Writing Novel Characters
By amy wilson
editor and writing teacher.
Some writers find themselves electrified by plotting, while others want to write novel characters and find their way into a story via their fictional people. To us, one of the most important elements of a successful story is the novel characters. If readers can't relate to or care about the characters, they may not stick around to read all the way through. Here are a few tips to help you create novel characters that readers will fall in love with (or love to hate!).
Novel Characters Need a Goal
Give your novel characters a goal. What does your character want? What are they striving for? A character without a purpose is not very interesting to read about, as they have no real motivation.
Ask these questions of the rest of the novel characters as well. The antagonist and more minor characters are also more engaging if they have a strong desire that informs their choices.
Fleshing out your novel characters takes time and effort but will pay off in the end! Character development will keep readers invested and eager for more of your story! So take the time to give your characters the attention they deserve—your readers will thank you for it, and you will have more fun writing the project yourself.
Novel Characters Need to Feel Real
Consider writing flaws into your novel characters. Everybody has weaknesses and foibles; they make us interesting and relatable. People don't want to read about a perfect person. Readers want to see novel characters who make mistakes and have to work hard to overcome them.
Make your novel characters unique. Give your character special hobbies, eccentricities, and interests that set them apart from everyone else. This will help readers form an image of them and make them more real.
Write believable characters. Even if you've made them larger than life, they still need to feel like an actual person. Avoid cliches or stereotypes, as they will make readers roll their eyes and disconnect from the story. (It’s disappointing to see novel characters who are caricatures instead of well-rounded-seeming people.)
unlock your writing potential
As an agented writer and highly experienced editor, Amy Wilson can quickly identify strengths and opportunities for growth in your plot and prose, help you build a compelling submission package, and provide the encouragement you need to reach your writing goals. Take your writing to the next level with Amy’s professional eye.
