Stubborn characters can be some of the most compelling figures in fiction. Whether they're the hero who refuses to give up or the antagonist who won't back down, these characters add tension, conflict, and depth to any story. But writing a stubborn character that feels authentic rather than frustrating can be a challenge. How do you balance their stubbornness without making them one-dimensional? Continue reading to find out!
Make Them Reluctant to Change
Stubborn characters are, well, stubborn. As a result, these characters are often set in their ways. They resist change, even when it's clearly in their best interest. So, when writing stubborn characters make sure that you show their reluctance to change in action. This could present as them refusing to use a new technology at work and sticking to outdated methods. Or you could show them refusing to listen to anyone who doesn't believe in the same things that they do. Overall, the more stubborn they are, the more conflict is created.
Define Their Core Beliefs
When writing stubborn characters, you should also define their core beliefs. This is because their stubbornness should be rooted in something meaningful. For example, maybe they believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness, or that tradition is way more important than innovation. Whatever it is, just make sure that you define their core beliefs and that these beliefs drive their stubbornness forward. Overall, knowing what your characters stand for will make their inflexibility much more understandable.
Consider Their Backstory
Relating to the previous point, you should also consider the backstories of your stubborn characters. For all characters you must understand their backstories, however, this is especially true for stubborn characters. A character’s past can explain why they're so stubborn now. Perhaps they grew up in a household where showing vulnerability got them in trouble, or maybe they experienced a betrayal that made them wary of trusting others. In general, you need to make sure you consider your character's backstory as it will shape their rigid mindset and add layers to their personality.
Show Don't Tell
You should almost always show rather than tell since it is a great way to immerse your readers. "Telling" refers to simply explaining your character's actions without much imagery. On the other hand, "showing" allows readers to draw their own conclusions, making them active participants in the story. As a result, when writing stubborn characters you should show your character's stubbornness through their actions, instead of telling readers that your character is stubborn. The main way to do this is by incorporating body language. Body language, such as crossed arms, refusing to make eye contact, or turning away mid-conversation will help illustrate their refusal to bend or adapt.
Give Them Strong Dialogue
Giving your characters strong dialogue is another essential element of writing stubborn characters. That is because these characters are often firm and assertive in their speech. As a result, they typically use definitive language like, “I’ve made my decision” or “This is non-negotiable.” So, by incorporating strong (and sometimes even mean) dialogue you can reflect their unwavering stance and how they often shut down conversations without leaving room for debate.
Overall, by utilizing the tips and techniques above, you are already on your way to crafting stubborn characters who are not only believable but also complex, engaging, and, at times, surprisingly relatable. Get ready to bring your most headstrong characters to life!
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