Writing a character based on yourself sounds easy right? I mean, you're bound to understand this character and their problems more than anything, right? Well, unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Basing characters on yourself can be complicated and comes with a host of challenges. For example, you may become too emotionally attached to the character, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Or you may make your characters perfect. As a result, you need to know some tips and tricks for navigating these challenges thoughtfully and with a critical eye. So, continue reading for 5 important things you should know when writing a character based on yourself!
List Your Traits
The first thing you should do when writing characters based on yourself is to write a list of your traits. Writing out a list of your traits not only helps you visualize aspects of your personality. But later on, this list will help you refine your characters and get to know who they are and what they like. For example, if you're someone who values organization and cleanliness, you could channel this into your character’s behavior, perhaps by making them methodical or perfectionist. At the same time, don’t shy away from listing traits you don’t like about yourself as much, such as impatience, fear of failure, or overthinking. The more complex and multifaceted your characters are, the more relatable they become.
Consider Your Passions
Passion is a driving force for real people, which is why it should be for your characters too! When writing characters based on yourself, think about what excites or motivates you—whether it’s writing, music, activism, sports, or something else—and channel that into your character. Giving your character a passion will help them come alive. For instance, if you love writing or have a deep appreciation for language, perhaps your character is a poet who finds comfort in words. Or if you’re passionate about social justice, you could have a character who advocates for change in their community. Overall, passions don’t just define what a character does; they also inform how they see the world!
Don't Make Them Perfect
If you're basing a character on yourself, it will be tempting to make them idealized and perfect. However, you shouldn't do this as it can lead to a flat, unrelatable character. Instead, embrace the things that make you imperfect, whether self-doubt, fear of public speaking, or a tendency to overthink. These imperfections are what will make your characters authentic and relatable. For example, if you’re someone who struggles with perfectionism, you could reflect this in a character who has trouble delegating tasks or becomes overwhelmed when things don’t go according to plan. In general, highlighting these imperfections makes your character more believable and gives them room for growth throughout the story.
Let Them Grow
As mentioned above, make sure you let your characters grow. Character development is key to creating dynamic, engaging stories. Just like real people grow and change over time, your character should too. As a result, you should reflect on the moments in your own life where you’ve experienced significant growth. You should think about how these experiences could come up in your character’s journey. Perhaps they start off unsure of themselves but evolve into someone more confident and self-aware. Either way, your characters should grow throughout your story as it allows readers to witness their evolution.
Seek Feedback
Lastly, if you're writing a character based on yourself, you're likely to be biased. So make sure you share your story/characters with your trusted friends, peers, or mentors for feedback. Ask them if the character feels realistic. Are their motivations clear? Does their growth feel authentic and earned? Overall, feedback is so important, and seeking feedback can help you refine your characters and their stories, making them more engaging and relatable.
Sometimes the best way to write an authentic character is by basking them on yourself. That way you're sure to know all aspects of the character, from their passions to their fears. However, you have to be careful when writing these characters as you don't want to come across as flat or idealized. This is where the tips above come in! With these tips, you are on your way to writing characters that are engaging and realistic.
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