This post is about how to build a character from scratch in creative writing!
Creative Writing: How to Design, Develop, and Build a Character from Scratch
A character idea can appear in your mind anytime and anyplace from any source of inspiration. When we initially discover a new character, we have the tendency to try and include them in our story immediately. But let’s face it, writing a vague character we don’t know inside-and-out doesn’t work. To create that special three-dimensional character who pops from the pages of your story with the use of masterful characterization, we must first develop key characteristics. If you’re having trouble conceptualizing your character, no worries! Here’s a checklist of everything a character needs to be successful in your story!
1. Purpose
The first thing I suggest you tackle when it comes to building a character from scratch is the purpose or role they will play in your story. There are a handful of universal character archetypes every writer should know to start as a basic template before expanding upon that character. Ask yourself, are they the protagonist, antagonist, or supporting character? If so, how will they play their role?
2. Beliefs
This is where we get into the psychology of your character. A character’s beliefs shape how they interact with the world by influencing their motivations, ideas, relationships, approach, personality, etc.
To get to the core of your character’s beliefs, ask yourself what your character thinks is the best way to solve the main conflict they’re facing. Do they believe in forgiveness? Revenge? Freedom? Order and control? How strong is their conviction? Demonstrate it.
You can also give two different characters with clashing core beliefs. Two characters with opposing beliefs are called foils. This method can be used to highlight a theme in your story.
When building my characters, I like to give them a quote that defines their innermost beliefs. Here are examples of core beliefs a character may have:
- “I will never give up on my dreams.”
- “Nobody will save me.”
- “Only the strongest will survive.”
3. Motivation
Motivation is the force that drives a character’s actions, thoughts, and choices. The best way to determine a character’s motivation is by understanding what your character wants. Fill in the blank below to determine your character’s motivation:
A character can be motivated by internal conflict (strong emotions like fear, vengeance, or love), external conflict (a physical threat), or their backstory. Try to give your characters multiple reasons/motivations for why they decide to finally take action.
Personally, I like to describe a character’s main motivation as their treasure. A character’s treasure is what they value most above all else, defining who they are at the core. It overrides all possible motivations a character might have. It’s something that when threatened or lost entirely, changes the whole course of action for your character. Like a character’s core belief, a character’s treasure can be hidden, only showing itself when the utmost pressure is put on them.
For example, in The Hunger Games, Katniss shows her “treasure” when she volunteers to take Primrose’s place at the Reaping. Katniss’ will to survive is overridden by her desire to protect her sister. This truth stays consistent throughout the story.
4. Personality
You should have an idea of what your character’s personality is. Personality is influenced by many things: beliefs, backstory, or maybe there’s a relationship dynamic you are trying to achieve. There doesn’t necessarily have to be a specific reason why a character has a certain personality trait because maybe that’s just the way they are, but many strong characters do.
For example, a character who is expected to take care of their loved ones is most likely to be more composed than the rest. Or a character who is loud and boisterous might feel they need to act this way to draw attention to themself. Get it?
5. Relationships
You should also have an idea of the relationship dynamics playing throughout the story. Who are their friends, family, and enemies? How do they interact with other characters? Who is your character most loyal to and why? Who do they often clash with? How do they influence the people around them, and in turn, how do certain characters influence them?
Writing engaging dynamics between characters is a part of what makes stories fascinating. Think of the most iconic duos or teams: Prince Zuko + Uncle Iroh, Batman + Joker, Thor + Loki. In my opinion, the most engaging dynamics tend to be foils of each other.
6. Strengths/Weaknesses
Strengths tell us what the character is competent at. Weaknesses tell us their flaws. A well-rounded character should have both. A character with too many strengths without flaws or a character who doesn’t have much to offer except for their weaknesses can be frustrating for your audience. Why? It’s difficult to connect to someone who is unrealistically perfect, and frustrating to watch someone who makes too many mistakes (without redemption). Make sure to connect your character’s strengths and weaknesses to the role you assigned them to play in your story.
Does your character have a specialty? What are they so skilled at that makes them stand out from other characters? What strengths do they possess that makes the audience believe they can overcome the most difficult challenges they will be confronted with.
Does your character have a fatal flaw? A fatal flaw is an often reoccurring negative trait which leads to your character’s ultimate downfall. These traits can include pride, cowardice, selfishness, addiction, etc.
Decide your characters strengths and weaknesses to get a clearer idea of the role they will play in your story.
7. Chronicle Their Life: Then, Now, Later
To get a better idea of who your character is, you should understand who they were then, who they are now, and what they want later. What does that mean?
THEN refers to your character’s backstory. What happened in their past that makes them who they are today? NOW refers to the current situation they’re facing during your story. Ask yourself what conflict your character must resolve in your story. What do they need to achieve to get the future they are hoping for? LATER refers to what your character imagines as their ideal outcome for the future. What action does your character think they should take to achieve this ideal outcome? Or rather, what do they anticipate will happen if they don’t? And do they believe they can actually achieve the ideal outcome? Show it!
Other Things to Consider:
There are other aspects of character to consider when designing him or her, depending on setting, genre, plot, or your personal taste. Take a look and decide what you need!
8. Occupation & Hobbies
In a lifetime, we spend about 1/3rd of our life working, and whatever is left of our free time on our hobbies. The more we know about what a character does on a day-to-day basis, the more we know about them and the more they feel real to us. Think of how your character’s occupation and/or contributes to the plot, story, and setting. Think of how it helps them to solve problems.
9. Culture
Defining a character’s culture can be simple or complex, depending on your story and its setting. Think of how their culture influences them and their decisions. How does culture affect the way they act and dress? Additionally, how does your character feel about their culture? Do they adhere to tradition or want to break free from it?
10. Dialect
Dialect is simply how a character speaks, which should be in line with the setting (time + place) and culture of your character.
11. Quirks
Quirks are the habits or imperfections your character possess that seem odd or strange. These strange habits are great traits to add because they distinguish your character from others, acting as a staple for who they are. An example of a quirk would be a character who bites their nails when nervous or cleans obsessively when stressed. Think of ticks your character may have to add dimension to who they are.
12. Likes and Dislikes
In addition to deciding a character’s personality, think of their likes and dislikes. What are general things they are drawn toward? Why? What does this tell us about them? What are they revolted by? Why?
Now You Understand How to Build a Character!
Great! Now you understand how to build a character in creative writing from scratch! Now that you clearly defined the most important aspects of your character, next you must learn how to characterize them.
I hope this article helped! Thanks for reading!