In this article, I'll show you ways of creating a believable fictional character.
1) The first step in creating a realistic fictional character is to get an overall feel as an author on what they're like--not just physical appearance but personality and background.
When you start brainstorming the traits of your character, you want to look more at how those traits impact your character than the really the traits themselves. Too many times I've seen writers give a detailed list of traits when they begin to describe a fictional character--this can make the character seem flat if you're not careful.
The advice of many writing books of "show, don't tell" is very important in characterization as well as plot. If your fictional character is intelligent, show them doing something intelligent. Don't just have the trait listed.
2) You need to have some background information on your fictional characters that is specifically for you as the writer.
It doesn't have to be something that the reader even knows directly. This can be information about the characters personality, general reactions when they have a certain emotion, etc. You can keep this stored in notebooks
3) It's helpful sometimes to mentally put your fictional characters in situations that aren't related to your plot.
Playing with ideas may help you create a more solid character, even when the ideas themselves don't make it into your book or short story. The exercise in itself will get your brain working on making the character more realistic. (Note: Always save these unused scenes because they may be helpful to you later.)
4) Do your homework on specific details about your characters that you may not know off the top of your head.
If your main character is a pilot, you may possibly have readers who are pilots. If little details are off, your drama may suddenly become a comedy to them. You don't have to go overboard, but either do enough research or have a friend who's an authority review it for you.
5) Be observant of people in general.
This is especially helpful in studying mannerisms, such as people running their hands through their hair if they're frustrated or nervous. Sometimes this is also helpful for coming up with conflict ideas as well. Just don't creep people out by following them around with a notebook
Additional Tips:
- Take the time to look through some books on psychology and personality-types. When you study real people, it makes creating fictional people a lot easier.
- There are also a lot of free online resources on personality-types as well.
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