How to Make a Character Memorable
By rhiannon richardson
editor, published author, and writing teacher.
If you’re wondering how to make a character—good. This is the right question to be asking, because a story is only as good as its characters. If your readers can't connect with or care about your characters, they're not going to stick around for long. So, you might wonder how to make a character who is memorable—one that people will love (or love to hate)? Here are a few tips.
How to Make a Character: Think 3D
Give your character flaws when you’re working on how to make a character. We all have them, and they make us interesting and relatable. No one wants to read about a perfect person—we want to see characters who make mistakes and have to struggle through difficult situations.
Make your character unique. Give them quirks, hobbies, and interests that set them apart from everyone else. This will help your readers remember them and make them feel more real.
Perhaps the most important question to answer when wondering how to make a character is what drives them. Give your character a goal. What does your character want? What are they fighting for? A character without a goal is devoid of both positive and negative character motivation, and therefore not very interesting to read about. Giving your protagonist strong goals and dreams is one easy way how to make a character.
How to Make a Character Who Feels Real
Write believable characters. Even if your character is larger than life, they still need to feel like a real person. Avoid clichés, stereotypes, and anything else that would make your reader roll their eyes. How to make a character feel dull and familiar involves sticking to those two-dimensional stock characters.
Wondering how to make a character that readers will be thinking about long after they’ve finished reading? Creating a great character takes time and effort, but it's worth it! A well-developed character will keep your readers engaged and coming back for more. So take the time to consider how to make a character who will stand out. Flesh out your characters and give them the attention they deserve—your readers will thank you for it.
craft your best story
Do you want to tell a compelling story that resonates with readers? Let author and editor Rhiannon Richardson help you take your writing to the next level. With her expertise in middle grade, young adult, picture book, and memoir, she can guide you to your best story.
