How Might an Author Develop a Round Character in a Story?

how might an author develop a round character in a story
by David Harris // January 28  

Problem Statement: Writing an engaging character often seems like putting together a jigsaw puzzle with half its pieces missing. Authors usually struggle with creating round characters—those complex individuals who possess distinct traits and backgrounds.

Clear Answer: To craft a round character, an author should focus on multifaceted traits, backstory, personal growth, and relationships. In doing so, they can create a character that feels real, relatable, and memorable.

Understanding Round Characters

Before you can build a round character, it’s essential to understand what they are. Unlike flat characters, who are one-dimensional and often serve a single purpose, round characters are complex and capable of change. They have conflicting desires, flaws, and rich histories. Think of them as the friends you know well: they can be hilarious, annoying, wise, and flawed all at once.

Examples of Round Characters

A classic example of a round character is Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth isn’t just clever and witty; she’s also prejudiced, emotional, and capable of growth.

Another modern example is Harry Potter. Throughout J.K. Rowling’s series, Harry deals with jealousy, love, fear, and the burden of expectation. These flaws make him relatable and engaging, allowing readers to invest in his journey. This complexity keeps readers turning pages, eager to see how these characters evolve.

Building a Backstory

The foundation of a round character lies in a well-developed backstory. A compelling backstory adds depth and richness that makes the character feel realistic.

Create a Detailed History

Consider creating a timeline of your character’s life. What key events shaped who they are? Did they have a traumatic childhood? Did they excel in school, or were they the underdog?

For instance, if you’re writing a character named Greg, who’s a middle-aged man working as a barista with aspirations to be a musician, you might imagine that he grew up in a family of engineers, encouraging practicality over passion. Perhaps he wrote songs as a teenager, but life took him down a different path.

Use the “What-If” Technique

As you build your character’s backstory, be sure to apply the “What-If” technique. Ask yourself questions that give you insight into who they are. What if Greg’s parents had supported his musical dreams? What if he faced a significant hardship that deterred him from pursuing music?

This playful questioning can lead to unexpected nuances and quirks that breathe life into Greg’s character and explain his current situations and motivations.

Layering Personality Traits

Round characters are defined by their traits. Mix a blend of positive and negative personality aspects, making them relatable and complex. Too many positive characteristics can make a character feel unrealistic, resembling a superhero more than an ordinary human being.

Use the Five Dimensions of Personality

Psychological theories, such as the Five-Factor Model, can offer guidance in developing a character’s personality traits. Consider the following dimensions:

  1. Openness: Is your character imaginative, open to new experiences, or more of a traditionalist?
  2. Conscientiousness: Does Greg meticulously plan his day, or is he more laid-back?
  3. Extraversion: Is he the life of the party or more of a wallflower?
  4. Agreeableness: Is he likely to help others, or does he often pursue self-interest?
  5. Neuroticism: Does he struggle with anxiety, or is he unflappable in stressful situations?

These dimensions help you create a character that feels dynamic. Greg may be high in openness (always keen to try new things) but low in conscientiousness (frequently losing track of time). This combination gives him depth and a true-to-life feel.

Show, Don’t Tell: Actions Speak Louder

Let characters’ actions expose their traits, steering clear of merely informing readers about them. Show readers what a character is like through their deeds, dialogues, and decisions.

Create Relatable Situations

Think of scenarios that naturally allow the character’s traits to emerge. For example, if you want to show that Greg is a generous person, you might include a scene where he shares his meager earnings with a struggling musician just to cheer them up. This moment reveals his kindness without needing an overt statement.

Use Dialogue as a Tool

Dialogue is a powerful tool for showcasing character traits. Craft distinctive voices for your characters to reveal their background, opinions, and emotional states. When Greg talks with his barista colleagues, perhaps he employs humor or sarcasm, offering insight into his coping mechanisms and his ability to form connections—or lack thereof.

Establishing Motivation and Goals

Motivation is at the heart of great storytelling. A well-motivated character will have clear, compelling goals that drive them through the narrative.

External vs. Internal Motivation

Character goals can be external (getting a new job, finding love) or internal (overcoming insecurities, proving one’s worth).

Greg’s external motivation may be to win a local music competition, but his internal struggle could be about overcoming self-doubt and learning to believe in his musical talent. This multi-layered goal adds depth and keeps readers invested in his journey.

Use Conflict as a Catalyst

Conflict—both internal and external—can prompt growth in a round character. Greg might face criticism from his family while engaging with supportive friends. This dichotomy can create tension, showing readers how Greg navigates these conflicting influences.

Exploring Relationships

A character’s relationships with others reveal different facets of their personality. When crafting interactions between characters, consider how they influence each other’s growth.

Diverse Relationships

Create a diverse cast to interact with your protagonist. Greg may have a supportive girlfriend who encourages his music, a skeptical best friend who believes he should focus on his barista job, and a mentor who inspires him. Each character can illuminate different dimensions of Greg’s personality.

Show Character Growth Through Relationships

Characters evolve through relationships. Use them as a vehicle for change. Maybe Greg starts dismissive of his friends’ opinions but eventually learns the value of constructive feedback. This evolution is crucial for making readers feel a sense of progression and development.

Utilizing Flaws for Depth

Flaws give a character authenticity. Readers can connect with characters who occasionally bumble through life, make mistakes, or struggle with their weaknesses.

Avoiding the Flawless Hero

Don’t be afraid to make Greg less than perfect. Perhaps he struggles with procrastination when it’s time to practice guitar. Or maybe he tends to run away from emotional vulnerability. These imperfections make him human, relatable, and unforgettable.

Growth Through Challenges

As Greg faces challenges tied to his flaws, allow him to work towards improving himself. This journey toward greater self-awareness can solidify his place as a round character. Imagine Greg making a conscious decision to spend less time scrolling through his phone and more time honing his unique sound.

Embracing Change

Round characters are often defined by their ability to grow or change throughout a story. Keep your character dynamic by allowing for transformation.

Initiate a Catalyst for Change

Whether it’s a significant event, a new relationship, or a revelation, it provides a catalyst that pushes the character towards growth. For Greg, winning an open mic night could ignite a newfound confidence and be the start of a transformative journey.

Reflect Real-Life Changes

Real-life people evolve based on experiences, and so should your characters. If Greg faces rejection from a music label, make sure it’s a moment that triggers real change in him, one that may lead him to rethink his approach or reconnect with his original passion for creating music.

The Importance of Authenticity

Your round character should feel authentic to the audience. Genuineness fosters trust between the character and the reader, serving as a lifeline throughout the storytelling journey.

Crafting Authenticity

To achieve authenticity, ensure that your character’s actions, thoughts, and dialogues resonate with their established background, personality, and motivations. No matter what challenges they encounter, their responses must be representative of who they are.

Imagine Greg facing a major setback, like failing to secure a spot in a music program. His reaction—whether he retreats, fights back, or reassesses his dreams—should align with the characteristics you’ve established.

By diving deeply into these various dimensions, authors can develop round characters that resonate with readers, complete with flaws, growth arcs, and authentic relationships. Whether it’s Greg, Elizabeth Bennet, or Harry Potter, these elements make characters leap off the page and into the hearts of audiences.

Little Known Secrets

Creating a round character involves layering complex traits, backstories, and quirks that make them feel real and relatable. Here are some deep facts and secrets to consider:

  • Hidden Talents: Your character might have a secret skill, like knitting exceptional sweaters or solving Rubik’s cubes in under two minutes, showcasing their multifaceted personality.
  • Flaws with Charm: Give them an endearing flaw, such as a tendency to tell terrible knock-knock jokes, which reveals their vulnerability while making them likable.
  • Unresolved Conflicts: Explore their internal conflicts, such as struggling with a fear of public speaking despite being a renowned author; this adds depth and relatability.
  • Unexpected Relationships: Introduce a surprising friendship or rivalry, like a fierce bond with a neighbor who is a cat hoarder, which can highlight different aspects of their character.
  • Quirky Habits: Include unique habits, such as always wearing mismatched socks for good luck or a routine of reading the last page of every book first, making them distinctive.
  • Surprising Motivations: Their driving forces might be hidden; for example, they could be writing a novel to impress a long-lost relative rather than for fame or fortune.
  • Secret Fears: Perhaps they have a phobia of pink highlighters stemming from an embarrassing incident in middle school, which adds a layer of authenticity and humor.
  • Change Through Conflict: Ensure they evolve through the story; maybe they learn to embrace their quirks and let their true selves shine after facing an unexpected challenge.
  • Vivid Backstory: Create a rich backstory filled with experiences that shaped their worldview, such as a childhood spent in an unconventional circus, providing unique perspectives.
  • Offbeat Dreams: Their aspirations might be unusual, like wanting to start an underground book club in their garage, showcasing their quirky approach to life.

These elements can help transform your character from flat to fabulous, offering a delightful journey through their little-known secrets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How Might An Author Develop A Round Character In A Story

Q. What is a round character?
A. A round character is a complex character who has depth, personality, and development throughout the story. They often face challenges and change, making them more relatable and realistic.

Q. How can an author show a character’s backstory?
A. An author can reveal a character’s backstory through flashbacks, dialogue, or inner thoughts. These methods help readers understand the character’s motivations and quirks.

Q. Why is it important for a character to evolve?
A. An evolving character keeps readers engaged. When characters learn and grow, their journeys reflect real-life experiences and struggles, making the story resonate more with audiences.

Q. How can an author create distinct personality traits?
A. An author can create distinct traits by giving characters unique quirks, beliefs, and habits. This makes them memorable and allows readers to connect on a personal level.

Q. What role do relationships play in developing a round character?
A. Relationships help to reveal different sides of a character. Interactions with friends, enemies, and love interests can highlight strengths and weaknesses, making the character more dimensional.

Q. How can internal conflict develop a round character?
A. Internal conflict allows characters to grapple with their decisions and emotions. This struggle adds depth and realism, showing readers how flawed and relatable they can be.

Q. What is the importance of character goals?
A. Goals give characters direction and purpose. As they pursue these objectives, readers witness their determination and flaws, making them feel more real and well-rounded.

Q. How can an author use dialogue to flesh out a character?
A. Dialogue reveals character traits through their speech patterns, choices of words, and interactions. A character’s way of speaking can communicate their background and emotions.

Q. Can a round character have flaws?
A. Absolutely! Flaws make characters relatable and interesting. Readers are drawn to characters who struggle as they remind us of our imperfections.

Q. How does a round character affect the overall story?
A. Round characters contribute to the story’s emotional depth and complexity. Their development and struggles propel the plot and maintain the reader’s interest in the results.

Conclusion

Developing a round character takes a blend of creativity and careful planning. By giving your characters depth, unique traits, and a relatable backstory, you invite readers to connect with them on a personal level. Remember, round characters may change and grow throughout the story, just like real people do. So, don’t be afraid to throw your characters into challenges that reveal their strengths and flaws. Whether they’re lovable goofballs or brooding heroes, making them complex and multi-dimensional will keep your readers hooked and cheering for them until the very last page. Now, set out and create characters that linger in memory!

Disclaimer: This article provides insights on developing round characters, but understanding the subject matter is crucial. For in-depth knowledge, consult reputable sources like Purdue Online Writing Lab and Literary Devices. These resources, along with our content, offer a comprehensive guide to character development. By exploring these sources, including Wikipedia’s article on Character Development, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of crafting believable characters, ultimately enhancing your storytelling skills. Our article is a valuable resource, and we encourage you to supplement your learning with these trusted sources.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.