How to Create Compelling Characters
'Without character, there is no story.'
This statement, written by Syd Feud in his novel Four Screenplays: Studying the American Screenplay, is one which stayed with me after university. Characters are integral to any story: they make us laugh, cry and throw the book across the room when they make silly decisions.
The Hunger Games series wouldn't be what it is without Katniss' excellent character arc , How to Train your Dragon wouldn't work if Hiccup was a typical viking, and making Tracy a goodie two shoes would turn The Story of Tracy Beaker into a completely different story. But how do you create characters which jump off the page, grab hold of the reader and pull them inside the book? Here are some tips to help you create compelling characters.
1. Use Questionnaires
Websites like the Novel Factory and E A Deverell's blog provide free questionnaires and character worksheets for authors to use at their leisure. You don't have to answer every question, but these resources help you develop a detailed understanding of your characters. I think it's important to study your characters before you start writing. Imagining you're sitting them down for an interview is another useful exercise.
Along these lines, the 16 personalities test is a great starting point for creating characters, and I would recommend using it if you ever get stuck. I will link these websites at the end of my post.
2. Pinterest and Spotify
These are great when it comes to character vibes and aesthetics, and they're a lot of fun to use. I always include my character's star sign, 16 personality result, hobbies, and their relationships with others in my playlists and boards. I've included the playlist and board I created for the main protagonist of my current WIP at the end of this post.
3. Motivation
The phrase 'motivation is key' applies to fiction as well as real life. It is the most important element of fiction in my opinion. You need to know your character's goals and motivation before you write a single word of your story. You can have intricate world building, a great story idea and tons of action but if you don't know why your characters care or what they want, your story will fall flat.
Leading on from this, make sure your entire cast of characters are compelling in some way. A great main character or group of main characters won't make up for an overall subpar cast.
Those are a few tips when it comes to ensuring your characters pop. I may not be an 'expert' in the sense of having 25 novels published and a steady author career, but my study of the craft has shaped my understanding of what goes into creating the characters we all know and love.
Links:
Questionnaires:
Character questionnaire: The Ultimate Character Questionnaire: 200+ Unique Questions
E A Deverell's blog: Writing Worksheets - creative writing blog
16 Personalities test: Free Personality Test | 16Personalities
Spotify and Pinterest:
Iris Jones:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4FwhxT2d8GKlNHe5oWdxPH?si=ikSyiVODSdiZMv8NsDSxng
https://pin.it/2ASYybsjB