The Horror Guide (2024 Guide to Writing Horror Stories for Beginners)

Chapter 5: Making Memorable Characters

In the horror genre, characters often face their own personal demons in addition to whatever supernatural forces they are up against. These flaws can be physical, psychological, or moral, and they create a sense of vulnerability that makes the character's struggle even more intense.

In order to make your character truly unforgettable, they need to be multidimensional. No one is entirely good or entirely bad, and the same should be true for your protagonist. Give them traits that surprise your readers and keep them guessing.

For example, a character might be fiercely protective of their loved ones but also have a cruel streak when pushed to their limits. Or, they may be kind and compassionate, but have a dark past that they are ashamed of. These complexities make your character more human and interesting, and keep readers invested in their journey.

Every character needs a strong motivation that drives them forward in the story. In horror novels, this motivation is often survival. However, in order to make your character believable and relatable, they need to have a personal stake in the situation.

Perhaps they are fighting to save a loved one or to redeem themselves for a past mistake. Their motivation should be strong enough to keep them going even when they are faced with insurmountable odds.

A character's voice is just as important as their physical description or backstory. It is their unique style of speaking, thinking, and interacting with the world. A strong voice can help readers distinguish between different characters and make them feel as though they are on a personal level with the protagonist.

When developing a distinct voice for your character, consider their background, education, and personality. Do they speak in a sophisticated manner or with a more colloquial tone? Are they optimistic or cynical? These factors will shape their dialogue and inner monologue, making their voice stand out from other characters in your book.

Physical descriptions play a significant role in creating a memorable character in a horror novel. They not only help readers visualize the character, but they can also reveal important aspects of their personality and backstory.

In horror novels, physical descriptions can be used to highlight a character's vulnerabilities or to foreshadow their eventual descent into terror. For example, a character with a limp may struggle to escape from danger or a protagonist with a birthmark might be considered a bad omen by the superstitious townspeople.

Choosing the right name for your character can have a powerful impact on how they are perceived by readers. A name can convey traits like strength, vulnerability, or mystery. It can also hint at the character's background or culture.

In a horror novel, names can also have a supernatural element. Choosing a name with a deeper meaning or a connection to myth or folklore can add an extra layer of intrigue to your character and make them stand out in the minds of readers.

Dialogue is an essential tool in bringing your character to life. It not only moves the plot forward, but it also reveals their personality, relationships, and emotions. Dialogue should be authentic and reflective of the character's voice and motivations.

In horror novels, dialogue can be used to create tension and build suspense. Consider having your character speak in a way that reflects their fear or desperation as they face terrifying situations. This will not only add depth to their character, but also intensify the horror of the story.

Horror is not just about external threats, but also the internal battles characters face. In order to create a truly memorable character, you must also show their inner struggles. This could be their fight against their own fears, their moral compass, or their sanity.

These inner struggles can be accentuated by including moments of self-reflection or internal monologue. It's important to balance these moments with action and external conflicts to create a well-rounded character.

In horror novels, the antagonist is just as important as the protagonist. They are the force that creates conflict and drives the story forward. When crafting a memorable antagonist, it's important to give them a backstory, motivations, and a distinct personality.

Avoid creating a one-dimensional "evil" character. Instead, make them complex and multi-faceted like your protagonist. This will make the conflict between the two characters more compelling and add depth to your story.