In the world of storytelling, authentic and relatable characters are the heart and soul of any narrative. They are the bridges that connect readers to the story, allowing them to see parts of themselves in the characters they read about.
When I think about relatable characters, Stu Redman from Stephen King’s The Stand always comes to my mind. He’s a guy who, despite the apocalyptic chaos around him, remains grounded in his humanity, making him a character we can all relate to on some level.
Stu isn’t a superhero; he’s a regular person who faces extraordinary circumstances. His authenticity lies in his human traits – his fears, hopes, and moral struggles. These traits are what make a character believable and relatable. Readers see themselves in his quiet determination and moral compass, which makes his journey all the more engaging.
The Importance of Authenticity
Characters with genuine human traits resonate deeply with readers. They reflect our own experiences and emotions, making the story feel real. When we see Stu coping with loss and struggling with tough decisions, we are reminded of our own challenges. This connection is what makes us care about what happens to him.
Let’s set the scene in Arnette, Texas, where Stu’s journey begins. It’s a small, unassuming town that mirrors his straightforward, no-nonsense personality. The setting enhances his relatability by grounding him in a place we can visualize and understand, further solidifying our connection to him.
Even though Arnette, Texas does not actually exist (it’s a town that King created for this epic story) the town is even a character of sorts with its personality and place.
Human Emotions and Experiences
Personal hardship and loss are crucial in developing a character’s depth. Stu’s journey is marked by significant losses, yet it’s his response to these losses that truly shapes his character. He doesn’t become a hardened, unfeeling survivor; instead, he remains empathetic and hopeful, traits that endear him to readers.
Consider characters with hidden emotions. The subtle ways in which these emotions are revealed can add layers to their personality. Stu’s quiet strength often hides his vulnerabilities, but moments of reflection and his interactions with other characters slowly peel back these layers, revealing a complex emotional landscape.
True-to-life fears and beliefs drive character motivations. Stu’s fear of losing his humanity in a world gone mad keeps him grounded. His beliefs in decency and community guide his actions, making his decisions relatable and understandable. This mirrors the real-world diversity of emotions and motivations, making the character’s journey authentic.
Stu remains one of my favorite characters. His quiet way is so refreshing. Instead of screaming to be heard, his quiet contemplation makes his opinions sought after.
If we present our characters with human traits and backgrounds, they are going to be more compelling, even if they are the “bad guy” like Randall Flagg.
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Character Quirks, Habits, and Beliefs
Nuances, or the small details that define a character, are what make them memorable. Quirks and habits breathe life into characters, making them more than just words on a page. Stu’s habit of silently contemplating before acting reflects his thoughtful nature. It’s these little details that make a character endearing.
A character’s belief system can reflect societal values or challenges. Again, looking at Stu Redman, even though he was not blatantly a believer in God, Mother Abigail still knew that God had picked him to be one of the leaders of the “good guys.” Stu’s belief system was that of goodness and kindness. He didn’t pretend to be something that he was not. He simply transformed. As Frannie Goldsmith, Stu’s girlfriend, would have said, “It took this tragedy to bring out the man that he always was meant to be.” (That is my personal take from her words about Stu, not a direct quote!)
Crafting Impactful Characters
For writers, observing real human traits is essential in creating believable characters. Pay attention to how people around you act, react, and interact. These observations can be the foundation for your characters’ behaviors and motivations.
Balancing flaws and strengths is key to realistic portrayals. Stu’s strengths – his leadership and empathy – are balanced by his vulnerabilities and doubts. This balance makes him relatable and human. Consistency in character behavior is also crucial. A character should act in ways that align with their established traits, ensuring they remain believable throughout the story.
Strong characters have a ripple effect on the plot, setting, and reader engagement. Stu’s journey influences the story’s direction, affecting other characters and the overall narrative. His decisions shape the plot, making it more engaging for readers who are invested in his fate.
Honestly, King did such a good job with these characters that I felt like I knew them personally. It was a sad day the first time I finished reading The Stand. I wanted the story to continue! Now, it is usually an annual even for me to read the book every summer right around June…
Final Thoughts
Creating relatable characters is about infusing them with genuine human traits, emotions, and experiences. It’s about making them reflect the real world in all its complexity and diversity. Whether it’s Stu Redman’s quiet strength or Mother Abigail’s moral integrity, these characters stay with us because they mirror our own struggles and triumphs. So, as you craft your characters, remember to draw from the well of human experience, creating figures that readers will not only recognize but also cherish.