Hey everyone, it’s your favorite bookworm 📚 here to talk about a topic close to every writer’s heart: character development! As readers, we all know how important it is to have well-crafted characters that we can root for or against. But as a writer, creating and developing characters can be a daunting task. Fear not, because I’ve got some lessons from literary greats that can help you master character development! 🎉

Show, Don’t Tell 🎭

One of the most important lessons in character development is to “show, don’t tell.” This means that instead of telling your reader what a character is feeling or thinking, you should show it through their actions and dialogue. This creates a deeper connection between reader and character, and helps the reader understand and empathize with them. Take a page out of Jane Austen’s book - she was a master at showing her characters’ personalities through their interactions with others. 🤵👰

Illustration of a character's silhouette with actions around them

Flaws and Vulnerabilities are Key 🔑

Perfect characters are boring characters. Flaws and vulnerabilities are what make them human and relatable. You don’t have to give your protagonist a physical deformity or a tragic backstory, but adding quirks or insecurities to their personality can make them more interesting. Tony Morrison’s character Pecola Breedlove from “The Bluest Eye” is a perfect example of a character with flaws and vulnerabilities that make the reader connect with her on a deeper level. 🌸

Illustration of a character with a thought bubble filled with their flaws and vulnerabilities

Motivations Drive the Plot 🚗

Characters don’t exist in a vacuum. They have motivations and desires that drive the plot forward. A great way to develop your character’s motivations is to think about what they want more than anything in the world. Is it love? Power? Revenge? Once you know what their goal is, you can create conflict and obstacles that stand in their way. J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter is driven by the desire to protect his loved ones and defeat Voldemort. This motivation drives the entire series. 🧙‍♂️

Illustration of a character driving a car with a goal in the distance

Consistency is Key 🔐

Characters should remain consistent throughout the story. This means that their actions, thoughts, and dialogue should match their personality and motivations. If your character suddenly does something out of character without explanation, it can be jarring to the reader and break their connection with the character. A great example of consistent character development is Scout in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Her curiosity, empathy, and adventurous nature remain consistent throughout the story, even as she learns harsh truths about the world. 👧🏻

Illustration of a character holding up a key to symbolize consistency

Secondary Characters Matter Too 🙋‍♀️

Your protagonist shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. Secondary characters can provide depth and contrast to their personality. They can also help move the plot forward and provide conflict. When creating secondary characters, think about their role in the story and how they interact with the protagonist. John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” has a great cast of secondary characters that each bring something unique to the story and help develop the main character, George. 🐭

Illustration of a group of characters surrounding the protagonist to show the importance of secondary characters

That’s it for my lessons on mastering character development from literary greats. By implementing these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating well-crafted and unforgettable characters that will keep readers turning the pages. Happy writing! 📝

Illustration of a writer sitting at a desk with a pile of books and different characters surrounding them