Writing Tip: Craft Compelling Characters
Crafting incredible characters is one of the best ways to create interesting stories that readers don’t want to put down.
In my opinion (and this is only my opinion), characters make or break the book. Even if the plot is amazing, and the setting is vibey and atmopsheric, if I’m not connected with the characters, I’m out. On the other hand, if the setting is just there, and the plot is quiet or essentially non-existent, I may keep reading simply because I love the character(s). I think this is part of why I focus so heavily on character development, even before outlining any plot points, while I’m brainstorming a new project. Crafting characters that resonate with our audience is not just a literary exercise; it's the heart and soul of storytelling. That’s why it's crucial to create compelling characters.
Let’s explore some key ways we can bring them to life.
Why Compelling Characters Matter:
Emotional Connection
Compelling characters evoke emotions. When readers care about the characters, their journey becomes the reader's journey. The emotional investment in a character creates a bond that transcends the words on the page, ensuring a memorable and impactful reading experience.
Driving the Plot
Characters are the driving force behind the plot. Their goals, conflicts, and growth propel the story forward. A well-crafted character not only reacts to the events but actively shapes the narrative, making the plot more engaging and dynamic.
Reflecting Realities
Readers connect with characters who reflect real human experiences. By infusing authenticity into our characters—flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities—we create a mirror that reflects the complexities of the human condition. This relatability fosters a deeper connection between readers and the narrative.
Sustaining Interest
Compelling characters sustain reader interest. It's the characters that linger in the minds of readers long after the book is closed. A strong character leaves an indelible mark, making our stories memorable and shareable.
How to Craft Compelling Characters:
Depth and Complexity
Begin by giving characters depth. Explore their backgrounds, motivations, and fears. Characters with layers and complexities are more intriguing and believable. Consider the nuances of their personalities, allowing them to evolve throughout the story.
Flaws and Imperfections
Perfect characters are forgettable. Embrace the flaws and imperfections of our characters. These traits make them relatable and provide opportunities for growth and transformation. A character's journey becomes more compelling when they overcome their own shortcomings. I dare say, the least interesting stories I’ve read often suffered from having these “perfect” characters.
Unique Voice
Each character should have a distinct voice. Whether through dialogue, internal thoughts, or narrative style, ensure that our characters stand out. A unique voice not only adds authenticity but also helps readers differentiate between characters in a crowded cast. This was something I really worked on in the Manifold Chronicles books specifically, because I wrote them in dual-POV or multi-POV, and that can get tricky/confusing when characters sound too much alike.
Motivations and Goals
Clearly define characters' motivations and goals. What drives them? What do they aspire to achieve? Understanding these aspects allows you to shape their actions and decisions in a way that aligns with their core desires, creating a more cohesive and engaging narrative.
Show, Don't Tell
If you’re a writer, you’ve probably heard these three words countless times already, but just in case you haven’t: Instead of explicitly stating a character's traits, let their actions and choices reveal who they are. Showcasing character traits through behavior, dialogue, and interactions allows readers to form their own connections and interpretations, fostering a deeper engagement with the characters.
Dynamic Relationships
Characters don't exist in isolation. Explore the dynamics of their relationships with others. How they interact with different characters can unveil new facets of their personalities. Dynamic relationships add layers to our characters and enrich the overall narrative. One short cut to this is to create a supporting character that’s the opposite of the main perspective character. Not only does it highlight each characters’ unique personality but also gives opportunities for conflicting—or complementary—skills, beliefs, and actions.
Crafting compelling characters is an art that elevates storytelling. I’m always eager to embrace the challenge of creating characters that resonate emotionally, drive the plot, and reflect the complexities of the human experience. By investing time and thought into character development, we lay the foundation for a narrative that will linger in the hearts and minds of our readers long after they set our stories down.
Happy writing!
