How to write with more detail

Relatable Characters

One of the best ways to get a reader really into the story is to have them support the character or characters. By supporting them, your readers will want to read on and find out what happens to them, and how.

How do you get a reader to support a character? There are a few ways. Making the character pitiful is one way, or if he or she is fighting for something good.

But the best way is to make the character relatable.

Making a character relatable means that the readers can read on and feel that "hey, this character is like me!"

This makes them determined to read on, wanting to see what a person like them could do in the story's setting. Because its like watching themselves walk through the story.

Relatable characters are also easier to sympathise with, it allows readers to feel for the character because they understand them. This too causes readers to care for the character, resulting in them supporting that character.

If you want a good "hero" character, dont make it one of those stereotypical brave couragous fearless warrior in shining armor. Make changes, add some reality. And by reality I dont mean having their true love being kidnapped by a dragon.

Hero characters may usually be the protagonist, the character readers are going to follow with. So its best that you make them able to keep their attention.

The character can be likable or not, its your decision. The character should be a teen age if your targeted audience is around that age. They should have annoying brothers and sisters if thats what you think connects.

Hero characters do not need to be that knight in white armor. They could have mistakes, sins, flaws, troubles. They dont even have to be "beautiful" or "handsome".

For example:

John marched towards the tower on his trusty steed. Sword strapped to his best, shield held up with pride, allowing the rival kingdom to see the symbol of his, displayed for all to see. He gave a confident grin as he drew his blade, pointing the shimmering shaft at the guard on the tower, booming a challenge against their finest warrior.

And

Tom clutched the reins, as the horse rocked him back and forth on the saddle. His back was arched, curled inwards as he lowered his head, not daring to look at the looming tower before him. Fumbling for his shield, he strained under its weight as he lifted it as high as he could, but not enough to show off his kingdom's emblem clearly. Exhaling shakily he drew his sword. With a forced face of confidence, he stared up at a guard on the tower. "Send your finest warrior out to fight!" He called, struggling to keep his hands from shaking.

Which is more realistic? Which is more interesting to read?

John, brave, couragous, strong. The readers immediately know he will win. That this character is "perfect". And thus, boring.

Tom, however, timid, scared, barely able to raise a shield, is an interesting case.

Readers will see this character as odd and will wonder of the outcome, and the story behind him coming to do something he seems to not want.

Plus, many readers can relate as they do not brim with courage or bravery, some are not strong. Immediately this character catches their attension as they start to be drawn to this unique character, wanting to know what will happen next.

And even, support him.

Making characters is sometimes difficult. But it can be easily done by taking a kind of person in society and putting them in a situation, one that cannot be well predicted of the outcome.

Make your characters wisely.