CREATIVE FICTION

Character Development: From Flat to Unforgettable

Master the art of creating characters readers will never forget.

Great characters are the heart of memorable stories. They're complex, flawed, and feel like real people we might meet on the street.

Give Them Contradictions

Real people are contradictory—brave but insecure, kind but selfish. These contradictions make characters feel three-dimensional.

Show Their Wounds

Every interesting character carries emotional baggage. What past hurt shapes their present behavior? What are they afraid of?

Let Them Change

Character arc is essential. Your protagonist should be fundamentally different by the story's end, shaped by their experiences.

Create Distinct Voices

Each character should speak differently. Consider their background, education, personality, and emotional state when writing dialogue.

Make Them Active

Characters who drive the plot forward are more engaging than passive protagonists who simply react to events.

Remember: readers don't need perfect characters. They need real ones—flawed, struggling, and ultimately human.

DV

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