how to write unforgettable characters

This is for those of us who prefer incredible character-based storylines with in-depth histories, quirky personalities, and unique values. I’m diving into what I think a great character should be made of. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, plot driven stories are great too. And all stories need a great plot. But if I had to choose between the two, I’d definitely choose the story with characters so vivid and full of life that I’m utterly attached to them and have to remind myself that they’re fictional. 

So, naturally, I wanted my writing to be full of those characters. The ones you see yourself in, the ones you always wanted to be friends with, even the ones you despise. And I figured there were some cool aspiring authors out there that might be interested in how to create them too!

So without further ado, here’s the hot tips and tricks I’ve come up with so far.

Maintain a consistent character voice.

In other words, make sure your characters are distinct in how they speak and interact. If a reader is thirty pages into detail on my characters, I’d like them to be able to read a quote and know immediately who said it. 

This is tricky when you have lots of characters in general (much less my wild bunch), but keep reading for my secret tip on how I keep my characters distinct and maintain their own individual voice.

Show the reader the character’s values.

As you develop your beloved cast, don’t forget to identify their values. They say actions speak louder than words. And guess what? They’re right. Take opportunities to show rather than tell your reader what the character values based on their decisions, actions, and behaviors. This gives a character more depth and leads us into our next tip.

Identify your character’s misbelief.

What does your MC (main character) think will be the answer to all their problems, but in reality is nowhere close to correct. This writing can be fun because you can clue in the reader while your character is in the dark. You give the reader a secret sense of understanding or being in the know. 

Make at least one of your beloved cast relatable.

While I’m all for moxy and pizzazz and piping personality, you need your readers to relate to your characters… or at least one or two of them. This builds interest, credibility, and also gives your reader some authority to predict outcomes in the plot… or at least think they can, which encourages them to keep turning those pages.

Add some idiosyncrasies.

Alright, alright, I know I was just all pro-relatability. But ALSO and perhaps more importantly, have fun with your cast a little bit. Give them some affinities, some bad habits, some pet peeves, some weird talents, some snappy humor. It’s your world, make some cool people live in it. 

OK… I did say I had a secret tip.

I don’t know. Should I tell you? Should I give up this valuable little detail that helps tie all these things together and help you toe the line with consistency? My author secrets!?

Fine, maybe this will build up some good karma. So, let’s have it.

My favorite tip or secret tip is… cast them. Cast your characters… literally. I know you have some favorite movies, shows, actors. Pick some of them out and use them as your muse. This is so helpful writing because you don’t have to keep personalities or looks or attitudes straight, you just already know how your chosen actor would play them. 

Alright folks, that’s the skinny! J.E. Miller’s hot tips and tricks on unforgettable characters. Let me know what you think? Have these tips been helpful to your writing?

And don’t forget to meet my loves, my now dear friends, from superstars to outsiders and a squad like no other… The Marvelous Marvels.