I'm in the process if working on a story and a small detail came to mind, as something I can add to give more depth to one of the characters.
Only problem with adding this particular detail is two fold:
a) I don't have the slightest idea on what I'm thinking to mention
b) I don't know anyone I can resort for first hand information (and possibly embarrassing questions)
For context
In the story, two persons meet again after several years, now completely different individuals. The relation between the coprotagonists builds over memories of when they first met and what opportunities were lost then and what they are in the present and what made them into it.
Plus some other things, which are not relevant now.
Throughout the story, there are several moments where I put out background but details, the kind that can be easily overlooked in a first readthrough, is what, for me, makes a good story great and a book re-readable, and that is what I'm looking to do.
One of such details I want to insert is one of the protagonists having had nipple piercings, which are no longer used. This is not openly stated; I just go into a very detailed description of a piece of jewelry that can be mistaken for coventional earrings and have a dialogue between the characters where nothing is really confirmed nor disproved.
I intend this to build on a background of a troubled time in teenage years, hinting at a period of rebelion, some anger towards others, even a small degree of low self esteem, but also a gesture of self affirmation, of going into a new personal direction, that after some time fell out of need.
My doubts
Well... if you managed to read this far, you're probably thinking (or saying out loud) something along the lines of me being full of it. I agree. I read what I wrote above and thought that exact same thing.
But does/can my idea hold any water? Is it credible? Or am I trying to put too much weight on a twig?
Character details should really only be expounded upon if they drive the narrative forward. You don't just sprinkle them in for the fuck of it if they serve no purpose. This can be in a small way, eg a prominent scar that drives the immediate conversation towards some other engagement, its relevance lasting half a page. Or in a more long-term way like an adverse reaction to an older male stranger nearby, hinting at a violent childhood experience that manifests as an avoidant behaviour, which may drive further recurring narrative elements, or be a challenge that must be overcome as part of the character arc.
If the nipple piercings never come up again in the story, but the character still shares about them unprompted, this could still work towards character development by being a hint that the character has Aspergers.
I understand your point of view but disagree with it. Any detail on a character has the power to add to it, even if is only mentioned briefly and once. Knowing how to add it without breaking the story is a hard exercise, indeed, but feasible.
At the point I intend to insert this detail, there has already been a lot of background put forward. The protagonists have already talked several times how life was for each of them in the years they were apart. What I plan with this snippet is to add nuance and let whoever is reading do the puzzling together.
Why this precise interpretation?