In every unforgettable novel, characters are the beating heart of the story. They are the ones who bring readers along for the ride, make them feel deeply, and stay with them long after the final page. Creating relatable and memorable characters is an essential skill for any author, but it can feel like a daunting task.
In this article, we’ll explore actionable strategies to craft characters that resonate with readers and leave a lasting impression.
- Start with a Strong Foundation
Before diving into the finer details, get to know your character at their core. Ask yourself these foundational questions:
- What is their primary goal?
- What motivates them to pursue this goal?
- What fears or flaws might hold them back?
For example, a young detective striving to solve a high-profile case might be motivated by a need to prove their worth but hindered by their fear of failure or inexperience. These elements form the backbone of a character’s relatability, they are driven by universal human emotions like ambition, love, fear, or self-doubt.
- Give Them Unique and Realistic Traits
Every memorable character has traits that make them distinct. These traits might be physical, psychological, or behavioral, but they should always feel authentic.
Physical Traits:
Avoid relying solely on clichéd descriptions like “piercing blue eyes” or “flaming red hair.” Instead, include details that reveal something about their personality. For instance, a character with perpetually messy hair might indicate a carefree or disorganized nature.
Personality Quirks:
Quirks and habits make characters human. Perhaps your character hums nervously when thinking or collects obscure items that tie to their backstory.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Balance is key. A character with both strengths (determination, intelligence) and weaknesses (impatience, insecurity) feels multidimensional.
- Develop Their Backstory
A well-thought-out backstory informs how your character acts in the present. You don’t need to reveal every detail to the reader, but knowing it as the author helps you write more authentic responses and motivations.
Consider these aspects when crafting a backstory:
- Defining Moments: Events that shaped their worldview.
- Relationships: Their bonds with family, friends, or enemies.
- Hidden Secrets: Past experiences they don’t openly share.
For instance, a character’s inability to trust others might stem from a betrayal in their childhood. This backstory adds depth and explains their present behavior.
- Build Emotional Connections
Readers relate to characters through shared emotions and experiences, even in fantastical or exaggerated settings.
Show Vulnerability:
When characters face inner struggles, readers see their humanity. A superhero doubting their ability to save the day is just as compelling as their external battles.
Evoke Empathy:
Put your character in situations that test their values, beliefs, or resilience. How they respond to adversity allows readers to root for them.
- Craft Authentic Dialogue
How characters speak reveals a lot about who they are. Dialogue should reflect their background, education, and personality.
Tips for Writing Dialogue:
- Use unique speech patterns, slang, or vocabulary to differentiate characters.
- Avoid overloading dialogue with exposition. Let actions and subtext do the heavy lifting.
- Ensure their words match their goals. A manipulative character might speak in half-truths, while an idealistic character might be bluntly honest.
For example, a grizzled war veteran might use short, clipped sentences, while a poetic scholar might weave elaborate metaphors into their speech.
- Make Them Evolve
A static character is forgettable. Memorable characters grow and change as a result of the story’s events.
Character Arc:
- Start with a flaw, fear, or limitation.
- Introduce challenges that force them to confront this issue.
- Show gradual growth as they overcome their obstacles.
For instance, a character who begins as selfish might learn the value of sacrifice by the end of the story. These arcs create a sense of journey and transformation, which resonates with readers.
- Give Them Relatable Struggles
Even in the most extraordinary circumstances, your characters should face challenges that readers can understand.
- A knight battling a dragon might also struggle with imposter syndrome.
- A space explorer discovering alien life could grapple with loneliness or homesickness.
These universal struggles help readers connect with your character, no matter how fantastical the setting.
- Surprise Your Readers
Predictable characters are often forgettable. Subvert expectations by giving your character depth and layers.
For instance, a gruff, intimidating character might secretly enjoy baking pies or caring for stray animals. These contradictions make characters more human and endearing.
- Use Supporting Characters to Highlight Their Traits
Your protagonist doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Supporting characters can bring out different facets of their personality.
- A mentor might challenge them to grow.
- A rival might highlight their weaknesses.
- A friend might provide insight into their softer side.
The way your character interacts with others adds richness and complexity to their portrayal.
- Test Your Character’s Impact
Once you’ve crafted your character, ask yourself:
- Would readers care if this character failed or succeeded?
- Can readers understand and relate to their emotions?
- Does this character feel like a real person with depth?
If the answer is yes, you’ve likely created someone relatable and memorable. If not, revisit their goals, flaws, and development to add more dimension.
Conclusion
Creating relatable and memorable characters takes time, effort, and a willingness to delve deep into their psyche. By focusing on their goals, backstory, strengths, weaknesses, and growth, you can craft characters that leap off the page and into the hearts of your readers.
Remember, the best characters are the ones who feel real, flawed, striving, and endlessly fascinating. So, start crafting, and let your characters take on a life of their own!
