Whether they’re arguing over borrowed clothes or hanging out together at an arcade, the relationship between sisters is built on years of shared experiences and an unspoken understanding. As a writer, you should capture this complexity and create a dynamic that feels authentic to readers. To do so, you have to delve into the nuances of siblinghood and incorporate the little quirks that make their bond unique. Continue reading for five important tips on writing realistic sister characters.
Give Them Distinct Personalities
When writing relatable sisters, it’s essential to make them individuals with unique quirks, goals, and motivations. For example, one sister might be a practical, detail-oriented planner, while the other is a free-spirited dreamer and artist. These differences are important because they ensure they aren't boring or identical. Plus, it ensures that their personalities aren't tied down to each other rather they are distinct.
Overall, by giving each sister specific traits, you allow their relationship to feel authentic and layered, making it easier for readers to connect with them as distinct yet complementary characters. To continue our example, the planner may help the dreamer stay grounded while the dreamer encourages the planner to take risks.
Include Inside Jokes
A great way to show that characters (and sisters) have a long history is to include inside jokes. Maybe they laugh uncontrollably at the mere mention of “banana socks” because of an embarrassing incident two years ago, or they exchange knowing glances during family gatherings when a relative makes a predictable comment. These private moments not only provide insight into their bond but also make their relationship feel genuine. Sisters often share a host of inside jokes and references, so by showcasing these you can subtly show how much they know and understand about each other.
Show Don't Tell
Connecting to the previous point, you need to "show" instead of "tell" when writing realistic sister characters. This technique will bring your story to life and allow readers to draw their own ideas about the characters and mood of your story. So, rather than simply telling your readers, "Etta and Jamie were close," show how they are close through their actions and gestures. For instance, if one sister is fiercely protective of the other, show her stepping in during a confrontation or quietly helping with a problem without being asked. If they bicker often but still care deeply, you might show one sister texting the other “You’re annoying” right before calling her to check if she got home after school. Overall, these moments allow readers to really see the depth of your sister character's relationship.
Use Informal Dialogue
Sisterly conversations typically aren't very formal, so for their relationship to seem realistic, consider adding informal dialogue. This could consist of adding interruptions, overlapping sentences, teasing remarks, or unfiltered honesty. In general, the dialogue you write should capture a casual, intimate tone. For example, instead of saying, “How are you feeling today?” a sister might say, “You look like you didn’t sleep at all last night—what’s up?” Informal dialogue brings authenticity to their relationship and makes readers feel like they’re eavesdropping on a real conversation. For more tips on writing dialogue, click on the button below.
Avoid Glorification
No relationship in life is perfect, so your characters' shouldn't be either. Avoid glorifying their relationship or crafting relationships where the sisters never have disagreements This is because it can make your story seem unrealistic and flat. Instead, embrace their flaws and conflicts. One sister might resent always being in the other’s shadow, while the other struggles with guilt for unintentionally taking the spotlight. By acknowledging the ups and downs of their relationship you can make it more relatable and genuine.
By giving your sister characters distinct personalities, showcasing their bond through inside jokes, using authentic dialogue, and embracing their flaws, you are sure to create characters that feel genuine and memorable. Happy writing!
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