From the basics to the very in-depth, these are some of the resources I go to when I’m developing new characters. Have a look at my favorites, and add your own in the comments!
1. 25 Things About Creating Characters
As a writer, creating characters is probably the most important thing you do. Get it wrong, and the story will be wrong no matter how well plotted.
2. Lessons From James Scott Bell: Characters That Jump Off The Page
Readers are engaged by characters who do not always act in a predictable way. Think of how to have your character make decisions or respond in ways the reader won’t see coming.
3. Crafting Memorable Characters
Successful main characters are the agents of their own destiny, they are someone we root for, and they grow or change during the course of the novel.
4. 6 Must-Know Tricks for Getting to Know Your Characters
Most of us don’t start writing until we’ve come up with a character we just adore. But how can we make sure this character will also be adored by our readers?
5. Creating Your Hero’s Fatal Flaw
The most intriguing conflicts are the ones that come from within people’s own personalities.
6. Five Unrealistic Character Traits
These characters have traits that are so unrealistic, the audience starts thinking about the author’s intention rather than the story at hand.
7. Creating a Dynamic Character for your Novel or Short Story
In this article, we will take a look at what dynamic characters are, how they differ from static characters, what forms their narratives can take, and how authors can write them into their books.
8. Writing Crutches: Gestures
What are gesture crutches, and why should we avoid them?
9. The Path to Deepening Your Protagonist
Protagonists don’t write themselves. No character does. So why leave trait-choice up to the character?
10. Nine Kick-Ass Excercises to Find Your Character’s Voice
Creating unique voices for each viewpoint character is essential in creating fiction readers want to read over and over.
What about you? What are your favorite blog posts about creating characters?
