As an avid reader, I’m sure you have come across a book series with unique and captivating characters that keep you coming back for more. Characters make or break a book series, and as an author, creating compelling characters is vital in developing a successful book series. In this blog, we’ll dive into the importance of characters, tips on how to create them, and steps for developing them throughout your book series.

Why are Characters Important? 🤔

Characters are the heart and soul of a book series. They are what readers connect with emotionally and what keeps them invested in the story. Readers want to root for a character, feel their struggles, and celebrate their victories. Without compelling characters, a book series becomes lackluster, and even the most imaginative plotline falls flat.

In short, characters are the building blocks of any book series and the foundation for success.

A group of happy people jumping in the air together in a celebration

Creating a Compelling Character 🎨

A great character is more than just a name on a page. They need depth, motivation, and a unique personality that separates them from the rest of the cast. Here are some tips on how to create a compelling character:

  • Build a backstory: To understand your character, you need to know where they come from, what they’ve been through, and their motivations for doing what they do. Thinking about their background can help flesh out their personality, why they have particular skill sets, and which experiences in their life have influenced them.

  • Give them flaws: Nobody is perfect, and that includes your characters. Adding flaws makes them more relatable and human. It also gives them room for growth, character development, and over-coming adversity.

  • Ensure they are unique: What sets your character apart from everyone else in the book series? Do they have a unique skill, hobby or maybe a quirky personality trait? Make sure your character stands out from the rest of the cast.

Illustration of a character with a speech bubble with a unique symbol in it

Developing Characters Over Time 🌟

As you develop your book series, your characters should also grow and evolve. Here are three steps to take when developing your characters over time:

  • Consider their arc: Plot out how your character will change over the course of your book series. What challenges will they face, and how will they overcome them?

  • Provide them with obstacles: Obstacles present an opportunity for growth. Whether it’s a challenge in a relationship, facing fears or overcoming a physical obstacle, it’s these trials that demonstrate a character’s strength and resilience.

  • Allow them to learn: Give your characters opportunities to learn from their experiences, both good and bad. Whether it’s discovering a newfound strength, recognizing their flaws or learning empathy, growth is essential to character development.

A book with a character's growth graph, showing how their story has evolved

Conclusion ✨

Creating compelling characters is a key element in developing a successful book series. A character that is relatable, flawed, unique, compelling, and capable of development is a character that readers will remember long after finishing the final book. By building a backstory, providing obstacles, and allowing them to learn, character development can truly bring your book series to life.

A cover photo of a book series with compelling, unique, and diverse characters on it