7 Proven Strategies for Writing Relatable and Engaging Characters

Tips and Tricks from Bestselling Authors

In the vivid world of storytelling, the ability to create compelling characters is a fundamental skill that separates good writers from great ones. Whether you're a debut author or a seasoned novelist, the challenge remains the same: "How do I breathe life into my characters and make them resonate deeply with readers?" Crafting characters that are memorable and relatable is no easy feat, but we are fortunate to have the advice of bestselling authors at our fingertips. Keep reading to learn expert tricks of the trade in character creation and watch your writing soar to new heights.

1. Understanding Your Characters' Motivations

Stephen King believes that knowing what your characters want is crucial. "Your characters need to want something," he says, "even if it's just a glass of water." Understanding their desires, fears, strengths, and weaknesses will help you create realistic and relatable personas.

Aaron Sorkin borrows from Aristotle’s Poetics when he says that all great stories have a protagonist with a burning desire or worthy goal. How the character handles the multiple and often dangerous obstacles that stand in her way makes the story compelling.

Sam Sunborn(above) - The main character in my NOT SO DEAD: Sam Sunborn Series

2. Building Backstories

J.K. Rowling emphasizes the importance of detailed backstories. "Every character has a past that shapes who they are," she explains. Creating rich backstories can add depth to their actions and decisions. Try mapping out a timeline of your character's life to see how past events influence their present.

Some authors write full bios of their characters. I write in Scrivener and keep separate files for each character, including their physical description and sometimes even a picture that might have inspired that character (I met a real-life kick-ass female ATF sniper, took her picture, and modeled a character after her). This is not only useful to give your characters depth, but when I am 5 books into my series, I need to remember such basic things as their hair color and eye color.

3. Dialogue that Speaks Volumes

Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird teaches us the power of authentic dialogue. Lee believed dialogue should reveal a character’s personality, background, and emotions. Pay attention to how your characters speak—do they have an accent, use slang, or have a particular cadence? Authentic dialogue can make your characters come alive.

Okay, but how do you know your dialogue sounds authentic? One of the best editing tools is listening to my words read aloud. If you use Microsoft Word, you can opened your document and type “Read Aloud” in that little search box at the top, put your cursor where you want to start and it will read it to you. Similar functions are available if you use different kinds of software. I use a handy read-aloud app called Balabolka. It's free. I copy and paste the chapter I am editing into it and press the PLAY button. It's a great way to test if your dialogue sounds authentic and you will catch errors that your eyes don't see but your ears can hear.

4. Embrace Flaws and Relatability

George R.R. Martin suggests that flaws make characters human. "In real life, nobody is a hero or a villain; they’re both," Martin says. Give your characters flaws and allow them to make mistakes. This complexity will make them more engaging and believable.

One of my favorite sayings is that, “Villains are the heroes of their own stories.” So even if you have an incredibly mean villain, he or she is probably nice to someone or cares about someone or even her cat. Having that other side will make him or her more human.

5. Consistency is Key

Margaret Atwood advises to maintain consistency in character behavior. "Readers notice when a character does something out of character," Atwood notes. Ensure your characters' actions align with their established traits and motivations. If a change is necessary, build up to it gradually.

6. Evolution and Growth

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, emphasizes the importance of character arcs. "Your characters should not end up the same as they started," she says. Plot their journey and ensure they undergo significant development throughout your story.

If your protagonist is the same at the end of the book as she was at the beginning, that's boring! You want your protagonist to overcome obstacles, learn, and grow. Every story and every character should be a journey where the end is not the same as the beginning.

7. Make Your Characters Memorable

Neil Gaiman suggests giving your characters distinctive traits or quirks. Whether it’s a peculiar habit, a catchphrase, or a unique perspective, these details can make your characters stand out and stay with readers long after they’ve finished your book.

There is a saying in writing about characters, “Give them a limp and an eye patch.” Think of Gregory House, who has a limp and a drug addiction. He’s distinct, memorable, and flawed.

Putting It All Together

Crafting stand out characters is a delicate balance of depth, consistency, relatability, and growth. By understanding their motivations, building detailed backstories, writing authentic dialogue, embracing their flaws, maintaining consistency, and ensuring they grow, you can create characters that captivate and resonate with readers.

Join the Conversation

We'd love to hear from you! How do you create memorable characters? What challenges do you face? Share your thoughts in the comments below or watch/listen to our podcasts with special guest authors who will delve deeper into character creation and other writing techniques.

Happy writing,

Charlie and the Munn Avenue Press Team

P.S. Whenever you're ready to bring your manuscript to market or promote your existing books, we're here to help. Simply reach out to us here.

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Meet a Munn Avenue Press Author

“I have worked with Charles Levin and his team in creating two books. It has been a pure pleasure. They are experts in all phases, from brainstorming ideas, to editing, graphic design, publishing, and marketing. They are creative and efficient. I can’t wait to work with them again.”

Michael S. Lewis, M.D., Amazon #1 Bestselling Author of Getting Wiser and Ball is in your Court.

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Warmest regards,

Charlie and the Munn Avenue Press Team

P.S. Whenever you're ready to bring your manuscript to market or promote your existing books, we're here to help. Simply reach out to us here.