Creating a compelling character can be a challenge for many writers. A well-developed character is not just a name on a page; they should evoke emotions, drive the plot, and linger in readers’ minds long after they close the book. To write a good character, start by building their foundations with clarity and depth. Here’s a straightforward approach to get you started.
Table of Contents
Guide to Writing a Good Character
- Start with a Character Profile
- Create a Backstory
- Determine Their Goals and Motivations
- Establish Strengths and Flaws
- Give Them Unique Traits
- Craft Their Voice and Dialogue
- Put Them in Realistic Situations
- Surround Them with Supporting Characters
- Maintain Consistency
- Utilize Character Archetype
- Evolve Your Character
1. Start with a Character Profile
Define who your character is. Don’t settle for a hazy idea; explore your character’s mind thoroughly.
- Name: Choose a name that reflects your character’s personality or background.
- Age: This can influence their perspective and behaviors.
- Occupation: What do they do? Their occupation can add depth to their identity.
- Appearance: What do they look like? The appearance helps readers visualize them.
- Background: Where did they come from? The background shapes their experiences and motivations.
For example, if you’re writing a character named Linda, you might decide she’s a 34-year-old nurse from a small town. This background gives you a starting point for fleshing out her personality and conflicts.
2. Create a Backstory
Each character’s history influences their identity. Craft a backstory that provides insight into their motivations, values, and personality.
Actionable Tip: Write a one-page biography for your character that includes their upbringing, education, and pivotal life experiences. This exercise helps you maintain consistency in your actions throughout the story.
Example: In “The Great Gatsby,” Jay Gatsby’s mysterious past and unrelenting hope drive much of the plot. His backstory, filled with ambition and illusion, enhances the reader’s understanding of his character.
3. Determine Their Goals and Motivations
Every good character needs a goal or a desire. What does your character want? Why do they want it? Goals create tension and anticipation.
- Short-term goals: What do they want now? A promotion? To mend a broken relationship?
- Long-term goals: What are they striving for in life? Happiness? Revenge? Redemption?
Actionable Tip: Use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to outline your character’s goals. This approach not only makes them relatable but gives the reader something to root for.
Example: In “The Hunger Games,” Katniss Everdeen’s primary goal is survival and protection of her family. Her motivation shifts from self-preservation to rebellion as the story unfolds.
4. Establish Strengths and Flaws
Perfect characters are boring. Flaws make them relatable and human. Establish a mix of strengths and flaws to create a more relatable, multi-dimensional character.
- Strengths: What are they good at? These strengths can be anything from public speaking to baking an excellent pie.
- Flaws: What are their Achilles’ heels? Maybe they’re too stubborn or overly trusting.
Actionable Tip: List at least three strengths and three flaws on a character sheet. This practice ensures a nuanced character.
Example: In “Pride and Prejudice,” Elizabeth Bennet’s wit is her strength, while her prejudice initially blinds her to Mr. Darcy’s true character. This interplay becomes pivotal in her character arc.
5. Give Them Unique Traits
Unique traits can make your character memorable and engaging. Whether it’s a quirky habit or an unusual skill, these attributes should enhance your character instead of overwhelming them.
Actionable Tip: Consider giving your character a signature phrase, a distinctive way of speaking, or a quirky hobby. Keep these traits consistent throughout the narrative.
Example: Sherlock Holmes’ penchant for playing the violin and his extraordinary observational skills are integral to his character. They not only set him apart but also emphasize his unique approach to solving mysteries.
6. Craft Their Voice and Dialogue
Dialogue reveals a lot about a character. A character’s way of speaking can indicate their education, background, and emotional state.
- Word choice: Does your character use slang, or do they prefer formal language?
- Tone: Are they sarcastic, serious, or upbeat?
Creating distinct voices helps differentiate characters. Imagine your detective from before: they might speak in short, sharp sentences when they’re anxious but become more verbose and passionate when discussing their work.
7. Put Them in Realistic Situations
To showcase your character effectively, place them in situations that reveal their true colors. Characters should react naturally within a given scenario, which provides depth to their personality.
Actionable Tip: Challenge your character with high-stakes situations. Consider how they would respond in both favorable and adverse conditions to showcase their growth.
Example: In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch’s moral conviction is tested when he defends Tom Robinson. His actions during this trial highlight his integrity and bravery, reinforcing the depth of his character.
8. Surround Them with Supporting Characters
Characters don’t exist in a vacuum. Their relationships can provide context and development.
- Allies: Who supports your character? This character can include friends, mentors, or family.
- Adversaries: Who opposes them? This character provides conflict and drives the story forward.
If our detective has a partner who believes in teamwork, you can highlight their differences and enhance the narrative tension.
9. Maintain Consistency
A character should act predictably (within reason) throughout your story.
- Behavior: Are they always kind, or do they have moments of rage?
- Reactions: How do they respond to events or challenges?
If your detective becomes suddenly reckless in the middle of the story, it could confuse readers unless there’s a clear motivation for the change.
10. Utilize Character Archetypes
Character archetypes can help serve specific narrative functions, but they should be nuanced.
- The Hero: Think of someone brave and noble, like Katniss Everdeen.
- The Mentor: This character guides others, like Mr. Miyagi in “The Karate Kid.”
Explore these archetypes while adding your twist. Take the reluctant hero trope and give them a quirky hobby that complicates their journey, like a superhero obsessed with knitting.
11. Evolve Your Character
Good characters should evolve throughout the story. Their experiences should lead to change, making them feel dynamic and realistic.
Actionable Tip: Track your character’s growth using a character arc diagram. This visual tool illustrates your character’s transformation, helping maintain focus throughout the narrative.
Example: “The Catcher in the Rye” features Holden Caulfield navigating intense emotional growth. His experiences lead him to confront his feelings about loss, ultimately providing a nuanced view of his emotional state.
Best Practices for Writing Compelling Characters
- Engage with Feedback: Share drafts with trusted readers and be open to their insights.
- Refine and Edit: Don’t be afraid to rewrite sections until character development feels organic and seamless.
- Character Interview: Conduct interviews with your characters to explore their personality and motivations in depth.
- Read Widely: Analyze characters from books, movies, or plays and take notes on what works and what doesn’t.
- Focus on Themes: Ensure your characters support the overarching themes in your story.
Potential Pitfalls in Character Writing
- One-dimensionality: Avoid characters that exist solely as plot devices. They should have their desires and challenges.
- Predictability: Strive to surprise the reader with a character’s decisions and evolution.
- Neglecting Diversity: A well-rounded cast includes characters of varied backgrounds and experiences, enriching your narrative.
Example: A character defined solely by their obsession with cleanliness or quirky catchphrases may become grating unless balanced with deeper, relatable aspects.
Final Tips for Crafting a Good Character
- Embrace Vulnerability: Characters who show vulnerability are often more relatable and captivating. Let them make mistakes and learn from them.
- Feedback Is Crucial: Share your characters with trusted beta readers or critique groups. Their insights reveal opportunities in identifying areas for growth.
- Revise Ruthlessly: Expect to revise character details as your story develops. Some of the best characters emerge through editing.
Troubleshooting Common Issues in Character Development
Creating convincing characters can sometimes feel like a high-wire act. Here are some common issues writers face and practical solutions to guide you through the process.
Issue #1: Character Motivation Seems Weak
Scenario: You have a character who decides to leave their job to pursue a passion, but their motivation is unclear. Readers might wonder why they are risking stability.
Solution: Drill down into your character’s backstory. Ask yourself what drives them. Did they have a parent who sacrificed everything for their dreams? Maybe they feel stuck and fear wasting their potential. Clarify their motivations by showing specific events in their past that shape their current decisions.
Issue #2: Characters Sound Alike
Scenario: Multiple characters in your story use similar language, making it hard for readers to distinguish them.
Solution: Establish unique voices for each character from the start. Assign different speech patterns, vocabulary, and backgrounds. For instance, a character who grew up in a wealthy family might use more formal language. Meanwhile, another from a working-class background may use slang and contractions. Conduct a quick character conversation to hear how they would interact; this can help pin down their voices.
Issue #3: Characters Lack Depth
Scenario: Your protagonist feels one-dimensional, leading to a flat narrative. Readers might not connect with them.
Solution: Add layers to your character by revealing their flaws and strengths. Give them a quirk or a hobby that feels authentic. Perhaps your hero is a brilliant coder but struggles with social interactions. Showing these traits can create a more relatable character. Explore how their strengths can also be a weakness that complicates their journey.
Issue #4: Character Arcs Are Inconsistent
Scenario: Your character shows growth in one part of the story but then reverts to old habits, confusing readers.
Solution: Keep a character arc map handy. Outline your character’s journey, including key events that should lead to specific growth. If they experience a setback, make sure it’s believable and tied to earlier events. Consistency matters—if your character learns a lesson, they should apply it later, even if they encounter bumps along the way.
Issue #5: Readers Don’t Care About the Character
Scenario: You’ve built an intriguing character, but feedback indicates that readers simply aren’t invested in their journey.
Solution: Create stakes. What does your character stand to lose? Establish scenarios where they must make difficult decisions that affect themselves and others, allowing readers to invest in the outcome emotionally. Show their vulnerabilities and risks that make their struggles relatable. The more you illustrate what’s at stake, the more readers will care.
Issue #6: Unbelievable Character Actions
Scenario: Readers find it hard to believe the choices your character makes, which pulls them out of the story.
Solution: Ensure that character actions align with their established personality and motivations. If your character suddenly betrays a close friend, there should be a solid emotional or situational trigger for this act. Consider drafting a list of your character’s values and beliefs; keep this list on hand to verify that their actions stay true to who they are throughout your narrative.
Addressing these common character issues can greatly enhance character development and, as a result, lead to a more compelling story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Write A Good Character
Q. What makes a character memorable?
A. A memorable character has distinct traits, motivations, and flaws that resonate with readers. They should feel real and relatable, making readers invested in their journey.
Q. How do I develop my character’s backstory?
A. Start by considering your character’s upbringing, key life events, and relationships. This background shapes their personality and motivations, providing depth to their actions in the story.
Q. Should my character have flaws?
A. Yes, flaws are essential! They make characters relatable and interesting. Flawed characters face challenges, which creates conflict and growth throughout the story.
Q. How can I make my character relatable?
A. Focus on universal emotions and experiences such as love, fear, and ambition. Show their vulnerabilities and allow them to experience relatable struggles that readers can connect with.
Q. What role does dialogue play in character development?
A. Dialogue reveals personality and shows relationships between characters. Use it to convey emotions, build tension, and provide insight into your character’s thoughts and motivations.
Q. How can I show character development throughout my story?
A. To show growth, place your character in challenging situations that require change. Highlight their responses to conflict and demonstrate how their experiences reshape their beliefs and actions.
Q. Is it important to have a flawed antagonist?
A. Absolutely! A well-rounded antagonist with flaws makes the conflict more compelling. Their motivations and imperfections add depth to the story and create a more dynamic clash with the protagonist.
Q. How can I create a strong supporting character?
A. Develop supporting characters with their own goals and personalities. Ensure they enhance the main character’s journey, providing support, challenge, or perspective while still having their own unique story.
Q. What should I avoid when creating a character?
A. Avoid stereotypes and clichés. Characters should feel unique and multi-dimensional. Also, steer clear of making them purely good or evil; complexity keeps readers engaged.
Q. How can I ensure consistency in my character’s actions?
A. Maintain a character profile that outlines key traits and motivations. Refer to this profile throughout your writing to keep their actions and decisions aligned with their established personality.
Conclusion
Creating a well-rounded character is essential for engaging storytelling. Remember to focus on your character’s goals, motivations, and unique traits. Give them challenges to overcome and let them evolve throughout the story. Whether your character is a hero, villain, or somewhere in between, making them relatable and believable will keep readers invested. So, dive in, have fun with your characters, and watch your story come to life!
