A captivating story isn’t just about the plot—it’s about the characters. Readers become invested in stories when they connect with the characters, and this connection often starts with authenticity. A well-developed character can evoke empathy, keep the audience engaged, and drive the story forward. But how do you create characters that feel real and resonate deeply with your audience?
Why Authentic Characters Matter
Characters are the heart of any story. Whether they’re the hero, the anti-hero, or even the villain, they are the individuals the audience will spend the most time with. If your characters feel one-dimensional or unrealistic, readers will struggle to care about what happens to them, no matter how compelling the plot may be. Authentic characters, on the other hand, draw the audience in, making them care about the character’s journey, struggles, and growth.
When a character is well-crafted, they become more than just a figure on the page—they become someone the reader knows, understands, and feels for. Authenticity in character design means giving them depth, flaws, motivations, and desires that are relatable and engaging. It’s this sense of realism that makes the reader believe in the character’s actions and reactions.
Techniques for Creating Authentic Characters:
- Give Them Flaws: Perfection is often the enemy of relatability. A character that’s too flawless can feel cold or artificial. People are complex, and flaws are what make us human. When developing a character, think about their imperfections—these flaws often serve as sources of conflict and growth throughout the story. Perhaps your protagonist struggles with self-doubt or harbors a deep fear of failure. These vulnerabilities make them more relatable and encourage the reader to empathize with their struggles.
- Develop Clear Motivations: Every character has a reason for their actions, even if it’s not immediately clear to others within the story. Whether it’s love, revenge, survival, or curiosity, motivations drive a character’s decisions and actions. A character without motivation can seem aimless, making their journey less compelling. By understanding what drives your characters, you create a sense of purpose that will resonate with readers. This is especially important for villains, as their motivations help to explain why they do the things they do, turning them from mere obstacles into complex figures with understandable (though not always sympathetic) desires.
- Give Them a Backstory: The history of a character—where they’ve come from, what they’ve endured, and the experiences that shaped them—adds richness and depth to their personality. Readers connect more deeply when they understand why a character behaves the way they do. For example, a character who has experienced a loss may react differently to conflict than someone who has never faced such hardship. A well-developed backstory provides context for their actions, choices, and growth throughout the narrative.
- Create Relationships with Other Characters: Characters don’t exist in a vacuum. How they interact with others shapes their personality and offers the reader insight into their true nature. Relationships—whether they’re friendships, rivalries, romantic entanglements, or family dynamics—reveal different facets of the character. The way a character behaves in one relationship may be drastically different in another, which adds layers to their persona. A hero may show kindness to a child but ruthlessness to an enemy, while a villain may display vulnerability only to a loved one. These dynamics keep the character from feeling flat and help the reader see them as multi-dimensional.
Examples of Authentic Characters:
Think of some of the most memorable characters in literature and film. Take Harry Potter, for example. At first glance, Harry might seem like a typical hero: brave, determined, and willing to fight for the greater good. But he’s also flawed. He’s angry, scared, and insecure at times, which makes him relatable. He grows over time, not only because of the challenges he faces but also because of the emotional toll those challenges take on him. His flaws make him real to readers, and his journey feels like a personal transformation.
Similarly, characters like Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice or Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games resonate because they have strong, clear motivations, relatable flaws, and deep emotional experiences. They’re not perfect, but they’re authentic, and readers follow their journeys because they care about their growth and challenges.
The Impact of Authenticity:
An authentic character is one that the reader feels emotionally connected to. This connection makes the story feel more impactful, because the reader has invested in the character’s growth, their challenges, and their eventual resolution. Characters who feel real will remain with your audience long after they’ve finished reading.
When you craft characters that are authentic, with clear motivations, flaws, and emotional depth, you create a powerful storytelling experience. The reader becomes more than just an observer—they become part of the character’s journey. They cheer for them, feel for them, and in some cases, mourn for them. This deep emotional connection is what makes storytelling powerful.
In conclusion, characters are not just a vehicle for the plot—they are the soul of the story. By giving your characters the authenticity they deserve, you can create stories that move people, inspire them, and remain with them long after the story has ended. Crafting authentic characters isn’t just about writing well; it’s about creating beings that resonate deeply with the hearts of your audience.