How to Write a Likeable Main Character

Do you know how sometimes in a book you are reading, you end up hating the main character or start to think that they are getting annoying or too dramatic? Do you ever get nervous while writing your book that your main character may be getting a tad annoying?

Unless you're aiming for your main character to be hated, there are some steps to making a relatable and love-filled main character, and I will walk you through those steps.

1. Clear Goals or Dreams

In a book, you need a situation or a goal your readers are rooting for to happen. Make your main character’s goal true, like finding love, saving the world, or even proving themselves so that the readers have something to cheer for and look forward to.

This goal could also trigger a sympathetic reaction, still causing the readers to root for the main character.

2. Flaws

Not everybody is perfect. You're not perfect, I’m not perfect, your parents aren't perfect, no one is perfect. Unless your main character is a god (who also, is not usually perfect), they should all have flaws.

You could give them a sense of insecurity, or they can annoy others sometimes by their yapping, or even being afraid to fail. These flaws will make your character seem more human and make your readers more drawn to this person.

However, don’t make these flaws cruel or selfish without reason. I have a list posted on character flaws you can check out under the lists tab, then personality!

3. Humor and/or Quirks

These are kind of like the character flaws. I know that sometimes you chew on stuff without realizing it and I guarantee you, your readers do the same too! Instead of your character sitting there like a statue, unmoving, they will seem more real, more human if they fidget.

Again, I have another list for character habits that you can access under lists and then personality!

4. Show Kindness or Loyalty

We root for characters who show care towards others, even if it’s subtle. It’s like how you like people nice to you. It just unlocks a part of you and you want to open up to them because they know they are kind or loyal.

5. Strong Relationships

Humans and other animals are genuinely social creatures. We all love having friends, hanging out with them, and always having a fun time. Even if your character is a loner, they are most likely going to have relationships with other people. It doesn’t have to be romantically but like family or even best friends.

6. Character Development

Readers grow with the character throughout the book. Make your main character get stronger, more empathetic, or more open as the book goes on. Learning is a part of life, human or not, so your character should go through a learning curve.

Also, let your reader hear your character’s thoughts as they grow. It helps them look back and see how much they’ve grown, and become more emotionally attached.

7. Background and Plot Armor

To be honest, I  was unsure if I should add this, but please don’t make your character’s backstory TOO over the top. This sent me back to flashbacks of my gacha phase, but please don’t overcomplicate the backstory. It’s going to make readers confused and it will seem like plot armor.

Plot armor is when a character always seems to survive any near-death experiences just because they are important to the story. This makes them sound less human. 

However, if you're like me and you like torturing your characters for angst and fluff, keep doing that. Pain and wounds make them seem more human and not some indestructible cyborgs.

Have fun with it but not too much fun.