8 mistakes to avoid when creating characters

Characters are the lifeblood of any story – the beating heart that pumps energy and emotion through every page. Get them right, and your readers will be hanging onto every word. But trip up, and you might find your work landing with a dull thud. This article aims to illuminate common missteps that can transform a well-intentioned character into a stumbling block for your narrative.

Mistake 1: The lure of stereotypes

Stereotypes are the shortcuts of storytelling, offering a quick and easy way to define a character. But take this path, and you risk creating characters that lack depth and individuality. Moreover, stereotypes can perpetuate harmful assumptions and limit the reader's understanding of a character's true potential.

Don't fall into the trap of broad brush strokes. Instead, colour your characters with shades of complexity and contrast, making them uniquely their own.

Mistake 2: Characters adrift – lack of agency

Agency refers to a character's capacity to influence the plot, to make decisions, and to be proactive rather than merely reacting to circumstances. Characters without agency can come across as passive or weak, leading readers to lose interest.

Give your characters the steering wheel and let them drive the story forward. They should be the architects of their own destinies, not mere passengers on a predetermined route.

Mistake 3: No one likes Mr or Mrs Perfect

Perfection may sound appealing, but in storytelling, it's a death sentence. Perfect characters are unrelatable and, frankly, boring. They lack the struggles and flaws that make characters feel real and human.

Your characters should have weaknesses just as they have strengths. They should have quirks, fears, and idiosyncrasies – these elements breathe life into a character and keep readers invested.

Mistake 4: Where's the growth?

Growth is an integral part of the human experience. Your characters, too, need to grow, evolve, and learn from their experiences.

Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly, your characters should undergo meaningful transformations that reflect their journey. This doesn't necessarily mean they must always change for the better – the metamorphosis could be fraught with setbacks and difficulties. The key is to show that they are not static, but dynamic and capable of change.

Mistake 5: The curse of one-dimensional characters

One-dimensional characters are about as exciting as a pancake. They're flat, dull, and utterly predictable.

Avoid this pitfall by infusing your characters with layers of complexity. Make them a delightful paradox of virtues and vices, dreams and fears, triumphs and failures. Show your readers the many facets of your characters – they'll appreciate the depth and diversity.

Mistake 6: Looks aren't everything

Physical descriptions certainly have their place, but overemphasising them can be a mistake. A character is much more than their hair colour or nose shape.

Instead of simply describing what your characters look like, try showing who they are. Their actions, thoughts, and feelings can paint a more vivid picture than any physical description.

Mistake 7: All talk, no action

Actions, as the adage goes, speak louder than words. A character who says one thing but does another can come off as untrustworthy or inconsistent.

Show your characters' true colours through their actions. What they do can tell readers much more about their personalities and beliefs than what they say.

Mistake 8: Neglecting character motivations

Characters without clear motivations are like ships adrift at sea. Without a driving force, the plot can feel aimless and disjointed. Each character should have a compelling reason behind their actions. These motivations can serve as powerful engines propelling your story forward.

Don't be afraid to dig deep into your characters' psyche. Understand what drives them, what they desire, and what they fear. A character driven by well-established motivations can add depth and credibility to your story.

In the grand scheme of things

There you have it, eight potholes on the road to creating memorable characters. But remember, like any piece of advice, these are not rigid rules but signposts to guide you. Your characters might still surprise you, veer off the path, and that's perfectly okay – they are human (or alien or magical beast) after all.

A word of encouragement to all budding writers – crafting characters can be daunting, but with patience and practice, you can create characters that readers will remember long after turning the last page. So, grab your pen or keyboard, and dive into the fascinating world of character creation. You've got this!

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