Creating engaging and memorable characters is an essential part of writing. Characters drive the plot and are often the reason readers become invested in a story. Let’s explore how to develop characters that readers will love and care about.
- Start with the basics: The first step in developing a character is to create a basic profile. This includes their name, age, appearance, background, personality traits, and motivations. Think about what makes your character unique and interesting. What sets them apart from other characters in your story?
For example, let’s take a look at Katniss Everdeen from “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. She is a strong and determined character who is fiercely protective of her family. Her background as a skilled hunter and her survival skills make her a formidable opponent in the Games. Her determination to survive and protect those she loves is a driving force throughout the series.
- Give them flaws: No one is perfect, and your characters shouldn’t be either. Flaws make characters relatable and add depth to their personalities. Consider giving your character a flaw that will cause them problems throughout the story.
For example, in “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the protagonist, Jay Gatsby, is a man of great wealth and status, but he is haunted by his past and has an obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan. This flaw leads to his downfall and adds a tragic element to the story.
- Make them relatable: Your characters should be relatable to your readers. This means giving them emotions and experiences that readers can connect with. Consider giving your character a relatable backstory or situation.
For example, in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, the protagonist, Scout Finch, is a young girl growing up in the South during the 1930s. Her experiences with racism and injustice are relatable to readers today and add a timeless quality to the story.
- Develop their relationships: The relationships between characters are an important aspect of any story. Consider the dynamics between your characters and how they interact with one another. This will help to create more nuanced and interesting characters.
For example, in “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is a central plot point. Their initial animosity towards each other and eventual love story is a driving force throughout the novel.
- Show their growth: Characters should change and grow throughout the story. This adds depth and complexity to their personalities and makes them more interesting to readers.
For example, in “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis, Edmund Pevensie starts off as a selfish and petty character, but by the end of the story, he has learned the error of his ways and becomes a more compassionate and selfless person.
Creating engaging and memorable characters is an essential part of writing. By starting with the basics, giving them flaws, making them relatable, developing their relationships, and showing their growth, you can create characters that readers will love and care about. Remember that characters drive the plot and are often the reason readers become invested in a story. Take the time to develop them and make them unforgettable.