How To Create A Character: 5 Secret Tips

Have you ever found yourself thinking about Sherlock Holmes’ brilliant deductions long after closing a Conan Doyle novel? Or perhaps you’ve caught yourself wondering about Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird”? That’s the power of a well-written character. 

Readers often become more invested in the characters than in the actual plot. Characters can even shape our thoughts and lives long after we’ve forgotten their storylines. So, whether you’re writing a novel or a short story, you need to create some fascinating characters. 

But how do you create a character that leaps off the page and sticks in your readers’ minds long after they’ve finished your story?

Here is a complete guide on how to create a character so you can breathe life into your characters and make them truly unforgettable in 2024!

Tip 1: Start With A Strong Character Concept

Think of your favourite fictional characters – what makes them stand out? Is it their tragic backstory, like Batman’s orphaned childhood? Their unique abilities, like Sherlock Holmes’ razor-sharp deductive skills? Or perhaps it’s their quirky personality traits, like Bridget Jones’ endearing self-deprecation or Tyrion Lannister’s sharp wit? Maybe it’s a combination, like Harry Potter’s mix of ordinary struggles and extraordinary destiny, or Katniss Everdeen’s fierce loyalty paired with her reluctant heroism.

To create a strong character concept:

1. Brainstorm archetypes: Consider classic roles like the hero, the mentor, or the trickster. These can provide a solid foundation for your character.
2. Subvert expectations: Take a familiar archetype and give it a twist. What if your hero is reluctant to save the day, like Bilbo Baggins at the start of “The Hobbit”? What if your villain believes they’re doing the right thing, like Thanos in “Avengers: Infinity War”?
3. Mix and match traits: Combine traits, occupations, and goals to spark unique ideas. For example: “A forgetful time-traveler trying to prevent her own birth.” The juxtaposition of contrasting traits can lead to fascinating character dynamics, so don’t be afraid to try something new!

Remember, your character concept is just the starting point, so don’t get hung if you feel like something is missing or they aren’t fully developed yet. As you write, your character will evolve and surprise you!

Tip 2: Develop A Rich Backstory

Your character didn’t just pop into existence on page 1  of your story. They have a past that shapes who they are and influences their actions, not to mention that developing a rich backstory adds depth and authenticity to your characters.

You don’t need to fill the reader in with every detail of your character; it’s the author’s prerogative how much they reveal, but understanding your character inside and out will help you write their role in your story. 

Ask yourself these questions about your character’s past:

• What was their childhood like?
• What are their biggest achievements and failures?
• What are their likes and dislikes?
• Who are the most important people in their life?
• What events shaped their worldview?
• What is their greatest desire?
• What is their greatest regret?

As I said, you don’t need to include all this information in your story, but knowing it will help you write more consistent and believable characters. Think of it as an iceberg – the reader only sees the tip, but the bulk of your character’s history lies beneath the surface, informing every decision and reaction.

Tip 3: Create A Distinct Voice 

Imagine if all your characters sounded and spoke the same—how dull would that be?

Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t present half as intellectually superior if he didn’t use his sharp, condescending tone. Similarly, an orc from Lord of the Rings would lose much of its menace (though they’re still visually terrifying) if it spoke in a polished, refined manner. Distinct voices are crucial for bringing your characters to life and making them memorable.

Here are some elements to add to your character profile:

1. Define their personality traits: Is your character optimistic or pessimistic? Introverted or extroverted? Generous or selfish? Choose a mix of traits that create an interesting and complex personality. Think of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, whose pessimism is so ingrained it becomes endearing, or Tony Stark’s extroverted confidence in the Marvel movies.
2. Describe their appearance: A character’s physical appearance can reflect their personality and background. Focus on distinctive features that set them apart and use interesting adjectives to reveal something about who they are. Example: In “The Great Gatsby,” F. Scott Fitzgerald describes Gatsby’s smile as “one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life.”
3. Develop a unique speech pattern: Does your character use a lot of slang? Do they have a catchphrase? Are they verbose or terse? The way a character speaks can tell us a lot about who they are and helps bring your character to life. Think of Yoda’s inverted speech pattern in Star Wars (“Do or do not, there is no try”) or Hagrid’s dialect in Harry Potter (“Yer a wizard, Harry”). 
4. Show their quirks: Give your character unique habits or mannerisms. Maybe they always tap their foot when they’re nervous, or they have a particular way of making coffee. They may have a quirk in their physical appearance, such as Hercule Poirot’s meticulous grooming of his moustache. 
5. Give them a dialect: An accent can make your character sound smarter, show where they were raised from or even reflect their social class. Think of the contrast between Eliza Doolittle’s Cockney accent and Professor Higgins’ upper-class speech in My Fair Lady.

Tip 4: Show Character Development

Static characters are like stagnant ponds – they quickly become dull and uninspiring. To keep your readers engaged, your characters need to evolve throughout your story. This growth, often referred to as a character arc, is what makes characters feel real and relatable.

Think about how Ebenezer Scrooge transforms from a miserly curmudgeon to a generous, kind-hearted soul in “A Christmas Carol.” Or consider Walter White’s dramatic evolution in “Breaking Bad” from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord. These character arcs keep us glued to the page or screen, eager to see what happens next.

Here’s how to describe character growth:

1. Start with flaws: Give your characters room to grow by starting them off with clear flaws or limitations. You could write physical, emotional, or even psychological flaws. 
2. Create challenges: Put your characters in situations that force them to confront their weaknesses and push beyond their comfort zones.
3. Show gradual change: Character development should be a journey, not a sudden leap. Let your readers see the small steps and struggles along the way.
4. Maintain core traits: While characters should grow, they shouldn’t become unrecognisable. Keep some core traits consistent to maintain authenticity.

Remember, not all growth is positive. Some of the most compelling character arcs involve a descent into darkness, like Michael Corleone’s transformation in “The Godfather” from reluctant outsider to ruthless mafia boss. 

Tip 5: Use Character Relationships To Add Depth

No character exists in a vacuum. The relationships your characters form with others can reveal volumes about who they are and add complexity to your story.

Consider all of the relationships in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” The interactions between Elizabeth Bennet and her family, friends, suitors, and adversaries reveal different facets of her personality. Her witty exchanges with Mr. Darcy, her loyalty to her sister Jane, her exasperation with her mother, and her initial misjudgment of Mr. Wickham all contribute to our understanding of Elizabeth’s character while driving the story’s central conflicts and romantic tension.

Here’s how to use relationships to deepen your characters:

1. Create diverse characters: Surround your main character with a variety of personalities. This allows for various interactions that can highlight different aspects of your protagonist.
2. Develop complex dynamics: Move beyond simple labels like “friend” or “enemy.” The most interesting relationships often have elements of both conflict and affection. Every story needs characters the reader can’t quite figure out. 
3. Use relationships to reveal character: How a character treats others, especially those with less power, can speak volumes about their true nature.
4. Let relationships evolve: Just like individual characters, relationships should change over time. A loyal friendship might sour, or bitter rivals might find common ground.
5. Show internal vs. external personas: How a character acts in public versus in intimate relationships can reveal fascinating contradictions.

Few things reveal more to a reader about your character than how they interact with other characters – just like real people! So when you describe your character, keep in mind their relationships.

Create Characters Your Readers Won’t Forget

Now you have everything you need to create a character your readers will love, hate, and everything in between!

Remember, great characters are the heart of unforgettable stories. They’re what readers remember long after they’ve forgotten plot twists and vivid descriptions.

By focusing on strong concepts, rich backstories, unique voices, interesting growth (good or bad), and complex relationships, you’ll be well on your way to creating characters that live on in readers’ minds long after turning the last page.