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Character development tips

Hi Willow @sincerelyrxse here!

On this post, I want to talk and share a few tips on character development.

I feel like this is a topic that lots of people struggle with. Creating a realistic, unique, 3D character that has clear wants and goals without info-dumping.

It could also be the change a character goes through throughout a book or series as a result of events or actions.

So let's get started!

1. Get to know your protagonist. This may sound strange as you are creating your character, but trust me, they'll suddenly take on a mind of their own. What's the thing they most desire? What are they most scared of? How would they react in different situations?

2. Your protagonist needs flaws. Without them they're too unrealistic and a little boring. With them they have obstacles to overcome, fights to win and battles to endure. Flaws make them more human.

3. It's good to give your protagonist an arc. It could be a transformation arc (where the protagonist goes from being a regular person to hero – like Bilbo Baggins), a growth arc (where the character grows but doesn't change completely – like Elizabeth Bennet), a fall arc (where the character changes negatively – such as Hamlet and Anakin Skywalker). This develops your character and may even help shape your plot.

4. Your protagonist is only as good as the antagonist. Your antagonist needs to have their own goals – however warped – that affects your protagonist. They need to be more powerful, creating more and more problems. Your reader wants the protagonist to succeed, but not easily. How boring would it be if Voldemort died in Book 1? How short would Percy Jackson be if Luke never resurrected Kronos?

5. Finally, give your protagonist the right skills. I doubt Katniss would've survived the Hunger Games if she couldn't use a bow and arrow or didn't know how to hunt. This also makes the character more memorable, it gives the reader something to associate the character with.

If you want an example of a good character development I recommend Under Tennessee Skies by S.L. Haynes which – lucky for you – is right here on Wattpad! I personally loved how much the main character (Martha) grew from different obstacles and faced her problems with confidence.

Please comment if you have any questions but I hope this helps you with your writing!