Character Design 101
For new ones and old ones
As we gear up to start striving for our November goals, you might run into a problem - how do you create a character? Or if you're editing, how do you add dimension to a character? Here's tips for both!
Creating A Character Tips
Use a template - Templates are broad. They can be a Myer's Brigg type, a star sign, an archetype, or your blorbo from your current fandom. But each serves as a template you can customize. The fiery Scorpio who is willing to step on folk to reach for CEO. The mentor who sends each adventurer off with a packed lunch. Crowley from Good Omens - but twisted so he's just someone in the building who wears black and disregards every. single. rule. and completes every request made by blondes with puppy dog eyes. Start with a template, then make them you're own!
Know their SES - Social Economic Status. Things like education level, class, age, ethnicity, and social status. Together they have an impact on someone's lived experiences and outlook - a wealthy black man and a wealthy white man will have different experiences. Figure out your character's status, and use that to shape them.
Give them a goal - Your character's goal can be grand - kill the king - or small - make the perfect cake - but they should have something they are striving for.
Give them a weakness - Just like Marty McFly can't stand to be called a coward, what is your character's weakness? It can be a physical thing, keep Superman away from the Kryptonite, or something that causes them to make bad decisions, like hubris.
Adding Dimension to A Character
Add a Counterpoint - Give your character a trait opposite something standard in your template. Your grumpy character lights up around their hobby. Your mentor character is actively trying to learn some new skill. These types of elements prevent your character from feeling flat.
Link weakness to strength - This gives your character a range. If their weakness is their stubbornness, a refusal to back down getting them into trouble, show situations where it flips to determination that helps save the scene.
Give them an arc - A growing character makes them feel more developed, and for many protagonists this growth is based on the events of the plot. But your secondary characters can grow too! Even if readers don't see every step.
Whether you're developing a new character, or revisiting one, we hope these tips help! Feel free to share your own.