Create Strong Characters

Characters are why readers stay. Plot matters, but people matter more.

Give your character a want. A clear goal drives every scene. Even small wants work.

Give them a flaw. Perfect characters are boring. Flaws create conflict and make characters relatable.

Give them a contradiction. The tough guy who is terrified of hospitals. The cheerful person secretly lonely. Contradictions make characters feel real.

Give them a voice. Each character should speak differently. Word choice, rhythm, and vocabulary reveal personality.

Show, do not tell. We learn characters through what they do, not what the narrator says about them.

A reader should be able to say what your character wants, fears, and fails at. If you know, they will too.