Creating memorable characters is the difference between a good story and an unforgettable one. Readers might forget plot details, but they'll remember characters who felt real, flawed, and human. Here's how to create characters that leap off the page.
Start With Internal Conflict, Not Appearance
Most writers begin with physical descriptions, but memorable characters start from the inside out. Ask yourself:
What does your character want most in the world?
This is their external goal—the plot driver.
What do they need most in the world?
This is often different from what they want and creates internal tension.
What are they most afraid of?
Fear drives behavior more than desire.
Example: Sarah wants to become a famous singer (external goal), but she needs to learn self-worth doesn't come from others' approval (internal need), and she's terrified of being judged (fear).
The Contradiction Principle
Real people are contradictory, and so should your characters be:
These contradictions make characters feel human rather than cardboard cutouts.
Give Them a Backstory That Matters
You don't need to know everything about your character's past, but you need to know the formative events that shaped who they are today:
What's their wound?
The painful experience that created their fear or limiting belief.
What's their lie?
The false belief they hold about themselves or the world because of their wound.
What's their ghost?
The past event they can't let go of.
Example: Marcus believes he's not smart enough for success (lie) because his father constantly criticized his grades (wound), and he still hears his father's voice every time he faces a challenge (ghost).
Create Unique Speech Patterns
Every character should be identifiable by their dialogue alone:
Consider:
The Lawyer: "I must respectfully disagree with your assessment."
The Teenager: "That's literally the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."
The Grandmother: "Well, aren't you just precious for thinking that."
Use the Character Diamond
Every compelling character needs these four elements:
1. Competence
They must be good at something. Readers don't connect with completely helpless characters.
2. Likability
Not perfect, but sympathetic. Give them:
3. Strength
Inner strength that emerges under pressure. This isn't about physical power—it's about courage, determination, or integrity.
4. Vulnerability
Something that makes them human and relatable:
Show Character Through Action
Don't tell us who your character is—show us:
Instead of: "Tom was generous."
Try: "Tom slipped the homeless man a twenty while pretending to check his phone."
Instead of: "Lisa was determined."
Try: "Lisa practiced her presentation in the mirror for the fifth time, despite her sore throat."
Actions reveal character more powerfully than any description.
The Supporting Cast Strategy
Supporting characters aren't just plot devices—they're opportunities to reveal your protagonist:
The Mirror: Reflects your protagonist's qualities
The Contrast: Shows what your protagonist isn't
The Catalyst: Forces your protagonist to change
The Mentor: Guides your protagonist's growth
Each supporting character should serve a specific purpose in revealing or developing your main character.
Character Flaws That Work
Great character flaws are:
Understandable: We can see why they developed this flaw
Problematic: The flaw creates real consequences
Changeable: They can potentially overcome it through growth
Good flaws:
Weak flaws:
Character Arc Essentials
Your character should change from beginning to end:
The Setup: Show them living with their lie/fear
The Inciting Incident: Challenge their worldview
The Struggle: They resist change, fall back on old patterns
The Crisis: They must choose between old ways and growth
The Resolution: They've learned their truth and changed
Common Character Mistakes
Perfect Characters: No flaws = no growth = boring
Reactive Characters: They only respond, never initiate
Inconsistent Behavior: Actions don't match established personality
All Dialogue, No Depth: Characters who talk but never reveal themselves
Everyone Sounds the Same: No distinct voices
The Character Interview Technique
Ask your characters questions:
Their answers will surprise you and reveal new dimensions.
Physical Details That Matter
Don't describe everything—focus on details that reveal character:
Test Your Characters
If you can't answer these questions about your main characters, keep developing:
1. What's their greatest fear?
2. What's their deepest desire?
3. What's their biggest secret?
4. How do they handle stress?
5. What would break them completely?
The Ultimate Goal
Readers should finish your book feeling like they've made new friends (or enemies). They should wonder what your characters are doing now, care about their futures, and miss them when the story ends.
When you create characters this real, readers don't just enjoy your story—they live it.
Remember: Plot is what happens to characters, but character is why readers care what happens.