Character tips

So far, I’ve spent my time talking about my experiences with the publishing process. Don’t get me wrong, this is a very important part of writing a book, but it pales in comparison to…well, actually writing a good story. It’s kinda hard to get your book published if it isn’t even written well. One of the most important parts of a well constructed narrative, and it’s the part that readers connect with most, are compelling characters. There are many ways to write compelling characters depending on the genre and the circumstances, but I will go over a few key tips that I have found while working on my books.

One of the most important things you need for a compelling character is for them to be relatable, this is why audiences have such a hard time connecting with “chosen one” characters. These characters, more often than not, succeed in all their endeavors. They are confident, headstrong, and talented far beyond their years. I don’t know if you realize this, but those aren’t qualities that most people possess. Not to say “chosen one” characters are inherently bad, you just need to be more thoughtful when you are constructing them to make a character that readers can truly connect with.

Typically if you have a “chosen one” in your story, they come across as more relatable if you give them flaws and shortcomings. For example, Maran, the main character of my novel The Land of Shadows, has a hot streak. His anger oftentimes gets the better of him, and he is motivated by revenge and fear more so than hope or a sense of right. If you give your characters flaws, they can grow and change throughout the story, this helps the reader to feel as if they are experiencing what the character is.

Another aspect of a compelling character is a clear goal for them to work towards. If the audience doesn’t have a clear goal in mind for the your characters, then they can start to feel lost and detached from the story. Your characters can still have side adventures, in fact these can also help to show how they grow throughout the story, but a clear goal helps the reader to feel invested. They want the character to achieve that goal. A good example of this is, to no one’s surprise, The Lord of the Rings. Frodo has one simple goal that he works towards throughout the majority of the trilogy, destroy the one ring. Even though a lot happens throughout these books to distract Frodo, such as meeting Sméagol, he still has this one driving force that’s helps guide his actions.

The last tip that I have to make compelling characters is write what you know. For example, I grew up with four brothers, so I understand the brotherly dynamic pretty well. I’m able to use my understanding to make my main character Maran’s interactions with his brother Jerathim more realistic and I’m able to show a completely different side of both of them. Whether it’s in your characters relationships, traits, or desires, try your best to write what you know. You can always try to venture out of your comfort zone a little to grow in your writing ability, but you have to be willing to imbue your writing with that unique voice that only you can write.

There are many more ways you can create compelling characters, and many nuances even within the categories that I’ve laid out, but if you follow these tips, I guarantee your characters will feel more alive. As always, happy writing out there.