Character development is a key element of story writing. Characters, their actions, and reactions, are essentially what help to drive a story forward. Creating multidimensional characters is no easy task, however, there are several steps writers can take to ensure that their characters come to life on the page.
What’s in a Name
Think of some of the most memorable fictional characters of the last century. Boo Radley. Scarlett O’Hara. Huckleberry Finn. All these characters share a single trait and that is a name that readers can’t help but remember. When choosing a name, it’s important to choose something that speaks directly to the heart of the character. A memorable name should convey some element of the character’s personality or story directly to the reader.
Create Conflict
A well-developed character has to have some sort of conflict that propels their actions and thus, the story itself. There must be either an internal or external conflict present that the character must wrestle with and that is key to the story’s resolution. Think of Anna Karenina or the Count of Monte Cristo or any of the other great fictional characters. If a character is to have a story worth telling, then they must have conflict.
Make Characters Human
Human beings are imperfect as should be fictional characters. Whether the flaw is physical, intellectual, or emotional, it must at once define and distinguish the character. Even the greatest superheroes have flaws and imperfection is a trait that audiences can and will relate to.
Give Characters a Soul
Just as human beings have flaws, so do they have souls. If a reader views a character as soulless, then they will not be able to identify with them. Even when the character is the worst of villains, if he or she is portrayed as having a soul rather than being dehumanized, readers will feel a degree of empathy for them. Having readers be able to sympathize with the plight of individual characters is one of the key ingredients of a great story. If a reader cannot somehow relate to the characters and have some feeling for their situation, then they will not be able to relate to the story as a whole.
Force Characters to Act
A story with no action is not a story and characters cannot grow without action. A good character is shaped by interactions with other characters as well as the outside world. If they do not experience any change or growth throughout the course of the story, then readers will have a hard time relating to them. By placing characters in situations where they are forced to act, they will in turn be able to drive the story.
Avoid Stereotypes When Creating Memorable Characters
Memorable characters are memorable because there has never been another like them before. Memorable characters look, speak, and act differently than other characters because they cannot help but stand out. Stereotypical and clichéd characters will only stall the story and fail to keep the reader’s interest because as stereotypes, readers will already be expecting them to act a certain way. The memorable character is one who does and says what is least expected.
When writing fictional characters, it’s important to remember that they are just as important as plot in creating a great story. Ultimately, a reader needs to be able to see a bit of themselves in the characters are reading about. They need to be a part of the character’s journey, to experience the same ups and downs. A great character is one who is flawed but still somehow redeemable, one who will stay with the reader long after the story ends.
 |
