Writing Convincing Characters
Three tips that have helped me to shape my characters in fiction
Make Your Characters Specific
Specific details are the secret to good characterization – the very heart of the craft. This strategy can be applied to every single character in your story, from your main protagonist to the random guy they pass on the street on page 97.
What Do Your Characters Do with Heartbreak?
Conflict is central to any good story. The best stories go beyond the surface-level problems and show us a glimpse of a character’s heart. What is breaking them apart inside? What is causing them agony or fear or dilemma? And more importantly, what are they doing about it?
What is Your Character’s Misbelief?
Identifying your protagonist’s driving misbelief can affect the trajectory of your plot and add new layers of depth to the story.
Are Your Characters Annoying?
How do your character’s annoying habits affect your story?
Are Your Characters Made of Moments?
Consider the ripple effects that make up your character’s journey.