Fiction Writing: How is Character Developed?
By Amy Wilson
Editor and writing teacher.
How is Character Developed: Through Specifics
Incorporating distinctive characteristics into a protagonist personality sets them apart from the rest and is the heart of how is character developed. Consider how these traits affect their personality—go beyond their physical description! Include their hobbies, interests, eccentricities, speech patterns, customs, and more. Balance is essential so they don’t appear flat or exaggerated. Make sure these qualities contribute to the story without taking away from it.
How Is Character Developed Via Dialogue?
No two people communicate in precisely the same way verbally and non-verbally. To ensure your dialogue is realistic, think about your character’s age, background, education level, and even dialect when writing it out. A well-rounded character should express themselves with their own exclusive voice that captures who they are as an individual. How is character developed? Avoid clichés as much as possible; substitute inventive language instead to keep the reader engaged with the text.
Many writers wonder, “How is character developed?”
Constructing compelling characters isn’t simple. Characters are the foundation of every narrative, from novels to scripts to comic books. But how is character developed? To make sure your readers stay enthralled, your characters need to be gripping and relatable. Here are some tips for forming characters that will capture your readers.
How is Character Developed Without Credible Conflict?
Many writers who wonder how is character developed forget about the other half of strong character: conflict. Conflict is a critical tool for constructing tension within a scene or plotline. It encourages characters to evolve so they can confront any conflicts they're facing, either together or separately. It is important to consider how your character would react to various scenarios based on their personality and experiences—would they take immediate action? Remain calm? Freak out?
The conflict needs to catch the readers' attention and make them ask what will happen next—will the protagonists succeed or not? This story tension is what keeps readers reading until they find out! When you’re considering how is character developed, don’t forget that the character’s actions relate to the conflict they’re experiencing, which relates to the plot, and ideally, these factors all work together.
Creating characters that leave a lasting impression takes effort but it gets easier with practice. How is character developed? Use these tips when creating characters in your next project so that readers can become emotionally invested in them—and watch your narrative come to life! By focusing on unique features, realistic dialogue, and motivating conflict (among other elements), you can create an unforgettable cast of characters that will drive the story forward! Good luck!
unlock your writing potential
As an agented writer and highly experienced editor, Amy Wilson can quickly identify strengths and opportunities for growth in your plot and prose, help you build a compelling submission package, and provide the encouragement you need to reach your writing goals. Take your writing to the next level with Amy’s professional eye.
