Writing Character Development and Big Changes
By rhiannon richardson
editor, published author, and writing teacher.
When you’re writing character development, you might be wondering how to portray huge changes in a character's life, since these often become focal points of a novel. But writing character development needs to be carefully and intentionally done so that your main character and supporting cast end up with relatability.
Writing Character Development: Addressing Large Life Transitions
Just recently, I edited two stories where the protagonists had undergone huge transformations and had to take charge in ways that made them uncomfortable. (More on writing a proactive protagonist.) In both cases, the projects were thrillers, which meant the characters were now involved with crime, used new abilities, or faced tremendous risks. Two formerly normal ladies had suddenly become modern day equivalents of Lara Croft. But in writing character development for them, did the writer chart this transformation? Not quite.
In both stories, the writers just jumped right into the characters' newfound badassery, without giving much attention to the psychological trauma that often comes with large adjustments in people’s lives. It's impossible to go from walking your neighbor's pup one day to robbing a bank with a pistol the next without some internal struggle or upheaval. Considering what makes character development without going into detail about the actual, you know, development tends to ring hollow.
Writing about significant events is hard because they can seem so far-fetched, especially in certain types of stories like fantasy and romance. When your protagonist experiences a major event, you have to take several steps to describe it in a nuanced way. Simply leaping from Ordinary Girl to Action Hero is not credible. Any drastic shift requires more layers of describing emotions in writing character development.
Explore the Consequences When Writing Character Development
Let's look at our Lara Croft example again. When she wakes up the next day and suddenly takes on the job of busting a money-laundering scheme, seeing the gun in her hand for the first time, how many different emotions run through her?
Our protagonist should be scared of the potential ramifications of her new life, because she’s likely facing high stakes for the first time. She might also feel guilty for what she must do, worried about the people she's leaving behind, and empowered by the chance to do something big. And yet, for the sake of the plot's development, you want her to commit to her story and embrace its inciting incident, even if she feels like she has no other choice. Writing character development takes careful planning and work.
However, make sure not to jump straight from one mode to the next without acknowledging her Girl Next Door side. Writing character development includes connecting the character in the beginning to the character around the midpoint to the character in the end. Let the reader see your character grappling with her identity before and after the big plot point.
Give readers something tangible they can relate to, such as a comforting childhood pet or a past moment of triumph. Additionally, don't make your character too thin before they embark on their adventure—otherwise, the protagonist’s transformation will seem too glossy and unrelatable.
So the "before" life of the character is going to be essential in helping them survive the storms of their new circumstances. Character life changes are essential for moving the plot forward and writing character development that really lands with readers. However, it's also important to remember who the characters were before their lives changed. All that experience can be used to give depth to the character’s current situation.
Writing Character Development with Subtlety
When it comes to big events for your character, writing a reaction that’s over the top isn't always best. Too much melodramatic writing results in cliches. Rather than an exaggerated response, focus on small thoughts and details that reflect the character's history. Writing character development that is specific to that character’s unique circumstances works better than using big, generic reactions. You should avoid describing emotions as well.
For example, when everything is falling apart around them, the protagonist remembers the treehouse they would hide in when their parents fought. Or when their best friend slips into a coma, they recall how they used to film N*Sync music videos in the backyard (this is definitely NOT autobiographical!). The joy found in those moments can be more powerful than any amount of weeping and wailing and gnashing of the teeth.
Embrace the contrasts. Grand moments and subtle observations, intense excitement and tiny realizations. I push my clients to give their writing layers and connections that readers don’t anticipate when writing character development.
When you’re writing about a massive character transformation, avoid clichés which may be your first thoughts. Take a step back. What else could you include in the story? You may find an original and nuanced choice of words to capture your reader’s attention. Character is crucial to any work of fiction, so take your time in writing character development.
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.
