How To Write A Character

How to Write a Character

↠ Start with the basics, because obviously. Name. Age. Gender. Maybe even a birthday if you’re feeling fancy. This is step one because, well, your character needs to exist before they can be interesting. But nobody cares if they’re 27 or 37 unless it actually matters to the story.

↠ Looks aren’t everything… but also, describe them. Yes, we know their soul is more important than their hair color, but readers still need something to visualize. Do they have the kind of face that makes babies cry? Do they always look like they just rolled out of bed? Give us details, not just “tall with brown hair.

↠ Personality isn’t just “kind but tough.” For the love of storytelling, give them more than two adjectives. Are they kind, or do they just pretend to be because they hate confrontation? Are they actually tough, or are they just too emotionally repressed to cry in public? Dig deeper.

↠ Backstory = Trauma (usually). Something shaped them. Maybe it was a messy divorce, maybe they were the middle child and never got enough attention, or maybe they once got humiliated in a spelling bee and never recovered. Whatever it is, make it matter to who they are today.

↠ Give them a goal. Preferably a messy one. If your character’s only motivation is to “be happy” or “do their best,” they’re boring. They need a real goal, one that conflicts with who they are, what they believe in, or what they think they deserve. Bonus points if it wrecks them emotionally.

↠ Make them suffer. Yes, I said it. A smooth, easy journey is not a story. Give them obstacles. Rip things away from them. Make them work for what they want. Nobody wants to read about a character who just gets everything handed to them (unless it’s satire, then carry on).

↠ Relationships = Depth. Nobody exists in a vacuum. Who do they love? Who annoys the hell out of them? Who do they have that messy, can’t-live-with-you-can’t-live-without-you tension with? People shape us. So, shape your character through the people in their life.

↠ Give them a voice that actually sounds like them. If all your characters talk the same, you’ve got a problem. Some people ramble, some overthink, some are blunt to the point of being offensive. Let their voice show who they are. You should be able to tell who’s talking without dialogue tags.

↠ If they don’t grow, what’s the point? People change. They learn things, make mistakes, get their hearts broken, and (hopefully) become a little wiser. If your character starts and ends the story as the same exact person, you just wasted everyone’s time.

↠ Flaws. Give. Them. Flaws. Nobody likes a perfect character. Give them something to struggle with, maybe they’re selfish, maybe they push people away, maybe they’re addicted to the thrill of self-destruction (fun!). Make them real. Make them human.

↠ Relatability is key. Your character doesn’t have to be likable, but they do have to be understandable. Readers need to get them, even if they don’t agree with them. If your character never struggles, never doubts, and never screws up, I have bad news: they’re not a character, they’re a mannequin.

↠ You’re never actually done. Characters evolve, not just in the story, but as you write them. If something feels off, fix it. If they feel flat, dig deeper. Keep refining, rewriting, and letting them surprise you. That’s how you create someone who feels real.

Now go forth and write characters that actually make people feel something. And if you need a reminder, just ask yourself: Would I care if this person existed in real life? If the answer is meh, start over.

More Posts from Oddity123 and Others

1 month ago

I love spring! ✨💐

𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤
𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤

𝔴𝔢𝔩𝔠𝔬𝔪𝔢 𝔟𝔞𝔠𝔨, 𝔩𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩𝔶 𝔰𝔭𝔯𝔦𝔫𝔤

1 month ago

✨💗

Time for some random ramblings, and this is coming from an exhausted, yet fulfilled walking zombie:

I had the BEST time of my LIFE! Like oh my god, I went to this Great Gatsby orchestra concert and OH.MY.GOD. The music was just so full of LIFE and PASSION! The performers were TOP notch and the composer was so eccentric -It was all tied together so well and the venue was STUNNING! Glass chandelier, great snacks and I got a view from the balcony, so that definitely enhanced my experience.

Honestly, the jazz was just...wow. The whole experience reminded me of what can come out of life, the wonderful people that make these things happen and the COMMUNITY that comes together to make such a special project-I understand that the world, especially as to what we can see right now thanks to social media, seems to be very chaotic and that there's no light in the tunnel...but if you think about it, what if self-expression and community and being proactive is the key? Now I am tired, so this might not make sense, but hear me out:

Jazz is this lively genre of music that just seems to DRAW people in-It's been the lifeblood of so many people and has inspired multiple dances, subgenres and it enhanced the Roaring Twenties and made the era so grand and inviting. It's what gave people hope and a reason to keep on dancing.

So what if we all just need to come together to make a reason? I truly do understand that the world is an overwhelming place to be, and that everything seems bleak and hopeless. I empathise with that, as I struggle with burnout and as somebody who aspires to be an author but is afraid of the capitalistic system destroying my chances, climate change and all that "jazz" (no pun intended), I really do get it.

But what if constant negativity from social media is what's stifling our growth and our chances at a good life? What if it's the way to keep everybody down, make them feel lile there's no way up and so the issues keep on growing stronger?

...Perhaps all we need to have..is a bit of hope and a way to take action?

I understand that sounds ABSURD, but I heard this quote on Pinterest: ``Joy is resistance.``

Perhaps all we need to do is find a way to make things better, and allow ourselves respite and forgiveness? Allow yourself to love others and yourself? Allow yourself to indulge in your dreams and desires? ALLOW yourself to finally see the potential that's within you?

It may seem like a far-fetched idea, but is it really when so many people come together? There's no harm in being the one to:

Take. The. First. Step.

Let's allow ourseoves grace and compassion, and realise this world has always been messed up, but oh so wonderful as well and can always get better, once there is a motivator for change.

For us, that motivator is peace in knowing you and the next generations can live a fulfilling, joyful and thrilling life without any worries of money, fitting in, misery or any of that.

That's just my hot take on it. Cliché? Maybe, but repetition doesn't, right?

Anyways, thanks for coming to my TED talk! *Raises glass of grape juice in a toast* May we find joy in resistance!

1 week ago

what type of witchcraft do you partake in? (:

Honestly, I’m still trying to figure out which types interest me since I’m a baby witch (and I can’t do anything outlandish since I kinda have to practice in secret), but I like to do basic stuff and art magick! And green witchcraft really interests me as well! :D


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1 month ago

How to show emotions

Part IV

How to show bitterness

tightness around their eyes

pinched mouth

sour expression on their face

crossed arms

snorting angrily

turning their eyes upward

shaking their head

How to show hysteria

fast breathing

chest heaving

trembling of their hands

weak knees, giving in

tears flowing down their face uncontrollably

laughing while crying

not being able to stand still

How to show awe

tension leaving their body

shoulders dropping

standing still

opening mouth

slack jaw

not being able to speak correctly

slowed down breathing

wide eyes open

softening their gaze

staring unabashingly

How to show shame

vacant stare

looking down

turning their head away

cannot look at another person

putting their head into their hands

shaking their head

How to show being flustered

blushing

looking down

nervous smile

sharp intake of breath

quickening of breath

blinking rapidly

breaking eye contact

trying to busy their hands

playing with their hair

fidgeting with their fingers

opening mouth without speaking

More: How to write emotions Masterpost

If you like my blog and want to support me, you can buy me a coffee or become a member! And check out my Instagram! 🥰

3 weeks ago

It’d be pretty nice!!

Reblog If You Want Asks/Messages From Your Followers In Your Inbox
Reblog If You Want Asks/Messages From Your Followers In Your Inbox
Reblog If You Want Asks/Messages From Your Followers In Your Inbox

Reblog if you want Asks/Messages from your followers in your inbox

1 month ago

If you’re a sapphic teen who wants to find people like yourself, you should join my community! (Must be 19 or under)

Join The silly teen sapphics! ❀ • Community on Tumblr
Tumblr
30 members, 21 posts about #lgbtq #wlw #Lesbian • For any lesbian/sapphic teen who’s silly!

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2 weeks ago

Hi, I just want you to know. That you’re awesome and a wonderful and nice person. I hope you have a good day.

Awwh, thank you so much! I hope you have a great day too, whoever you are! 🫶🏾


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2 weeks ago

Yippee!

Credit To: User

Credit to: user

3 weeks ago

it's aways good to remember that she was actually out as sapphic and such a good singer

Yeah! She is a really good singer, and I agree with a comment I saw on YouTube under this song: the song is calming yet kinda badass!

8/10 ✨


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oddity123 - Oddity! (And Her Ramblings) ✨
Oddity! (And Her Ramblings) ✨

She/her | 👩🏾‍🦱❤️🧡🤍💗💜 🏳️‍🌈| a teen who likes writing, music, art, and witchy things :)Adults, do not dm me. You can like and reblog my stuff, but other than that, dni <3

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