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.
Let’s explore some key ways we can bring them to life.
Why Compelling Characters Matter:
Emotional Connection
Driving the Plot
Reflecting Reality
Sustaining Interest
If I had to distill everything in this post down to one key question to determine whether or not we’ve successfully written a compelling character, it would be: Does this character evoke emotion? If the answer is no, they need more work. If the answer is yes, we’re onto something. This is because, when readers care about the characters to the point of experiencing emotion, their journey becomes the reader's journey. The emotional investment in a character creates a bond and ensures a memorable and impactful reading experience.
As writers, it’s important we remember that 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. I think it was Abbie Emmons who I heard talk about how much she dislikes when characters are simply pushed around by the plot, and I totally agree with her. I’m sure she’s not the only one to highlight this unsatisfying dynamic because these kinds of passive characters who just keep taking the plot’s punches, rarely engage readers as much as active characters who have a sense of autonomy and self-direction.
Aside from decisive or active characters, readers connect with ones who reflect real human experiences. By infusing authenticity into our characters—flaws, strengths, and vulnerabilities—we can mirror the real world in a way that’s more easily accepted and integrated. This relatability helps subtly encourage a deeper connection between readers and the story itself.
In short, compelling characters sustain reader interest through emotional connection. More than any other element, I believe a strong character is most often what makes our stories memorable and shareable.
How to Craft Compelling Characters:
Go Deeper
Begin by giving characters depth. Explore their backgrounds, motivations, and fears. Characters with layers (and contradictions) are more intriguing and believable. Consider the nuances of their personalities, allowing them to evolve throughout the story. Being really intentional about this can help us quickly understand their GMC (goals, motivation, and conflict), which is the essential to a truly compelling character. While leaning on tropes and archetypes can be helpful, what makes our characters different? We need to go deeper.
Give them Flaws
Perfect characters are forgettable, so embrace the flaws and imperfections. These traits make them relatable and provide opportunities for growth and transformation throughout the story. A character's journey becomes more compelling when they overcome their failings and shortcomings. I dare say, the least interesting stories I’ve read often suffered from having these “perfect” characters.
Focus On Voice
Each character should have a distinct voice. Whether through dialogue, internal thoughts, or narrative style, we must 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. Let their voices reflect their lives. View the world through their eyes, down to writing descriptions using words and references true to who your character is. Let them tell the story in their own way.
Make Goals Clear
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. I can’t emphasize this enough: our characters’ motivations and goals are foundational to making them compelling, because this is what the plot (and other characters) will push against throughout the entire story, and it’s what will drive the character forward.
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, allowing them to engage more deeply with the characters. So instead of telling the reader that your main character Jane is jealous, show her expressing one thing aloud while directly contradicting it in her interiority. This is far more effective and impactful.
“Do you like my hair?” Suzie asks, twirling a newly blonde curl around her finger.
Why was Suzie always fishing for compliments? Wasn’t it enough that everyone already loved her? Sure, it looks amazing—as it always does—but there’s no reason she has to rub it in. She should try being the one in someone’s shadow all the time.
Jane shrugs. “Yeah, looks great.”
Show Dynamic Relationships
Characters don't exist in isolation. How they interact with different characters can unveil new sides of their personalities or reveal fresh flaws/conflicts/connections. Dynamic relationships add layers to our characters and enrich the overall story we’re trying to tell. One short cut to this is to create a supporting character that’s the opposite of the main perspective character. This is sometimes called a foil character. Not only does it highlight each characters’ unique personality but also gives opportunities for conflicting—or complementary—skills, beliefs, and actions.
Storytelling is the combination of a bunch of things, but at least for me, it’s all about the characters. I’m always eager to embrace the challenge of creating characters that resonate emotionally, drive the plot, and reflect on everything it means to be human. By investing time and thought into character development, we let our readers have a more full, immersive experience with our stories. So make sure your characters are memorable by making them real!
Happy writing!
