Name one thing that can make or break your story? Here’s a hint, it’s in the title of this article. You guessed it! Character Development. This is huge for your storytelling process. Whether fiction or non-fiction, building well-rounded characters is especially important in creative storytelling, and it’s not the easiest thing to do.
Take it from us at Booksprout. We’re in the business of collecting feedback from readers in the form of book reviews (indie authors have received over 4 million reviews through our platform to date), and an overwhelming majority of these reviews mention the characters. Creating captivating characters is at the heart of storytelling. Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, or even a script, well-developed characters can make your narrative compelling and memorable.
Here are your essential tips to help you build characters that resonate with your readers:
1. Develop Complex Personalities
To create characters that feel real and engaging, give them a range of emotions, motivations, and conflicts. A character who is only happy or perpetually angry can quickly become one-dimensional. Instead, think about how they might react in different situations, and what drives them forward. By layering their personalities, you add depth and complexity, making them more believable.
For instance, consider Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” At first glance, Mr. Darcy appears aloof and prideful, but as the story progresses, we see different facets of his personality. His initial aloofness is driven by social awkwardness and a deep sense of responsibility, while his pride stems from a place of protecting his family’s honor. As Elizabeth Bennet gets to know him better, we see his capacity for kindness, generosity, and self-reflection. This complexity is what draws you in. It’s what makes Mr. Darcy a memorable character.
2. Show Imperfections
Nobody is perfect, and your characters shouldn’t be either. Flaws and struggles make characters relatable and human. Whether it’s a fear of failure, a secret from their past, or a bad habit they can’t shake, imperfections create opportunities for growth and make your characters more interesting to your readers.
Remember Hagrid from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series? Hagrid is a lovable and loyal character, but he has his imperfections. He is often careless and forgetful, which leads to unintended consequences. For instance, when Dumbledore sends him on secret errands with strict instructions to “tell no one,” Hagrid inadvertently spills the beans, setting the story off in a whole new direction. His tendency to be overly trusting and his affection for dangerous creatures often get him into trouble, like his illegal dragon breeding and his trust in the giant spider Aragog. These flaws make Hagrid more relatable and endearing, while providing a source of comic relief throughout the series. His bumbling nature and good-hearted mistakes add a lighthearted touch to the narrative, making readers smile even in tense moments.
3. Give Them Realistic Goals and Motivations
Characters need clear, relatable goals that drive their actions throughout your story. These goals don’t have to be grand; they just need to be understandable and significant to the character. Whether it’s finding love, achieving professional success, or overcoming a personal challenge, realistic motivations help readers connect with your characters on a deeper level.
Consider Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” series. Katniss’s primary goal is to protect and provide for her family, especially her younger sister, Prim. This motivation is deeply relatable and understandable, driving many of her actions throughout the series. Her desire to survive the Hunger Games and later to fight against the oppressive Capitol stems from this fundamental need to keep her loved ones safe. Katniss’s realistic and relatable goals make her a compelling character that readers can empathize with and root for as she navigates the challenges and dangers she faces.
4. Provide Backstory and Depth
A character’s past experiences, relationships, and traumas shape who they are in the present. By exploring and revealing these backstories, you can add layers to your characters. This depth makes them feel more authentic and allows readers to understand their actions and decisions better. So, consider what pivotal moments in your character’s history have influenced their current behavior and worldview.
James Patterson does this incredibly well in the widely popular Alex Cross series. Patterson uses inner thoughts to show readers Alex’s backstory trauma and its impact on his character. Alex frequently reflects on the murder of his wife, Maria, and these inner monologues reveal the depth of his pain and guilt. When Alex’s thoughts drift to memories of Maria, the reader gets insight into his ongoing struggle with grief and his determination to protect his remaining family. Patterson also uses Alex’s internal dialogue to show his fears and vulnerabilities, such as worrying about the safety of his children or questioning his ability to solve a case. These inner thoughts give readers an intimate view into Alex’s psyche, making his actions and motivations more understandable, relatable and human.
5. Show Vulnerability and Growth
Characters who show vulnerability and experience personal growth are often the most compelling. Allow your characters to face challenges, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. Showing this development and transformation throughout your story not only makes characters dynamic but also more relatable to readers. They will root for your characters as they overcome obstacles and evolve.
Self-published author Andy Weir does this with his character Mark Watney in “The Martian” through Mark’s log entries. They serve as inner monologues that provide readers with a window into his mind. His witty and often sarcastic remarks about his dire situation demonstrate his resilience and ability to stay positive despite overwhelming odds. For example, Mark’s thoughts about the various challenges he faces, from finding a way to grow food to communicating with NASA, reveal his problem-solving mindset, his creativity and his determination to survive. These inner thoughts and dialogues make Mark a relatable and compelling character, allowing readers to root for him and feel connected to his journey.
Get More Reviews With Characters That Resonate!
Building believable and relatable characters takes time and effort. But it’s so important to crafting a story that resonates with your audience. By developing complex personalities, showing imperfections, giving characters realistic goals, providing backstory, and using dialogue and inner thoughts, you ensure your readers engage more deeply with your story. Showing vulnerability and growth also helps create characters that live on in readers’ minds long after they’ve finished your book. This approach not only enhances your storytelling but also ensures you’ll receive great Booksprout reviews. Readers connect deeply with well-crafted characters, leading to more positive feedback and successful storytelling.
For more ideas like these, check out this article: How Crafting Powerful Stories Lead to Positive Book Reviews
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