All novels
rely on exciting characters, but fantasy novels, with their fantastical
settings and high stakes, require exceptional character development. Characters
that stand out captivate readers, propel the storyline, and give life to your
fantastical settings. To create memorable characters, follow these steps:
1. Cultivate Distinct Characteristics
It would be great if each character had a unique personality. This
does not imply falling back on cliches or stereotypes but rather making people
complex and unique.
- Write your character's preferences, interests, fears, and
aspirations in a profile. Because of this, they become more believable and
approachable.
- Dialogue is a great way to showcase character.
Characters' speech patterns tell us a lot about their personality, upbringing,
and socioeconomic status. Think about how they talk, the words they use, and
the things they're interested in.
2. Clear Goals and
Motivations
What gives a character's journey its direction and purpose is
their motivation. You must comprehend the desires and motivations of your
characters.
- Aiming Within vs. Outside: Finding acceptance or conquering fear
are examples of internal aims, whereas destroying an enemy or recovering a
stolen relic are examples of exterior goals.
- Background: Create a detailed history to clarify their
reasons. Their prior experiences have shaped both their identity and the
motivations behind their pursuits. Instead of dropping a ton of information all
at once, use their actions and words to progressively unveil their past.
3. Own Imperfections
Without flaws, characters are dull. Characters need flaws to be
approachable and to have space to grow, which is crucial for character
development.
- Find Out What They're Missing: These can be moral, emotional, or
bodily. A character may have trust concerns despite their physical strength if
they have experienced emotional trauma.
- Demonstrate Development: Throughout the narrative, characters
should encounter obstacles that compel them to recognize their shortcomings and
evolve. Because of this arc, their journey is more interesting, and their
victories are more fulfilling.
4. Build Intimate Bonds
The plot can gain complexity, and a character's personality can be
shown through their relationships with other characters.
- Friends and Enemies: In different ways, your character might be
helped or hindered by friends, mentors, foes, and rivals. These exchanges can
bring out the best in people, show where they fall short, and propel the story
forward.
- Avoid one-dimensional relationships; instead, focus on complex
interactions. Enemies and allies can find common ground and have disagreements
nonetheless. Because of these intricacies, relationships become more exciting
and realistic.
5. Immerse Them in a Rich Setting
The people you create should have a sense of home in the universe
you've built. Their character design, morals, and actions should reflect your
fantasy world's history, geography, and culture.
- The Impact of Culture: Consider how different cultures shape
your personality. What kind of culture, magical lineage or modest village did
they originate from?
- World Building: Expand the
character's complexity by utilizing the environment. Someone hailing from a
busy metropolis could be as cunning and clever as someone hailing from a
frozen, remote area.
Crafting characters that readers will remember takes creativity,
sensitivity, and meticulous attention to detail. You can make your characters
memorable even after turning the last page if you give them distinct traits,
believable goals, and a vividly conceived world. Remember that your characters
will be considered significant if they are plausible enough to make your
readers care about them beyond the page.
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