Welcome fellow writers! 👋 Today we’re going to dive into one of the most essential aspects of storytelling; creating strong characters that will breathe life into your narrative.

As you embark on your writing journey, it’s important to understand that characters aren’t just players in your story. They are the driving force behind everything that happens. The more complex, relatable and unique your characters are, the more immersive and engaging your story will be.

So let’s get started on building the backbone of your story with these tips!

Drawing Inspiration From Real People 👀

As an aspiring writer, the world around you is a treasure trove full of characters waiting to be explored. Inspiration can come from people you know, or even strangers on the street. Look for unique quirks and traits that make people stand out, and incorporate them into your characters to give them depth and dimension.

One important thing to remember when drawing inspiration from real people is to make sure you’re not just simply copying someone’s likeness. Instead, use the things you observe as a springboard for creating something entirely new and original.

A spy who's inspired by all the characters that I notice in the street

Crafting Compelling Backgrounds for Your Characters 💡

The most memorable characters are those that have a rich history and backstory that grounds them in the story’s universe, making them feel more real and relatable.

Think about your characters’ upbringing, education, family history, and social status. What past events have shaped them into the people they are today? What drives their motivations?

By providing your characters with a compelling backstory, you’ll be able to flesh out their motivations, give them depth, and help readers understand why they act the way they do.

A character sketch with the backstory of the protagonist

Making Sure Your Characters Have Flaws 🤔

Everyone has flaws, and your characters should be no exception. Flaws create tension and conflicts within the story, making it engaging for readers.

Consider giving your characters flaws that suit the story’s themes. For example, a detective who has a drinking problem can add depth to a noir-style story. Additionally, flaws can help the reader relate to characters, making them more invested in their story.

A character with a giant heart but a flaw that can ruin their plans

Letting Characters Evolve 🌱

As your story progresses, your characters should grow and change too. By allowing your characters to evolve, you’ll help readers invest in their journeys and keep them engaged with the story.

Think about how your character’s experiences will shape them, and how they will adapt to changes in their lives. Be sure to give your characters room to evolve, but make sure the evolution is natural and in line with their personalities.

A character and their possible physical (prop) character evolution throughout the story

Conclusion 🎉

Building the backbone of your story with strong characters is essential to writing an immersive and engaging tale. By giving your characters depth, flaws, and room to evolve, you’ll be able to create unforgettable characters that drive your narrative forward.

So go out and create those unforgettable characters, and let them breathe life into your story!

A group of characters standing together to bring life to a big tale