Two-faced characters are those who present one personality to certain people but act totally differently when they are around others or in different situations. They might be charming, kind, or helpful, but inside they are deceitful, manipulative, or self-serving. These characters keep their true motives hidden, leading to tension and conflict when their real nature is revealed. If this sounds like some of the characters you are writing, continue reading for 5 essential tips for writing believable two-faced characters.
Determine Their Backstory
A character's backstory often helps explain why they act the way they do. That is why it is especially important to establish the backstories of your two-faced characters. What led them to act so violently or be so deceptive? Knowing the events of your two-faced character's past is critical to understanding their actions. Perhaps they were once betrayed. Or maybe they learned to manipulate others as a survival mechanism or grew up in an environment where dishonesty was normalized. Whatever their story is, their past will help make their actions more believable. An interesting backstory also adds layers to their motivations, turning them into more than just a villain.
List Their Traits
It is also a good idea to list all of your two-faced character's traits. Writing out all of their traits (both the good and the bad) can help you physically see can help you physically see the contrast between the different sides of their personality. Doing this also allows you to balance your character's charm and kindness with their more evil traits. Overall, by listing out the traits of your characters you get to see who they actually are!
Make Them Hypocritical
Relating to the previous point, you should make your two-faced characters hypocritical. While that may sound obvious since they live dual lives, it's important to show your two-faced characters holding others to standards that they secretly break themselves. For example, they might criticize someone else for being dishonest while they lying themselves. Or maybe they are all about loyalty while betraying others behind the scenes. However, your characters should also have hypocritical or contrasting traits within themselves. Maybe they long to be adventurous, but in reality, they fear the unknown. This type of hypocrisy not only adds complexity to their character but could also eventually lead to their downfall.
Include Betrayal
It is also important to include betrayal in your story. I mean, who doesn't love a good betrayal? Betrayals in literature add tons of additional drama and can reveal a lot about the story's characters. Betrayal is especially relevant in a story with a two-faced character. It’s often through betrayal that their true nature is exposed, shocking both the reader and other characters. Whether they betray their best friend, partner, or ally, the betrayal is sure to intensify the stakes, creating emotional tension and driving the plot. Plus, a betrayal can serve as a turning point for other characters, forcing them to confront the reality of who the two-faced character really is! Click on the button below for in-depth tips on how to write the perfect betrayal.
Give Them Goals
Like any other character, you need to ensure that your two-faced characters have goals. Giving your characters goals will make them more realistic and it will also lead to more interesting plot points. For instance, your two-faced character may be set on gaining power and maintaining control over others. Whatever you choose their goal to be; make it relevant to their characters. Also, be sure that the goal will help drive your plot forward. In general, when carefully thought-through giving your characters clear goals gives their actions purpose, drives the plot forward, and allows their deception to play a crucial role in how the story unfolds.
Two-faced characters can be challenging to write. After all, it is almost like writing two characters in one. However, that doesn't mean they are impossible; rather with the right tips, tricks, and advice, you are sure to write an outstanding two-faced character. Good luck!
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