How to Create Vivid Characters for Your Novel or Screenplay
Creating characters that feel real and alive is essential for any novel or screenplay. Whether you’re writing a story about a hero, a villain, or a side character, you need to make sure your characters are believable and engaging. Here are some tips to help you create vivid characters for your novel or screenplay.
Start with a Character Archetype
When you’re creating a character, it can be helpful to start with a character archetype. An archetype is a basic character type that is used in literature and storytelling. Common archetypes include the hero, the villain, the mentor, the sidekick, and the damsel in distress. By starting with an archetype, you can quickly create a basic outline for your character.
Add Specific Characteristics
Once you’ve chosen an archetype, you can start to add specific characteristics to your character. Think about their physical appearance, their mannerisms, their interests, and their values. Make sure to give your character a unique set of characteristics that will make them stand out from other characters.
Build the Backstory
Your character’s backstory is an important part of creating a vivid character. Think about where your character came from, what kind of family they had, and what kind of experiences they’ve had in their life. These details will help to make your character feel more real and alive.
Give Them Quirks, Faults, and Flaws
No character is perfect, and giving your character quirks, faults, and flaws will make them more believable. Think about how your character reacts to different situations, and how their faults and flaws might affect their decisions.
Give Your Character an Arc
Giving your character an arc is essential for any novel or screenplay. An arc is a character’s journey from the beginning of the story to the end. Think about how your character will change and grow throughout the story, and how they will be different at the end.
Add Visual References
When you’re creating a character, it can be helpful to add visual references. Think about what kind of clothes your character wears, what kind of car they drive, and what kind of places they like to go. These details will help to make your character feel more real and alive.
Organise & Refine
Once you’ve created your character, it’s important to organise and refine your ideas. Make sure to keep track of all the details you’ve created for your character, and make sure they’re consistent throughout the story.
Create the Rest of Your Characters
Once you’ve created your main character, it’s time to create the rest of your characters. Make sure to give each character their own unique set of characteristics, and make sure they’re all distinct from each other.
Creating vivid characters for your novel or screenplay can be a challenging task, but it’s essential for any story. By following these tips, you can create characters that feel real and alive, and that will engage your readers.