- Give Characters Wants and Needs
- Identify Strengths and Flaws
- Develop Their Look and Behavior
- Create a Backstory
- Research Their Trade and Culture
- Allow Characters to Change
- Challenge Expectations
- Can you share examples of memorable characters?
- How do I create an anti-hero character?
Developing memorable characters is a crucial aspect of storytelling that captivates your readers and makes your narrative stand out. Whether developing a protagonist or anti-hero, here are some key steps to help you in character development that will linger in the minds of your audience:
1. Give Characters Wants and Needs
Establish clear goals (wants) and deeper, emotional or psychological needs for your characters. This will help drive their actions and growth throughout the story.
2. Identify Strengths and Flaws
Characters should have a balance of strengths and weaknesses. The reader will relate with their flaws and other personality traits. Like Mowgli in ‘Jungle Book’, the reader is endeared by him as Mowgli is quick-witted and strong-willed and vulnerable.
3. Develop Their Look and Behavior
Visual details and mannerisms can make your characters distinctive. Their appearance reflects their personality, and their behaviors reveal their thinking. E.g. ‘Kaa,’ in the Jungle Book, looks fearsome adding to the dread animals feel.
4. Create a Backstory
A well-thought-out history for your character helps explain their motivations and reactions. You don’t have to reveal their backstory in the beginning but can be unspooled as the story moves forward.
5. Research Their Trade and Culture
Some understanding of the characters work and background explains their actions and reactions in the story.
6. Allow Characters to Change
Characters’ development over time is what makes them memorable. A character can become more understanding, less formal or more accepting as the story progresses.
7. Character development to include challenges and expectations
Don’t be afraid to subvert stereotypes or take your characters in unexpected directions. This can keep the readers engaged.
Remember, the most memorable characters are those that feel real and complex, with their own desires, fears, and contradictions. They are the ones who readers can empathise with, root for, or love to hate. By investing time in character development, you’re not just creating a figure in a story; you’re breathing life into a being that could resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the last page.
Can you share examples of memorable characters?
Certainly! Literature is filled with characters who have left an indelible mark on readers’ minds. Here are a few examples of memorable characters from various literary works:
- Hermione Granger from J.K. Rowling’s book Hermione is a girl with strong principles and is the voice of reason among her friends. She is intelligent and brave.
- Atticus Finch from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird: A paragon of integrity and justice, Atticus Finch is a character who represents moral fortitude and empathy in the face of prejudice.
- Sherlock Holmes from Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective series: He is the essence of what a detective should be, intelligent, keen observations, shar with good reasoning skills.
- Elizabeth Bennet from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: Elizabeth is celebrated for her wit, independence, and spirited nature, challenging societal norms of her time.
- Hamlet from William Shakespeare’s play: The troubled prince of Denmark, Hamlet’s existential musings and complex personality have made him a timeless character in literature.
- Bilbo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit: Bilbo’s journey from a comfort-loving hobbit to a brave adventurer.
These characters are memorable not just for their distinctive traits but also for their ability to evolve and resonate with readers across different cultures and eras. They are the creations that often define the essence of their respective stories and leave a lasting impact on literature as a whole.
How do I create an anti-hero character?
Creating an anti-hero character involves crafting a protagonist who is fundamentally flawed, morally ambiguous, or lacks the traditional attributes of a heroic figure. Here are some steps to help you develop character for a compelling anti-hero:
- Choose the Anti-Hero Type: Decide what kind of anti-hero you want. It could be a classical anti-hero who lacks confidence and prowess, a Disney anti-hero with a heart of gold, a pragmatic anti-hero who does whatever it takes to achieve their goals, or an unscrupulous hero with good intentions but questionable methods.
- Define Their Flaws and Strengths: Give your anti-hero significant flaws that make them relatable and human, but also include strengths that can endear them to the reader.
- Establish Their Motivations: Understand what drives your anti-hero. It could be from a troubled past, some recent incident or a misunderstanding.
- Create a Complex Personality: Your anti-hero should have a multifaceted personality. They might have a cynical outlook, a sarcastic sense of humor, or a hidden vulnerability that adds depth to their character.
- Develop a Unique Backstory: Provide a backstory that explains why your anti-hero is the way they are. This could be traumas or failures they have faced and are influencing their action.
- Craft a Moral Ambiguity: Play with moral ambiguity to make your anti-hero’s choices more intriguing. They should operate in a grey area where right and wrong are unclear.
- Allow for Character Growth: Over the course of the story, allow your anti-hero to evolve. The anti- hero could become more vicious or heroic.
- Challenge the Reader’s Morals: Use your anti-hero to challenge the reader’s sense of morality. They should provoke thought and discussion about what is ethically acceptable.
By following these steps for character development, you can create an antihero character that is not only memorable but also serves as a fascinating lens through which to explore the human condition and the complexities of morality. Remember, the best antiheroes reflect humanity’s imperfect nature, making them both relatable and unpredictable.