The Write Zone

When you write down the main stats of a character, it might look something like this:

Name: Fred Gutterman

Age: 24

Place he lives: New York City

What role he plays: Protagonist.

Yeah, that gives you a pretty basic overview of Fred. But there might be several Fred Guttermans in New York that are twenty four. So what makes your Fred stand out? When writing a book, you want people to remember your Fred for who he was on a bigger scale. Let’s say this is your description of Fred in you story-

Fred Gutterman was your average 24-year-old. He lived in a beautiful apartment in the middle of New York City, and was a highly praised worker. Everyday, he would take the subway to Duncan Finances, work in his private office, and enjoy his job right up until the minute he left Duncan Finances and took the subway home.

Yeah, you can see that he sounds pretty flat and an average guy. No offence to Fred, but I think I’d be giving that book away pretty fast. Now, imagine you make Fred a bit more interesting…

Fred Gutterman lived in the basement of an old fashion shop on the outskirts of New York City, with barely any furniture, two sets of clothes, and only one other item to his name- an old guitar. At the crack of dawn each day, he’d get dressed in whichever clothes were the cleanest, pick up his caseless guitar, and begin walking from building to building, trying to secure a job performing. He’d get two gigs on a good day, but it was even rare to get one. After a long day of walking, and sometimes performing, he’d head home, often using the money he had to catch a bus for part of the way.

Much more intriguing, as you can see. Here’s how to give your characters depth;

• Give them contradictions. Nobody is one-dimensional. Maybe your character is shy around strangers but loud around friends. Maybe they’re generous with money but stingy with affection. Contradictions make the character feel more real, and might even give you something to add to their character arc throughout your story.
• Show what they want — and what’s in their way. A strong desire (and an obstacle) defines a story. Fred wants to make a living through music, but no one will give him a steady gig. That tension makes us root for him, and also can be a base for a strong storyline. Imagine if Fred suddenly has a steady gig from someone he hasn’t even met, and talks with him through a messenger? What could that change in Fred’s life?
• Reveal what they fear or hide. The quietest truths about a character are often the loudest to a reader. Maybe Fred keeps playing because his father gave him that guitar before disappearing years ago — and every note keeps the memory alive.
• Let their environment reflect their story. Where someone lives, what they wear, and what they own can tell more than paragraphs of exposition. Fred’s basement apartment and worn guitar show his struggle and priorities without a single line of telling.
• Give them a voice. The way a character talks — their rhythm, vocabulary, tone — can set them apart instantly. Fred might say, “Music is what I’m chasing after,” instead of “I’m trying to be a musician.” Small phrases make a big difference.

After applying that to a rough draft of a character, you’ll find them much better than they were at first.

Till my pen meets the paper again,

Tatum