A good character is a valuable resource when it comes down to writing. They are the driving force behind your plot. They breathe the life into your story. There are times when we here someone say, “Oh, I did not care much for the story, but I liked the characters.” This is absolutely true, because not every scene is a climax or a battle, sometimes its just watching our characters develop.
At times we sit through pages of dialogue or flashbacks just to see our favorite characters grow. The key to unlocking important traits of our characters comes from observation and empathy. But there are 5 important questions that can help lead the way.
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What do they want?
Want is an especially important puzzle piece for a character. It is in fact the center piece for building a good character. Every person has a
want, be it a chair, a table or world peace. It’s a tangible want. We must remember to not confuse our want with a need, because a need means its more or less dependent upon the intervention of fate. Need is essential but a want is a desire.
Want provides a character with will. That shows how far our character will go in order to achieve it. And this in turn shapes your story and drives the plot.
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What are their weaknesses?
Creating an all-powerful and infallible character might seem like a wonderful thing but its not. Mostly because what would be the point? Your character will achieve everything that they want within the first 5 pages and that is that.
Most people when they begin reading, try to immerse themselves within the story and they do this by looking through the eyes of the character. They want to identify with the characters. And a character with no weakness does not make the best protagonist or antagonist.
Overcoming their weakness or fighting despite of it is what allows for character development because it shows how much they want to win.
Afterall even kryptonite could not keep Superman away for long.
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Where are they from?
This question is for two different things. It deals with the literal background of your character as well as the emotional background of your
character.
A good character background allows your readers to understand the character more in depth. Be it the hero or the villain. It helps us to understand who the primary supporters and friends are, are they rich or struggling. What is the driving force for them etc.
An emotional background allows us to understand what is happening within the character. How do they tick? What affects them?
This helps to flesh out a more well-rounded character with whom the readers can empathize.
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Where are they going?
This deals with the resilience of our character. It shows us how far are they willing to go in order to achieve their desires.
This helps us understand how far a character can be pushed and what are their limits. How hard they will try to get what they want.
Based on this you can develop your plot around your character.
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What can your character do to surprise you?
This is one of my absolute favorites. Your character can make their own decisions. At times I would spend hours building a scene, for
example: I want my character to walk down a corridor, its necessary in order to move my plot forward. But after a while, it is as though my character turns around and yells, “I don’t want to do that.”
This is very natural, let your characters decide what they want. Sometimes its far better that whatever we would come up with.
So, these are few questions that will help build your character. There are many other ways to flesh out your character. Remember, See, Hear and Select. Characters are usually based on observation and people we know. So, sit back and let your imaginations run wild, you never know what you might come up with!
