earlier ages it might help to watch playthroughs of Little Misfortune

Little Misfortune on Steam

Led by her new friend, Mr. Voice, Misfortune ventures into the woods, where mysteries are unraveled and a little bad luck unfolds.

store.steampowered.com

 

[Deleted member 156316]

I have a question for your question.

-How old is the child?
This will help me form my answers.y

Because... If the age of them are around 12-13, then I can certainly help. Because... Well, just check my profile.
Also, I've seen quite a lot of reactions from children. Ranging from the age of 6 to teens.

If they have superpowers, I can certainly manifest how they would react if they were tasked to do heroes stuff.

They're already beyond the 12 year age. So I'd say 14-16, I've already got a few criticism that writing a child protagonists is difficult because of how I show it in my novel (I admit, this is my first time writing seriously and I haven't even rewritten my drafts yet)

Depends on age and personality - for late teens I would think “adults with less impulse control” They may be forced to seemingly grow up quicker, just to snap and release emotions at a different time.

For younger, I would consider looking into symptoms of trauma…

Some kids will definitely not understand the weight of death at earlier ages it might help to watch playthroughs of Little Misfortune

Little Misfortune on Steam

Led by her new friend, Mr. Voice, Misfortune ventures into the woods, where mysteries are unraveled and a little bad luck unfolds.

store.steampowered.com

"Less impulse control", "Symptoms of Trauma"? Noted.

And will do! ?

I have an adult with a mentally capability of a child, and I have roleplayed her very deep before, so I would gladly join in, but, please be advise; My situation is quite unique and it probably won't relate to you, but I hope you can get something.

1. With a child character, you don't need full on logic for their thoughts process, let's imagine an adult hearing the word "hero" and "responsibility"
First thought, fuck, I'm going to die, I have to train? But I want to bang that chick from downtown first... I still have my mom to take care of... I don't want to defeat the human king or what not

But a child? They'll have stars in their eyes if they're actually innocent and have heard tales of greatness, they think they're brave (brats) want fun.
But in your scenario, captured and accused? They'd cry for their momma first, keep it simple, they'd want to be home rather than any peace.

2. This actually is quite simple... Uhh
In my case, my character is destined and chose this path because god told her to, so she was forced to put on a brave act, she proudly told everyone "I'm brave, I will protect you! Even though you're much toughter and taller than me, I can protect you, hehe" to cope with herself, she closed her eyes and pray whenever danger comes and just act on instincts.
But a real, literal child? Definitely would stood there, on their ass, fight or flight

3. Uh... I think this really relates on what their plan is... To teach the kid? But teach what? Fightingship? Reactions? Situationship? Yeah... You gotta think on your own bout this

1. Well they actually don't(?) have parents as of now and the only parental figure they have is the one they've just met and my secondary protagonist felt sympathetic with (Okay I know that sounds weird, but there's no better way to put this.)

2. True. Then again, my, the I'd lean into more on flight because their powers allow them to read minds, so 8/10, an antagonist or something would just be there to harm them once they've read their intentions. Plus, they're not even skilled enough to defend themselves using their abilities, mind reading seems like a useless(?) ability (which I also plan for them to manifest another offensive ability as a way to defend themselves rather than just reading minds all the time)

3. Fair...

 

[Nolff]

They're already beyond the 12 year age. So I'd say 14-16, I've already got a few criticism that writing a child protagonists is difficult because of how I show it in my novel (I admit, this is my first time writing seriously and I haven't even rewritten my drafts yet)

Then, I can give some details because I am currently one of the children in that age range.
What kind of child are you writing and what do you want to happen with the child?

 

[Deleted member 156316]

Then, I can give some details because I am currently one of the children in that age range.
What kind of child are you writing and what do you want to happen with the child?

Well they're basically siblings, older and younger one.

Here's a few information I have regarding their personalities, it's simple but planning to improvise it, along with additional ones that are shown in the novel:

Spoiler: Younger Brother Personality

He is a young, wishy-washy and courageous young otter. Often times he oversleeps and wakes up late in the morning.
He treats everybody as a friend and is willing to hear them out on their worries and troubles. Even if things seem futile, he doesn't want to see his friends and family sad.
According to him, everyone deserves some peace, tranquility and happiness in their lives. That's what he says after losing their father.

Spoiler: Older Brother Personality

In contrast to his younger brother, he is a brave, outgoing and helpful young otter-weasel. He gets up easily in the morning to do chores, help the village and attend the needs of others when necessary.
However, as of recent events, he's unsure of what his goal is now that their village was gone. But his brother, Senzai, gave him hope that, perhaps, they aren't meant to help just their fellow otters and weasels, but everybody in Zasshu Empire.
This hope is what gave Uchigawa the courage to get back on his paws to stand up and help others once again, this time, with the help of his newfound friends. That's what his father would've wanted anyway for the two of his children.
He also tends to be very wary and suspicious of his surroundings, constantly keeping his guard up so that his brother, the last remaining member of his family, would be safe and sound from any danger.

Examples of interaction of themselves and to other people:

Spoiler: Example 1: When they've discovered they possess abilities

“Do you get it now, kids?” Kiroku said pensively as he began to remember the story his parents told him.

“So… Abilities form from our emotions and stuff? And soon, a war broke out thanks to many animals with abilities roaming around and it has to be corrected? Forgive me if I got the information wrong…” Senzai said, chuckling a bit that he might be wrong as he barely understood most of it.

Kiroku nodded and agreed, Senzai got most of the information correct, but that’s just half of the story.

“If that’s the case, what’s our abilities?” Uchigawa grew curious. Kiroku thought about it for a moment and, if what he heard in the room earlier was that Uchigawa heard the voice of Senzai when he wasn’t in the room, then he could only think of one ability.

“Mind Reading…”

“Mind… Reading…?” Senzai and Uchigawa said as they looked at Kiroku and then at each other, unintentionally reading each other's mind.

"Brother, I’m skeptical about this, mind reading? Sounds so absurd and weird right?" Uchigawa heard in Senzai’s mind.

"Mind reading? Does that explain why I have feelings of knowing what people wants and desires? If so, then that would answer everything!" Senzai heard in Uchigawa’s Mind.

Both were shocked as they heard that, they do indeed have mind reading! “Whoa! Brother, we have mind reading! I just heard your mind just now!” Senzai’s eyes widened in disbelief, but also amazement. Uchigawa thought the same thing too.

“See, I was right, kids. Seems like your mourning and loss of your village and your people triggered your ability, manifesting it like a blooming flower” Kiroku said. Senzai and Uchigawa agreed, but then thought about it for a moment.

“K-kiroku, what if the reason our village was destroyed, or whatever happened to it, was because, someone knew one of us will develop an ability? Like surely it’s possible, right?” Uchigawa suggested.

Kiroku was a bit skeptical about this theory, but knowing the letter Shiru got, he decided to leave it as a hypothesis.

“Could be, I’m not sure” Kiroku said, brushing off the letter under the rug and keeping it a secret.

Then, the two kids stood in silence as they hit realization. If they have powers or abilities now, they could be targeted. Especially with the story mentioning a person named ‘Sakujo’.

“Kiroku, I’m scared… What if we’ll be taken away, or worse, killed because of our powers” Senzai’s voice stuttered in fear. Uchigawa noticed the tone of his little brother too, and worried about the same thing. Kiroku realized the fear the kids are feeling and decided to comfort them.

“Kids, Senzai and Uchigawa, I promise that will never happen to you. Shiru would be devastated and saddened by that fact. The alliance, he genuinely wanted to change and help people out to make up for his family’s actions.” Kiroku said as he comforted the two.

“You promise?” Senzai begins to calm down, but still worried.

. . .

“I promise…”

Spoiler: Example 2: When they were captured

Just then, someone came in the prison room, they peeked and saw a guard. The guard was a falcon, similar to the one they encountered last time. The falcon slid a food bowl with lettuce and some cooked scrambled eggs for the two kids to eat. Senzai wanted to eat it due to his hunger, but Uchigawa stopped his little brother from doing so, suspicious and with his guard up.

"You... why are we arrested?" Uchigawa asked, looking up at the falcon in the eyes. "You aren't arrested..." the falcon guard responded.

"Then why were we taken in?" Senzai responded. The falcon gave a sigh and just gestured them to eat the food provided and left without saying a word. "H-hey wait-"

SLAM!

"....brother..." Senzai said, his voice squeaking up as if he's holding his tears. "W-we shouldn't have left the village, ma-maybe we should've accepted fate of our village and let us per-", Uchigawa stopped Senzai from finishing that sentence. "No, brother, no no no, we should've left the village. Meeting Shiru and having him save a large majority of our friends and the village's otters and weasels was the right thing to do" Uchigawa assured his little brother. Senzai teared up and cried on his brother's lap.

"I'm scared..." Senzai said with a fearful and worried tone.