Create deep and relatable characters by giving them unique backstories, desires, and fears. Remember, even villains need motives.
To create characters that resonate with readers, delve into their psychological makeup. Understand their deepest desires, fears, and motivations. This involves more than just outlining their traits; it means exploring why they are the way they are.
Unique Backstories
Every character has a past that shapes who they are. Their backstory should explain their current behaviors and attitudes. For instance, a character who’s overly cautious might have experienced betrayal or loss in the past. Weave these backstories into the narrative to provide context for their actions and decisions.
One of the best examples of how a character’s backstory shapes their present is Severus Snape from J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. Snape’s complex past, filled with deep love, bitter betrayal, and profound loss, explains his guarded demeanor. His harsh behavior, especially towards Harry, stems from these experiences. Early bullying, unrequited love for Lily Potter, and his role in her eventual death fuel his actions throughout the series. This backstory provides vital context for his seemingly inexplicable decisions and his ultimate redemption. Snape’s journey from a potential villain to a tragic hero is a testament to the power of a well-crafted backstory. It can add depth and nuance to a character’s role in a narrative.
Complex Desires and Goals
Characters should have desires that drive their actions throughout the story. These desires can be simple or complex, but they must be significant to the character. A protagonist’s goal to find love, for instance, might stem from a deep-seated need for acceptance and belonging.
In Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet desires to marry for love, which is a complex goal given the social and financial pressures of her time. Her wish reflects her need for personal happiness and intellectual compatibility, rather than conforming to what society expects of young women. Elizabeth’s pursuit of love on her own terms drives much of the plot and character development throughout the novel. This makes her one of the most loved characters in literary history for her complex, yet relatable, aspirations.
Realistic Fears and Flaws
Characters become more relatable when they have fears and flaws. These vulnerabilities make them human and help readers connect with them on an emotional level. A character might struggle with insecurity, which could affect their decision-making and relationships.
Despite her strong, resourceful exterior, Katniss Everdeen from Suzanne Collins’ “The Hunger Games” trilogy grapples with deep-seated fears of loss and vulnerability. Her fear of losing her sister, Prim, drives many of her decisions, including her initial act of volunteering as tribute for the Hunger Games. Katniss also struggles with trust and has a fear of emotional intimacy, which affects her relationships with Peeta and Gale throughout the series. These flaws make her human. Her character’s journey a compelling one, as readers see her confront and grow through these fears and vulnerabilities.
Villains with Motives
Even antagonists need well-developed motives. A villain should be more than just an obstacle for the protagonist. They should be a fully realized character with their own goals, fears, and reasons for their actions. Understanding why the antagonist opposes the protagonist adds depth to the conflict and creates a more engaging and nuanced narrative.
Every villain has their reasons. A well-known example is Magneto from the “X-Men” comic book series, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Magneto is not just bad for the sake of being bad. He has a rich backstory as a survivor of the Holocaust, which fuels his distrust and hatred toward humanity. His goal is to ensure the survival and supremacy of mutants, and he is driven by the fear that mutants will otherwise be persecuted just as he was. This fear leads to his radical and often violent measures, which put him at odds with the X-Men, who share his goal of mutant prosperity but not his extremist methods. Magneto’s complex character and his history provide a profound understanding of his motivations, making him one of the most compelling and multifaceted villains in the superhero genre.
Incorporating these elements into your characters will create a richer and more immersive experience for your readers. Characters should evolve throughout the story, influenced by their experiences and the story’s events. This dynamic development makes characters feel alive and keeps readers invested in their journeys.
Further Reading
Here’s a list of further reading suggestions for those interested in character development in fiction:
- “Creating Character Arcs” by K.M. Weiland – This book provides a comprehensive guide to crafting compelling character arcs within a story.
- “The Art of Character: Creating Memorable Characters for Fiction, Film, and TV” by David Corbett – A deep dive into the creation of dynamic characters with emotional depth.
- “Characters & Viewpoint” by Orson Scott Card – A part of the “Elements of Fiction Writing” series, this book offers insights into how characters function within the narrative point of view.
- “The Positive Trait Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Attributes” by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi – This reference book is great for brainstorming character traits and developing personalities.
- “The Negative Trait Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Flaws” by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi – A companion to the Positive Trait Thesaurus, helping writers create flawed and believable characters.
- “The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller” by John Truby – Although broader in scope, this book offers excellent advice on how characters drive a narrative and interact with the plot.
- “Write Great Fiction: Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint” by Nancy Kress – Provides techniques for crafting characters with emotional depth and a unique voice.
- “Crafting Unforgettable Characters” by K.M. Weiland – A writing guide offering tips on creating memorable and realistic characters.
- “Character Development: Step-by-Step | Essential Story Character Creation, Character Expression, and Character Building Tricks Any Writer Can Learn” by Sandy Marsh – A step-by-step approach to building characters from the ground up.
- “Dynamic Characters: How to Create Personalities That Keep Readers Captivated” by Nancy Kress – Focuses on how to create characters who evolve with the story, ensuring readers stay engaged.
These resources range from theoretical discussions of character to practical thesauruses of traits and should be beneficial to writers at any stage of their development.
In Closing
Whether you’re struggling with character development or looking for feedback on your story, I can help! As a seasoned developmental editor, I specialize in helping authors create compelling, multi-dimensional characters that drive your story forward. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life.
Contact me today to get started on a personalized editing plan!
