The ultimate guide to character development in your novel
Characters are the heart and soul of any story, driving the plot and making the story relatable to readers. But how do we create believable, compelling characters? This is where characterisation and character development comes in.
👉 Check out our character template for outlining your cast of characters.
What is 'characterisation'?
Characterisation is the process by which a writer reveals a character's personality. This can be done directly, through descriptive language and direct statements about a character's personality, or indirectly, through a character's actions, words, thoughts, and interactions with other characters.
The importance of characterisation in writing
Characterisation plays a crucial role in storytelling. It:
- Drives the plot: Characters drive the story forward through their actions and decisions.
- Engages readers: Readers often engage with a story through their connection with the characters.
- Provides conflict: Characters' contrasting personalities or goals can create conflict, which adds intrigue to the story.
Types of characterisation in writing
There are two main types of characterisation:
- Direct characterisation: Here, the author explicitly describes the character's traits to the reader. For example, 'John was a generous man.'
- Indirect characterisation: The author shows the character's personality through their actions, dialogue, and interactions. For example, showing John buying lunch for a homeless person illustrates his generosity.
How to create effective characterisation in your writing
Characterisation can be a complex process, but here are some strategies to help you master it:
- Develop a character profile: Before you start writing, create a comprehensive profile for each of your characters. Include their physical characteristics, personality traits, background, motivations, and relationships with other characters.
- Show, don't tell: Rather than telling the reader that a character is kind, show them by describing a scene where the character helps someone in need.
- Use dialogue wisely: Dialogue is a powerful tool for characterisation. Through conversations, you can reveal a lot about your characters' personalities, backgrounds, and relationships.
Remember, characterisation is a process that unfolds throughout the story. As your plot develops, so should your characters. By paying close attention to characterisation, you can create memorable characters that readers will connect with, enhancing the impact of your story.
💡 Read more: How to introduce a new character
