Watching your characters come to life on the page is one of the most exhilarating aspects of writing. As I dive into my own character development process, I’ve discovered a few key strategies that help not just in creating believable characters, but also in forging connections with readers. Here are my top three ways to bring a character to life, making them resonate with your community of readers.
1. Discover Their Voice
The voice of a character is integral to their identity. Pay close attention to how they speak. Are they casual or formal? Do they express themselves loudly and energetically, or do they whisper shyly, choosing their words carefully? Perhaps they have a cocky bravado or come off as introverted and reserved.
Understanding your character’s speech patterns helps define the character. For instance, a character who tends to scream their thoughts out might indicate inner turmoil or confidence, while one who whispers may be battling insecurity or deep contemplation.
As your story progresses, the way your characters speak can change, mirroring their struggles or their growth. A Character’s dialogue shifts with their emotional state, adding depth and dimension to the narrative. By focusing on these nuances of language, you can create a richer, more immersive experience for your readers, allowing them grow with your characters and walk beside them as they make their way through your story. .
2. Know Who They Are
What does your character look like? What do they wear? Understanding these physical attributes helps to create a visual in your readers’ minds. In this way, your characters feel more alive and fully fleshed out. But knowing who your characters are goes beyond mere appearance. Dive deep into their temperament, motivations, and past experiences is essential.
A character’s history, their relationships and behaviors, revealing what motivates and what shapes them. . For example, a character who has parents who constantly criticized and shouted at them may respond to criticism with anger or fear in their adult relationships. A character who was shamed by teachers as a child, may try to reinvent themselves as an adult by becoming a professor who always listens to their students.
When you know your character inside and out, writing them flows naturally from the image you’ve created of them. Your characters express themselves through their actions and decisions, often showing up with a depth and complexity you didn’t initially intend. you with their depth and complexity. Don’t be surprised if you start to feel your characters have a mind of their own and n guide the story in unexpected directions.
3. Define Their Motivation
Every character enters the story with a desire, a goal they yearn to achieve—be it winning a war, saving a loved one, or pursuing a dream. However, these desires are always accompanied by flaws and challenges that complicate their journey. These imperfections not only make characters relatable but also fuel the story’s tension.
For instance, a character who desires to leave a toxic relationship might struggle with honesty, keeping them trapped in their situation. Alternatively, a character with grand ambitions may grapple with the fear of failure, leading to moments of self-sabotage. Understanding what motivates your characters and the emotional flaws that hinder them is crucial for weaving a compelling narrative.
By linking your character’s desires and flaws to the plot, you create a cohesive and engaging story. As characters confront their flaws, they discover deeper truths about themselves, leading to transformations that resonate with readers. Whether they emerge victorious or face heartbreaking failures, their journey becomes a reflection of the human experience, inviting readers to empathize and engage with their struggles and triumphs.
Connecting to the Readers’ Experience
Character charting isn’t just about crafting individuals; it’s about creating shared experiences that resonate with your readers. When readers connect with characters, they find pieces of themselves in their struggles and victories. When you understand who your characters are, how they express themselves, and what drives them, you’re not just writing a story—you’re opening the door for meaningful connections.
As you embark on a journey to develop your characters, remember that the depth and authenticity you bring to your characters creates ripples of connection throughout your writing community. When you embrace these three methods,, you create characters that leap off the page, ready to be seen, understood and loved by your reading community.
