Download PDF cheat sheet:
Elsewhere in the Resource Hub we've discussed how to craft compelling characters and character arcs that resonate with your readers, but for practical purposes, here's a quick reference guide you can use during brainstorming, outlining, and initial drafting.
1. Define the core of your character
Purpose & role:
Determine your character’s role (protagonist, antagonist, mentor, etc).
Understand how they drive the plot and theme.
Motivation & goals:
Identify clear, personal motivations (e.g., love, revenge, freedom, wealth).
Set both short-term objectives and long-term goals or dreams.
Backstory:
Sketch out key life events that shape their personality.
Use backstory to explain current behaviours, fears and desires.
2. Develop a distinct personality
Flaws & strengths:
Give them relatable flaws (e.g., stubbornness, naivety), and notable strengths (e.g., courage, wit).
Consider how these traits create internal conflicts and growth opportunities.
Unique voice & mannerisms:
Develop distinctive dialogue patterns and speech quirks.
Add memorable physical traits or habits that reflect their inner life.
Values & beliefs:
Outline their moral compass, what they hold dear, and what they repel.
Allow their values to guide decisions and create tension when challenged.
3. Craft a dynamic character arc
Internal conflict:
Highlight struggles (e.g., self-doubt, moral dilemmas) that hold a person back and eventually force internal change.
For positive character arcs, ensure the arc shows growth; regression for a negative arc; or no change for a flat arc.
External challenges:
Introduce obstacles that test their limits and catalyze development.
Use relationships and interactions with other characters to spur transformation.
Transformation:
Plan a clear evolution or realization by the story’s end.
Decide if the character’s journey is triumphant, tragic or ambiguous.
4. Show, don’t tell
Actions over exposition:
Reveal personality through behaviour, decisions and reactions, rather than lengthy descriptions.
Use dialogue, internal monologue and subtext to hint at deeper layers.
Conflict & tension:
Create scenes where characters are forced to choose, showcasing strengths and vulnerabilities.
Allow contradictions to emerge naturally – people are rarely one-dimensional.
5. Relationships & interactions
Dynamic relationships:
Define how your character interacts with others – friends, foes, mentors.
Use relationships to reflect or challenge their internal beliefs.
Conflict with others:
Introduce opposing forces that mirror or counterbalance your character’s internal struggles.
Let every relationship contribute to their personal journey.
6. Context & environment
World-building impact:
Consider how the setting and society shape your character’s beliefs and actions.
Reflect cultural, historical or fantasy elements that add depth and realism.
Consistency & contradictions:
Maintain a balance between consistency in character traits and surprising, believable contradictions.
Allow your character to evolve naturally as the story progresses; avoid forcing their change.
7. Practical tips & tricks
Character profile:
Create detailed profiles that include, at the very least, physical appearance, background/upbringing, habits, manner of speaking, and emotional triggers.
Inspiration & research:
Draw from real life or literature – observe behaviour, listen to dialogue, and research diverse perspectives.
Beta readers & feedback:
Use feedback to refine characters, ensuring they are engaging and believable.
Revise & refine:
Revisit and strengthen character details and arcs during revisions.
Ensure every scene reinforces who your character is and how they change.
Finally...
Remember, compelling characters feel real because they are complex, conflicted and constantly evolving. Use this cheat sheet to keep your character development focused, and don’t be afraid to let your characters surprise you along the way. Happy writing!
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Tina Williams of Fiction Yogi is a copyeditor and proofreader who works with writers at all stages, giving them the tools to improve their manuscript and level up their writing so they can meet their publishing goals.
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