Creating interesting characters is a big part of any creative writing project. Characters drive your story, connect with readers, and make your writing come alive. But how do you create characters that stand out and feel real? Here are tips for creating interesting characters in fiction, poetry, and playwriting that I have learned throughout my time as a creative writing major at Baldwin Wallace University.

Fiction

Creating characters readers are interested in is needed for one-page stories to 500-page novels. Characters drive the plot and engage readers. Here are some tips to help:

• They need motivation: Characters need clear goals and motivations. What do they want to achieve, and why? This drives their actions and decisions throughout the story.

• Round, not flat: A well-developed backstory adds depth to your characters. Where did they come from? What experiences shaped them? Round out your characters to make them complex and interesting.

• Show, don't tell: We hear this all the time, but it is extremely important. Instead of telling readers about your character's traits, show them through actions, dialogue, and interactions with other characters.

• Give them flaws: No one is perfect. Flaws make characters relatable and human. They also create opportunities for growth and conflict.

• Make them real: Each character should have a distinct voice, including their way of speaking, their thoughts, and their reactions to situations. They need to have emotions to feel real. Frustration is a great emotion to bring into your character to flush it out.

Poetry

Writing interesting characters in poetry can be a fun and creative process. Here are some strategies to help you:

• Use imagery: Paint a clear picture of your character through vivid imagery. Describe their physical traits, emotions, and actions in a way that brings them to life.

• Exaggerate details: Since poems are shorter than stories, exaggerating certain traits can make your character stand out. 

• Give them authentic goals: Just like in fiction, your character should have clear goals and motivations. This adds depth and makes the poem more engaging.

• Experiment with form: Don't worry too much about sticking to traditional forms. Experiment with different structures and styles so you can explore your poem and character without barriers.

Plays

Writing interesting characters for plays is different because you rely heavily on dialogue. Learning how to build a character through their actions and words in the present without seeing their inner thoughts was difficult for me to do at first. Here are some tips to help you:

• Strong dialogue: Dialogue is the primary way characters interact in a play. Make sure your characters' dialogue is engaging, revealing, and true to their personalities.

• Show character development: Characters in plays often have development. This shows their growth through their actions, decisions, and interactions with other characters.

• Use stage directions: Stage directions can provide valuable insights into a character's thoughts, emotions, and movements. Use them to enhance the audience's understanding of the character.

• Focus on relationships: The relationships between characters are crucial in a play. Develop these relationships to create tension, conflict, and emotional depth.

Exercise: Character Interview

If you are having trouble, an exercise can help with creativity and give you ideas. One way to discover more about your characters is to conduct a character interview. Sit down and ask your character questions as if you were interviewing them. Here are some questions to get you started:

1. What are your goals and motivations?

2. How do you react under stress?

3. What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

4. Who is your best friend, and why? (If you don’t have friends, why?)

5. What is your biggest regret?

6. How do you handle failure?

7. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

8. What is your dream for the future?

Answering these questions can help you understand your character better and make them more three-dimensional and relatable

Final thoughts

Writing can be difficult, but it is important to keep going. No one else can tell the story and characters you have in your head. 

“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere. Start by getting something—anything—down on paper." - Anne Lamott