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Writer's pictureElaine Thompson

How to Develop Your Characters


Developing a book character can be a challenging but rewarding process. A well-developed character can help bring your story to life and make it more engaging for readers.


Here are some steps to follow to develop a book character:


Determine the Character's Role in the Story

Before you start developing your character, it's important to determine their role in the story. Are they the protagonist, the antagonist, or a supporting character? What purpose do they serve in the story? Understanding the character's role will help you determine their personality traits and motivations.


Define the Character's Personality

Once you have determined the character's role, you can start defining their personality. What are their likes and dislikes? What are their strengths and weaknesses? What motivates them? These questions can help you create a well-rounded character that readers will be able to relate to and engage with.


Determine the Character's Backstory

A character's backstory can provide valuable insight into their motivations and personality. What events in their past have shaped who they are today? What relationships have had an impact on them? By answering these questions, you can create a more complex and interesting character.


Consider the Character's Appearance

The character's appearance can also play a role in their development. What do they look like? What is their style? What does their appearance say about their personality? These questions can help you create a more vivid and memorable character.


Determine the Character's Relationships

The character's relationships with other characters can also help to shape their development. Who are their friends and enemies? Who do they love and who do they hate? How do they interact with others? These questions can help you create a more dynamic character.


Give the Character Flaws

No character is perfect, and giving your character flaws can help make them more relatable and human. What are their weaknesses? What mistakes have they made in the past? By giving your character flaws, you can make them more interesting and engaging for readers.


In conclusion, developing a book character requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can create a well-rounded character that readers will be able to relate to and engage with. Remember to keep the character's role in the story, personality, backstory, appearance, relationships, and flaws in mind when developing your character.

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