Hey there, fellow writers 🖊️ It’s a great feeling to have an idea for a screenplay or play and to start to bring it to life, and one of the most crucial aspects of storytelling is the ability to develop authentic and believable characters. Whether you’re writing for the big or small screen, there are certain dos and don’ts that can help you craft interesting characters and avoid cliches. So, let’s dive in and explore some tips and tricks for developing characters that will captivate your audience and keep them engaged from beginning to end!

Dos 💯

Do Spend Time Crafting Backstories

Your characters are more than just names on a page, they are multifaceted individuals with histories and motivations. When crafting your characters, it’s important to spend time creating their backstory, exploring their family background, their professional life, and their personal experiences. Take the time to create a comprehensive backstory that informs their behaviors, attitudes, and choices.

A pen and a notebook on a wooden surface, representing the importance of taking notes while crafting characters

Do Create Unique Personalities

No two people are the same, and that’s why it’s important to create unique personalities for each character in your screenplay or play. Think about their quirks, habits, and mannerisms, as well as what makes them stand out from the rest of the cast. By creating unique and memorable characters, you’ll be able to make your story more impactful and engaging.

A group of different colored pencils in a jar, representing the diversity of each personality you can create

Do Allow Your Characters to Evolve

Your characters should not remain stagnant throughout the story. It’s important to allow them to evolve and change based on the choices they make and the experiences they have. Even the most immoral character can develop a moral code, or even undergo a complete personality upheaval as a result of the story’s events.

A butterfly undergoing metamorphosis, representing the evolution of your characters throughout the story

Do Give Characters Clear Motivations

Your characters’ motivations should be clear and easy to understand. These goals and desires should also be relevant to the story and be used to drive the plot forward. Without clear motivations, it can be difficult to build momentum within the story and to keep your audience engaged.

A man standing at the edge of a cliff, representing the motivations that drive your characters forward

Do Allow Your Characters to Fail

Nobody is perfect, and your characters shouldn’t be any different. Allow your characters to fail, make mistakes, and face setbacks. This will give them the opportunity to grow and evolve as individuals which can lead to more dynamic and relatable character arcs.

A person tripping over a rock, representing the importance of allowing your characters to fail

Don’ts ❌

Don’t Rely on Stereotypes

Stereotypes can be a crutch for character development, but ultimately, they can limit your character’s depth, and reduce their dynamic and unique qualities. While some stereotypes may be convenient, they’re not an accurate depiction of reality and it’s better to avoid falling into this trap.

A broken stereotype image, highlighting the importance of avoiding stereotypes

Don’t Make Characters Too Similar

While you want your characters to have certain things in common, like a shared backstory or common goals, you don’t want to make them too similar. In order to make your characters stand out and be memorable, it’s important to emphasize the things that make them unique and diverse.

A group of similar-looking characters, highlighting the importance of making each character standout

Don’t Neglect Character Arcs

Failing to give your character an arc will render them one-dimensional and forgettable. Characters should evolve and change over time, and their evolution should play a key role in the development of the story. Neglecting this crucial aspect of character development can leave your story feeling unfinished and unsatisfying.

An incomplete painting, emphasizing the importance of completing your character’s arc

Don’t Forget About Supporting Characters

Supporting characters play an essential role in adding layers, complexity, and depth to your story. While they may not have as significant a role as the main character, they’re still important in shaping the story and influencing the outcome. If your supporting characters are weak, the story may suffer, so remember to give them the attention they deserve.

A group of people standing together, highlighting the importance of supporting characters

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks

Taking risks with your characters can be scary, but it can also lead to unforgettable moments. Don’t be afraid to take risks and go outside your comfort zone when it comes to character development. You might be surprised at how it can push the story forward.

A person jumping from a cliff, symbolizing the importance of taking risks in character development

Final Thoughts 💭

Developing characters can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it also takes time, effort, and patience. Remember to create unique personalities, allow your characters to evolve, give them clear motivations, avoid clichés and stereotypes, and give supporting characters the attention they deserve. With these dos and don’ts in mind, you can craft dynamic and unforgettable characters that will keep your audience engaged from start to finish.

A person holding a final script, symbolizing the satisfaction of developing well-crafted characters