Creating compelling characters is one of the most vital aspects of storytelling. A well-crafted character can turn a simple plot into an unforgettable experience for readers. Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, your characters must be believable, relatable, and memorable. Here’s how you can create characters that stand out.
1. Understand Your Character’s Backstory
Every compelling character starts with a rich backstory. This doesn’t mean you have to include every detail in your narrative, but you, as the writer, should know these details. Ask yourself questions like:
- Where did your character grow up?
- What pivotal moments shaped their personality?
- Do they have any childhood fears or traumas?
Understanding your character’s past will inform their motivations and behavior throughout your story. A character with depth feels real to the reader because their actions stem from lived experiences, even if those experiences aren’t directly explained in the story.
For example, if your character has abandonment issues due to a parent leaving them at a young age, they might have trouble forming relationships in adulthood. This doesn’t need to be overtly stated, but it will subtly influence how they interact with others.
I used to create a character sheet which included all a character’s vital statistics like their name, age, date of birth, hair, eye color, facial features, where they were from, etc.
It was quite helpful because it is a lot easier to look through a few character sheets than it is to go through a couple of hundred pages to find out what color the leading man’s eye color is!
2. Define Their Wants and Needs
A well-developed character has clear desires. This could be something external, like wanting to find a lost treasure, or internal, like seeking self-acceptance. What a character wants drives the plot forward, but their deeper need — what they truly crave emotionally or psychologically — adds layers of complexity.
Often, a character’s wants and needs are at odds with each other. For example, a detective might want to catch a criminal to get a promotion, but what they truly need is to prove to themselves that they’re capable of solving a tough case after years of self-doubt. These conflicting motivations create tension and push the character to evolve throughout the story.
3. Give Them Flaws
Perfection is boring. Readers connect with characters who are flawed because they remind us of ourselves. A character’s flaw can be anything from impatience to a deep-seated fear of failure. Flaws are what make characters human, and they often stand in the way of the character achieving their goal.
When I was in school we were taught to write what you know. With that in mind, I would picture one of the people I knew and describe that person. The bullies at school were always the bullies or villains in my stories.
I always made sure my “good guys” had some sort of flaw, too. Sometimes it was an addiction. Other times it might be a flaw in their character like shyness or procrastination or some other trait that they either overcame or figured out a way to make it work for their good.
However, flaws shouldn’t just be tacked on for the sake of it. Make sure that the flaw is relevant to your story and informs the character’s arc. For instance, if your protagonist is stubborn, this flaw could lead them into trouble, forcing them to grow and learn as the plot unfolds. Characters who overcome their flaws, or at least confront them, are more relatable and engaging.
4. Develop Distinctive Voices
A character’s voice is how they express themselves through dialogue and inner thoughts. It reflects their personality, background, and worldview. Pay attention to how your characters speak, and make sure each one sounds distinct. Think about their vocabulary, sentence structure, and the topics they focus on.
For example, a shy teenager might speak in short, uncertain sentences, while a confident businesswoman might use precise, direct language. Developing distinctive voices helps your characters stand out from one another, and it adds to the realism of your world.
5. Focus on Relationships
Characters don’t exist in isolation. Their relationships with other characters reveal much about who they are. A great way to show your character’s depth is through their interactions with others. How do they behave with friends versus enemies? Are they more open with family or distant? Do they struggle with trust in romantic relationships?
Through these dynamics, you can showcase different facets of a character’s personality and build emotional connections with your readers. Relationships also provide opportunities for character development. A character might start off as a loner, but as the story progresses, they learn the value of friendship or partnership.
6. Allow Characters to Change
Compelling characters evolve. The events of the story should influence and shape them, leading to growth or, in some cases, deterioration. Character arcs are essential because they mirror the natural human experience of change. Whether the change is positive or negative, it makes your character feel like they’ve been on a journey.
For example, a character who starts off selfish and detached may, by the end of the story, learn the importance of selflessness and connection. On the other hand, a character who begins as an idealist might become disillusioned after enduring hardship. Either way, allowing your characters to transform makes them more dynamic and interesting.
7. Avoid Stereotypes
Stereotypes are one-dimensional and unoriginal, and they often detract from a character’s depth. Strive to avoid falling into the trap of creating characters who conform to clichés. Instead, challenge stereotypes by adding complexity. A seemingly tough-as-nails character might have a softer side, or a nerdy character could be an undercover thrill-seeker.
Breaking stereotypes keeps readers engaged because they’re met with something unexpected. Characters who defy convention are more compelling because they reflect the complexity of real people.
Creating compelling characters is about understanding them as deeply as you would a real person. Give them a backstory, define their wants and needs, embrace their flaws, and let them grow. Focus on their relationships and unique voices, and avoid leaning into stereotypes. By doing this, your characters will not only drive your story but will also stay with your readers long after the final page.
Just as a bit of added realism to my characters, I knew them so well that I would be sad if I saw their obituary in the newspaper!