Stories generally begin with either a plot or a character. Some writers come up with a great plot before they start working on a character. Most writers, however, begin with a character and then follow him/her through the plot. They use a lot of “what if” scenarios. Either way, you can’t have one without the other; building a great, solid character is one of, if not, the most important aspects of a good story.
There are many ways to build characters and each writer develops his/her own style and process for doing so, but if you’re lost in how to develop good characters, these tips will give you a good start.
Remember, good character development takes time and practice.
All stories are based on something the character wants; love, respect, money, career, etc. What the character does or endures, to get what he/she wants, is the plot- the story.
Many novelists create want lists for their characters. Whatever it is the character WANTS creates conflict in the story. Without conflict, there is no story. The character must want something and must face obstacles and adversity to get it.
To start building a character you can begin by answering a few simple (or complex) questions. If you feel completely lost, these questions may seem like they’re complex. Don’t worry, just have fun with it!
- What does the character want?
- What drives the character?
- What stands in the character’s way?
- What is the character willing to do to get it?
- How will the character handle the obstacles that keep him/her from their want?
Knowing the answers to these questions is what gives your character motive.
Some writers suggest you start with a name, others suggest you start building the character before giving him/her a name. My advice is to do whatever feels more natural to you. Try it both ways to see which works for you.
Take time each day to do some character work. You may not intend to use them any time soon or you may never use them, but spend time each day just doing some character work.
Fleshing out a Character
All characters need some meat on their bones; otherwise they’re just flat and have no substance to them. You can begin by working on some traits for the character.
Character Traits
- temperament
- moral, ethic, religious beliefs
- hobbies
- habits
- quirks
- likes/dislikes
- fears/phobias
- strengths/weaknesses
- goals, hopes, dreams
- flaws–all characters must have some flaws too!
Note: Some of these things will never get mentioned in your story, but as the writer you need to know all these little details to create a believable, 3-dimensional character.
Characters also need a past. The past made them who they are today. They must also grow and develop throughout the story. Characters that stay the same through the whole story are boring and no one will like them. These changes should be apparent but subtle enough to be believable. The changes your character goes through must also follow logically with the story.
Not all writers go through characterization the same way. Over time you will develop your own method.
One of the best and most thorough charts I’ve found:
http://www.epiguide.com/ep101/writing/charchart.pdf
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