Character Development 101

Today I’m excited to share a guest post on character development by Ana Obradović of CharacterHub.

Understanding Character Development

Alright, let's dive into character development! There are two main types of character development you need to get cozy with: the character creation process and the character arc.

The Character Creation Process

Think of this as crafting your characters from scratch. Give them real, relatable traits, quirky mannerisms, and goals that make readers want to root for them. Make them feel like people you could actually meet.

The Character Arc

This is all about the journey. Make sure your characters grow and change. This change needs to happen in ways that feel natural and believable. It's not just about where they end up, but how they get there as the story progresses. The change also needs to happen gradually to be relatable and believable.

Importance of Character Development

Why is character development such a big deal? As we already know, characters are the heartbeat of your story. Who drives the plot? Characters. Who makes your readers emotionally invested in the story? Characters! When you've got multi-dimensional, complex characters, readers can't help but connect with them. It's like giving your readers new friends to hang out with for a while.

Here's the fun part! Getting to know your characters can be achieved through so many creative activities. For instance, can you pretend your character is with you in the same room? How would they approach you, what would they say and do? 

For both your main and secondary characters, take the time to really dig into their personalities. Think of it like a deep dive into their lives. And don't forget about character archetypes! These can be great starting points for inspiration. Just remember, your characters can totally break the mold and do their own thing. Mix it up and see where they take you!

Introducing Characters

When you're bringing your characters into the story, make sure you fully understand their goals and motivations. What do they want on the outside (goal), and what drives them on the inside (motivation)? Drop hints about these as you go. And don’t spill all the beans at once—let their strengths and weaknesses come out naturally through their actions and interactions. These traits should shake things up and push the plot forward, making the story that much more gripping! Don’t get me wrong, some characters develop their goals later on in the story, but you should know where your character could be heading from step one. 

Building Blocks of Growth

Alright, let's break it down. You've got two types of characters - dynamic and static. Dynamic characters are your changemakers—they grow and evolve throughout the story. Decide who these guys are and throw them into situations that push them to transform. Then, you've got your static characters who stay pretty much the same but still play a crucial role in your story.

Now, let's spice things up with some conflict! Internal conflicts (think inner demons and personal struggles) and external conflicts (like rivalries and obstacles) are your secret weapons. They keep your characters on their toes and drive their development. It's all about shaking things up and seeing how your characters deal with the chaos!

Practical Tips

Let's get practical with character development! 

First up, routine interaction: put your characters in different everyday situations to really get a feel for how they behave. Imagine them grocery shopping, stuck in traffic, or dealing with a tricky co-worker.

Next, backstory exploration: dig into their personal history. Knowing their past helps you understand what makes them tick. Were they the class clown, or did they have a rough childhood? This stuff matters!

Then, dialogue differentiation: give each character their own unique voice. Maybe one uses lots of slang, while another is super formal. Distinct speech patterns and mannerisms make them stand out.

And don’t forget about the golden rule: show, don't tell. The show, don’t tell technique implies that instead of saying your character has grown you should show it through their actions and reactions. When they face obstacles, let their changing responses reveal how they've evolved. And don't just tell us they're angry, sad, or excited—show it through their unique emotional reactions. Maybe one character punches a wall in frustration while another gets eerily calm. These little details make your characters believable and keep your readers hooked!

Combine Traits. Think of people you know—your quirky aunt, that mysterious neighbor, your overly chatty barista. Mix their traits together to cook up some unique characters that stand out.

Use Character Tools and Websites. There are some amazing tools out there to help you organize and develop your characters. Sites like CharacterHub or Toyhouse keep all your character details in one place, making it easy to reference and build on as your story grows.

Utilize Objectionable Characters. Don't shy away from adding those less-than-likable characters. They can stir up drama, add tension, and keep things interesting. Sometimes, the jerks are the most memorable!

Incorporate Surprise and Authenticity: Let your characters surprise you. If they suddenly decide to take the story in a new direction, roll with it! This keeps things fresh and authentic, making your story feel alive and unpredictable.

And finally, and most importantly, consider your characters’ desires and motivations. Every character should want something in every scene. Whether it's as big as seeking revenge or as small as wanting a cup of coffee, their desires drive their behavior and make them feel real.

Keep these tips in mind, and your characters will jump off the page!

Have fun, and watch your characters come to life in ways you never expected!

Ana Obradović is a team member at CharacterHub, a website for storing, creating, and developing original characters for writers and artists. She stays busy helping her team bring all fictional characters to life; writing articles and resources for original character creators in her spare time.