The Art of Character Development
“Character development is just making sure your protagonist screws up enough times to become a better person… or at least less of a disaster.”
Congratulations, you’ve got a character. They may have a name, some quirky hobby (collecting antique spoons), and maybe a tragic history involving a goldfish. Congratulations again; you’ve just created the cardboard cutout of a human being. Fear not; this is where the magic happens — or at least, that is where you’re supposed to turn them into something a little more interesting.
And so, to the wonderful world of character development, where one-dimensional characters come to life, like Pinocchio but with more existential crises.
Step 1: Backstory, aka Trauma for Fun
Every good character needs a good backstory, right? Let’s be real: what is a backstory without a little suffering? Unresolved childhood issues are the most delicious definition of depth. Abandoned as a child? Excellent. Is haunted with some mysterious past? Perfect! They’ve been through *stuff*, and now they’re brooding because that’s what fully developed characters do. The more angst, the better.
But not too much. You want your character to have *just* the right amount of trauma-not enough that they need therapy, but enough to give them a few relatable quirks. Maybe they don’t trust microwaves. Maybe they’re always late to social events because time is a construct. The possibilities are endless.
Step 2: Flaws: Because Perfection is Boring
Nothing says “I’m human” like a good flaw. Your character may be a knight in shining armor, but guess what? That armor should have some dents. They might save the world, but they’re also *really* bad at parallel parking. Or maybe they have a temper that flares up every time someone brings up pineapple on pizza. Flaws make them relatable and, more importantly, remind readers that even heroes have off days.
But here’s the kicker — make sure the flaw actually matters. Don’t give them something weak like “Oh, they’re just *too* nice.” That’s not a flaw; that’s a customer service rep. Give them a flaw that trips them up, complicates their life, and makes readers yell at the book: “WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?! “
Step 3: Motivations: Why Does This Character Even Bother?
Okay, so your character needs a reason to get out of bed in the morning beside, you know, coffee. What’s driving them? Revenge? Love? The fact they have six overdue library books? Good character development means giving them a goal that feels important-at least to them.
Save the world? Meh. That’s everybody’s motivation, and, really, we’ve got it. Save the world, yadda yadda yadda, the world is gonna die. So much easier is something like, “My character wants to open a bakery but can’t because they’re allergic to gluten.” Now there’s drama!
Step 4: Growth: From Zero to Hero (or Villain)
Your character needs to grow-emotionally, that is. Not in size (unless you are writing some freak sci-fi about people growing taller throughout the story), but emotionally. At the beginning maybe they’re a mess-a lovable mess, yes-but a mess nonetheless. At the end? They’ve learned something. They’ve changed. They’ve stopped ghosting their therapist.
But watch out for the dreaded *instant growth*. One heartfelt convo isn’t going to magically solve all their problems. This isn’t a 90-minute rom-com. Growth takes time, and if your character goes from grump to guru overnight, well, we’re gonna need a refund on that emotional investment.
Step 5: Relationships: No One Develops in a Vacuum
Unless your character is literally a hermit (and even then, they’ve probably got a volleyball named Wilson), relationships with others must be integral to their development. Friends, enemies, love interests, that weird neighbor who only waters their plants at midnight, or someone like him or her in your little town to shape who your character will become. These interactions must challenge them, draw out different sides, and sometimes, even make them wonder why they had made that particular life choice.
Just don’t give them *too* many relationships — unless you’re writing a soap opera. Focus on the key ones that push your character to either a breaking point or a breakthrough. Ideally both.
Conclusion: Congratulations, You’ve Created a Human!
Well, kind of. If you’ve completed these steps, your character has moved from flat to three-dimensional. They have quirks, flaws, motivations, and a path to walk (or trip over). You have officially learned the art of character development-or at least faked it convincingly enough that your readers won’t notice.
Now, sit back and enjoy watching your creation make terrible life choices. After all, isn’t that what storytelling is all about?
