Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They reflect the people in our lives—those we admire, those who challenge us, and those who teach us invaluable lessons. As writers, our job is to create a character that resonates deeply with readers, characters who feel so real that they almost step off the page.
Whether you’re writing a novel, a short story, or even a memoir, creating a character that connects with your audience is key to crafting a compelling narrative.
But how can you develop a character that not only aligns with your plot but also deeply engages your readers? It begins by delving deeply into your characters, understanding their imperfections, aspirations, and motivations. Here are eight ways to craft a character that truly connects with your reader.
- Get to Know Your Characters Inside and Out
- Understand Your Character’s Biggest Flaw
- Know What They Desire
- What are They Going to Lose?
- Know Their Voice
- Let Your Characters Take the Lead
1. Create a Character Inside, Out
Before you can weave your character into your plot, you need to understand who they are on a fundamental level. Think about the people you know—your family, friends, colleagues. What makes them tick? What are their quirks, their passions, their fears? Your characters should be just as complex and layered.
One effective way to dive deep into your character’s psyche is to answer a series of questions about them. What do they like to read? What makes them angry? How do they dress? What are their hobbies? By exploring these questions, you begin to fill in the details that make your character feel real and believable.
You might even consider taking personality quizzes as your character or writing monologues from their point of view. These exercises can reveal hidden aspects of their personality that you hadn’t considered before. The more you know about your character, the more naturally they will fit into your plot, influencing the story in organic and surprising ways.
2. Understand Your Character’s Biggest Flaw
Flaws make characters relatable. We all have them, and so should your characters. Their flaws will cause them to make mistakes, to stumble and fall, and, ultimately, to grow. A character without flaws is like a story without conflict—flat and unengaging.
As you develop your character, think about their biggest flaw. What holds them back? Perhaps they are too prideful, or maybe they have a deep-seated fear of failure. Whatever their flaw, it should be significant enough to create obstacles in their journey through your story.
As they confront this flaw, they will face challenges that force them to grow and evolve, making their journey all the more compelling for your readers.
3. Know What They Desire
Desire is the engine that drives your character forward. It’s what keeps them moving through the plot, no matter the obstacles in their way. Your character’s main goal might be to find love, achieve success, or uncover a hidden truth. Whatever it is, this desire should be clear and powerful, propelling them through the story.
However, it’s important to remember that your character’s flaws will get in the way of achieving their desires. This tension between what they want and what’s holding them back is what creates drama and intrigue in your story. It’s what keeps your readers turning the pages, eager to see how your character will overcome their obstacles.
4. Understand What Your Character Stands to Lose
Stakes are the driving force behind your character’s actions. They need to have something at risk, something they stand to lose if they don’t achieve their goal. These stakes should be significant enough to motivate your character to take action, even when the odds are stacked against them.
Think about what your character is willing to sacrifice to achieve their desire.
What are they afraid of losing? Their reputation? Their relationships? Their life? The more believable the stakes, the more invested your readers will be in the outcome of your story.
5. Know Their Voice
Your character’s voice is more than just the words they speak—it’s how they say them. Their voice reflects their personality, their background, and their emotions. Does your character have an accent? Do they use slang or formal language?
How do they express anger, love, or fear? To truly understand your character’s voice, try writing a dialogue from their perspective. Pay attention to the words they choose, the rhythm of their speech, and the emotions behind their words. The more distinct and authentic their voice, the more they will resonate with your readers.
6. Let Your Characters Take the Lead
Once you’ve invested the effort into getting acquainted with your characters and grasping their flaws, desires, and stakes, it’s their turn to take the lead. As William Faulkner eloquently put it, “It starts with a character; all I can do is follow behind him, trying to jot down what he says and does.”
When your characters are fully fleshed out, they’ll begin making decisions independently. They behave in ways that catch you off guard, often steering the story in unexpected directions.
Let them. Have faith in your characters’ instincts, and follow their guidance. This is where the enchantment unfolds—where your narrative truly springs to life.
In essence, crafting a captivating character that resonates with any audience goes beyond mere details. It’s about comprehending their flaws, desires, and stakes, and empowering them to lead your narrative.
By doing so, you sculpt characters that exude authenticity and relatability, characters your readers will connect with and remember long after they’ve turned the final page of your book. And in the process, you cultivate a community of readers who are deeply invested not just in your tale, but in the characters who inhabit it.
