Writing Tips Episode 1 - Creating Characters

Hi again :) Today I thought I’d give some tips on creating a character. I’m definitely no expert at writing, but this method has really helped me over the years – I actually got the idea from FanFiction originally, but I've found it's great for fleshing out characters in any kind of story – and so I thought I’d share it.

Creating a character is something which everyone loves – but it’s not always the easiest thing to do. Often, people base characters too much on the events that happen to them throughout their story, or even things like their hobbies or how they look. I guess it’s like real life – we like to judge people quickly, because it’s simple and easy.

 But in reality, and in a good story, people are more complex than that. They have a massive range of emotions and personality, strengths and weaknesses. Good characters have a distinctive personality, and many layers. How they act on the surface is not always the same as who they are inside. Maybe they act differently depending on who they’re with; maybe they put on an act, wanting to impress people or hide what’s going on inside. Or they have something else to hide; a good reason to put on a pretence – something that might make a good story.

 Inspiration for characters can come from many places – people you know are a good beginning, as they’re realistically complex. Basing a character on some aspects of your own personality is also a good idea – just make sure you include some of your weaknesses as well as strengths. A character who is the you you wish you were can be bland and too perfect. Or think of a random personality trait – caring, selfish, feisty, brave, angry, shy, sly – then add on another trait to counter this, and a reason for it. Maybe your character is kind and caring, but angry at the world – ever since her mother died of cancer. Maybe they’re feisty and opinionated, but sly – their confidence is all an act to become more popular, and really, they know how to get what they want – and have a plan that will change the lives of people around them.

 The ideas are popping out already. Now all that’s left to do is to use them to make a character.

 There are a few key points that you should put in your profile, to help you to create a well-rounded, interesting character:

·         Personality (this should be a few sentences long at least, rather than separate words, and have at least a few different traits – though try not to have any contradictions unless there’s a good reason for it)

·         Backstory (What was a character’s life like before your story? Make it interesting, key to your character’s personality and important to the story – but try to keep it vaguely realistic. You want people to be able to relate to your character.)

·         Strengths (What’s good about this character? Give them at least one thing that makes them likeable – at least four or five strengths).

·         Weaknesses (Preferably give your character more weaknesses than strengths. Some of them can be resolved throughout the book, giving you a good opportunity for character development.)

·         Ambitions (What do they want? What are their hopes and dreams, their motives? These will be key for creating a good plot.)

·         Fears (Phobias are fine and can be both funny and effective obstacles for your characters – but think about the deeper stuff. Is your character afraid of being abandoned? Do they secretly feel like they’re not interesting?)

·         Names, appearance, friends and family are also important in helping you to visualise your character and the world around them.

 Next, take your profile and create a person. Put them into a difficult situation and think about the choices they’d make. Write from their point of view and figure out how they talk. Think about their flaws, why they are that way, how they could change and develop in particular situations. Give them a story. You’ve got the basic foundations for a good character – now it’s up to you to make them real.