How do you create unforgettable characters? How do you transform one-dimensional characters into complex characters that readers will love? In this article, I’ll share four simple ways you can use to create characters that will leap off the page!
Four Simple Ways To Create Unforgettable Characters:
Creating believable and likable characters can be challenging for any writer. And that’s usually because our focus is generally on the premise and plot of our story from the onset. But while those aspects of your story are certainly important, they should never overshadow your characters’ crucial role in your narrative.
For better or worse, your characters are the avatars your readers will use to experience your story. Keep them grounded and relatable while infusing them with qualities your readers will remember.
Give Them Style
Give your characters an iconic style so your readers know who they are as soon as they enter a scene. Choose visual cues that are part of your character’s overall look, like a weapon or an article of clothing, so they’re always present.
One of the most stylish characters that comes to mind is Indiana Jones. His signature fedora and beat-up leather jacket are so recognizable that his mere silhouette is enough to identify him. Those cues aren’t just unforgettable; they are who that character is. That’s how inseparable you want style to be with your character.
Give Them An Intro
Use your character’s style to your advantage by crafting a memorable introduction that leaves your audience wanting to know more about them. Try crafting an opening scene that serves as a microcosm of the story they’re about to experience.
The opening to Raiders of the Lost Ark is a perfect example of how to introduce a character. The first ten minutes show us everything we need to know about Indiana Jones and the kind of trouble he gets himself into. It’s a riveting action sequence that balances the right amount of tension, horror, and humor, and it gives a clear picture of what to expect.
Give Them Secrets
Everyone has a secret, whether it’s their own or one they’re keeping for someone else. Using your character’s choices to protect that secret or to uncover a more significant truth can also drive the action in your story.
Take a look at The Dark Knight. The first act centers around Batman’s plan to take down the crime bosses who’ve been terrorizing Gotham City. But a new threat arises when the Joker begins his own reign of terror. In a chilling series of events, he announces his plan to kill countless innocents every day until Batman takes off his mask and reveals his secret identity to the masses.
Later, Harvey Dent stands up and assumes Batman’s identity to keep that secret safe. The threat of Bruce Wayne’s secret coming to light drives the plot forward.
Give Them Inner Conflict
While external conflict is seen on the surface, it’s essential to consider the inner conflict driving your characters. Your audience won’t care so much about what’s happening. They’ll care more about who it’s happening to.
Again, let’s look at The Dark Knight. On the surface, the story revolves around Batman and his battle with the Joker. But if we take a closer look, the story is really about Bruce Wayne being torn between his need to serve as Gotham’s protector and his desire to embrace a life with Rachel Dawes. As the story unfolds, he tries to set Harvey up as Gotham’s true hero so he can hang up his cape and cowl forever. But things quickly spiral out of control when the Joker introduces his brand of anarchy.
What makes The Dark Knight so compelling is its ability to use inner conflict to raise the stakes. In the wake of Rachel’s death and Dent’s descent into madness, Bruce Wayne finally chooses to be Batman and accepts everything that comes with it—even if it means becoming a fugitive from the law.
Summing it up
Your characters will ultimately reflect your unique point of view. Delve into your own experiences while expanding the limits of your imagination as you work to breathe life into your characters.
Use these tips to create profiles for your characters while looking for additional ways to make them unique. Have fun coming up with quirks and traits specific to your cast, and then look for ways to weave their inner conflict with the central external conflict. Enjoy the process as you keep striving toward your goals. And above all, keep writing!
Until next time,
