Unveiling Characters: The Art of Character Development for Writers

Every story is about the characters who populate it, each one unique and complex, yet often born from a single situation or idea. In this article, we explore the most effective ways to develop and get to know your characters, ensuring they are well-rounded and compelling.

Developing Characters Based on Situations

As a writer, the starting point for your characters often lies within a situation that sparks their actions. This was the case for me when I wrote my novels, "Teddy Baer" and "Jane Doe." The characters in these stories react to a prison sentence that seems unjust, but their reactions are far from the same. "Teddy Baer" hides in plain sight, while "Jane Doe" stays out of society entirely. They both receive romantic pursuit, but from different angles—one for revenge, the other for justice.

While it is tempting to flesh out your entire character from start to finish, this can sometimes lead to overly complicated plots. A more effective approach is to begin with a brief description of the character's present state, noting quirks, traits, and flaws. Keep your initial notes concise, fitting the description within a few paragraphs to ensure clarity and focus.

Backwards Approach to Character Development

Once you have a basic understanding of your character, you can work backward to establish their backstory and the reasons for their quirks and behaviors. Why does your character have specific traits? Where did their personality come from? How do they react to certain situations? These questions, while vital, should be answered in a straightforward manner, not overcomplicating the narrative.

Revealing Characters Through Stories

One of the best ways to develop your characters is through short, unplanned stories written from their perspective or from the perspective of another character who comes into contact with them. Writing from multiple points of view allows you to see the same event from different angles, helping you understand how each character perceives and reacts to conflict.

These exercises are not only for improving your characters but also for engaging readers. By making your characters confront conflict, they will grow and evolve, becoming more relatable and dynamic.

Visual Inspiration for Character Development

As a visually driven person, I find headshots less effective compared to visual inspiration from fantasy-driven art books, online sites, and movie stills. These resources offer a comprehensive look at a character, showcasing personality and depth. Sometimes, combining images and adding or removing attributes can refine your character's portrayal.

However, many details like eye color or ethnicity are only crucial if they are integral to the story. In contemporary storytelling, many main characters can be swapped with little impact on the primary arc. Yet, certain unique attributes are necessary for the story to hold together. For example, changing the protagonist of a popular series could significantly alter the narrative.

Putting Your Characters Through Trials

To truly understand your characters, you must put them through challenging situations. Just as Luke Cage undergoes major changes in his story to become the hero he is, your characters must also evolve through experiences. Only after undergoing setbacks and growth can your characters resonate with readers.

So, whether it's through planned or unplanned stories, ensure your characters face their fears and emerge changed. This process will help you understand them better and, in turn, help your readers connect with them.

In conclusion, developing characters is a journey of discovery. By starting with a situation, working backwards to their backstory, using visual inspiration, and putting them through trials, you can create characters that are genuine, relatable, and compelling.