Truly memorable characters are complex, possessing layers upon layers of personality traits, motivations, flaws, and aspirations that mirror the complexity of real-life people. But crafting characters like this requires a delicate balance of creativity, empathy, and understanding of some basic psychology. This article will delve into the art of writing complex characters that leap off the page, engaging readers on a deep level. From main characters grappling with inner conflicts to antagonists experiencing unexpected vulnerabilities, this article explores the elements that contribute to rich and complex characters. So, sharpen your pencils and discover five tips for writing complex characters that resonate, endure, and inspire.
Include Contradictions
Including contradictions adds depth and realism to your characters, making them more relatable and intriguing. These contradictions are important because they often reflect the multifaceted nature of real humans. This then makes your characters more realistic. For instance, a (seemingly) ruthless CEO may demonstrate unexpected kind acts, such as anonymously donating to charity. This contradiction showcases the contrast between the ambition and empathy that this character experiences. Similarly, a character who is a devoted environmental activist might struggle with personal habits that contradict their principles, such as always buying plastic straws to enjoy their iced lattes. This example highlights the internal conflicts in striving for personal values while also living in a complex world. You can create complex characters that resonate with your readers by giving your contradictions.
Define Their Motivation
By understanding what drives your characters, whether it is internal desires, external pressures, past experiences, or conflicting emotions, you can create authentic and compelling character arcs that resonate with readers or viewers. In general, defining clear motivations for your characters makes it easier for readers to track a character's trajectory. In turn, this helps ensure consistency and coherence in their actions throughout the story. Without a defined motivation, your characters could come off as flat or unengaging, failing to captivate audiences on an emotional or intellectual level. Therefore, establishing the motivation of a character is not just a storytelling tool but a fundamental aspect of constructing complex characters!
Create Unique Character Quirks
Like people, all of your characters should have their own, unique quirks. Quirks are what make your characters "them" and they are a great way to have fun when developing your characters. Plus, the more unique quirks your character has, the more realistic and complex they will seem. They add personality and depth to all of your characters. Listed on Blue Pencil Writing are over 100 character quirks you can implement in your writing. Click on the button for some examples.
Consider Their Biases
Considering the biases of characters is crucial when crafting complex characters because biases add depth, authenticity, and nuance. Each individual should possess a unique set of biases that were shaped by their experiences, upbringing, culture, and views. By understanding and integrating these biases into your character development, you can create more realistic and relatable characters. All in all, exploring biases allows for a deeper exploration of character motivations, reactions, and interactions with others and the world around them. Plus acknowledging biases can be a tool for character growth and development, as characters confront and potentially overcome their prejudices.
Understand Their Secrets
Understanding all the secrets of your characters is crucial when crafting complex characters as it adds depth, authenticity, and relatability to their portrayal. By delving into their innermost secrets, fears, desires, and motivations, you can create unique individuals that resonate with readers on a profound level. For instance, your protagonist may have a dark secret of committing murder which drives their actions. Revealing these secrets not only adds intrigue but also allows for a nuanced exploration of human nature, fostering empathy and understanding among audiences.
Overall, characters are what drive a novel and they are what make readers stick with your story. Characters are super important! The more complex and unique your characters are, the more impactful their story and their character arc will be. As a result, you must create multi-layered and three-dimensional characters that readers can connect with. And the tips listed above will all help you begin crafting those complex characters.