How to Create a Character for Your Novel

Last Updated: March 6, 2021 Approved

Do you need help creating a character for your novel? Well, you have come to the right article. This article will show you how to create a very "real" feeling character your readers can relate to regardless of the genre of your novel. Get started with step number one below.

Steps

1
Get something to write with and on. Pen and paper, a notebook, a nice fresh Word document on your PC, whatever you prefer. If you need to, go out to the store and buy something to write with and on.^{[1]
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- Keeping your character information (notes, doodles, etc.) in one place, such as a binder or a Google Drive folder, is recommended. This makes it easier for you to refer back to as needed.
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Part 1

Part 1 of 2:
Naming Your Character

1
Write down your character's full name (first name, middle name, and last name), and any other names/nicknames/titles they have. ^{[2]
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- Your character doesn't have to have their name mentioned in your novel. You may be writing a mystery have your main character may just be referred to as, for example, the Man, all the way through the novel. Even if this is the case, to add depth to your character, you should know them inside-out even if the reader will not.
- Some characters may not get their name until you've fleshed them out. That's okay too––go with whatever feels right as you develop the character.
- Consider the time period when your character was born to find a historically realistic name.
- Give your character a unique, memorable name. Baby name books are a good resource. You can also check sites that help new parents to name a baby.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:
Developing Your Character

1
Describe your character's physical features. Do they have blonde hair with green highlights? Are their eyes green, blue, or two different colors? What color is their skin? Are they human, animal, robot or mythical creature? Make your character unique.^{[3]
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- Describe your character in an interesting way, even if your character is meant to be bland or average. Pink hair with pale skin and green eyes? Or short brown hair, brown eyes, and a good tan? Maybe brown hair with purple streaks, brown eyes, and ghostly pale skin. The possibilities are vast, just make the descriptive language good, so that it conjures up the character for the reader.
2
Write down your character's main features, traits and activities. This may include:
- Nationality, social status and job/occupation.
- Beliefs, values, preoccupations, superstitions, preferences, fears or phobias (Are they afraid of the dark? Or maybe spiders?) and why they fear that specific thing.
- Friends, allies, colleagues, enemies, frenemies, family members, romantic partner, etc. Consider the relationship they have with these people.
- Particular talents (maybe they are good at juggling), any movements/protests they are involved in (describe the movement/protest and its purpose), and past/childhood (maybe they used to be a warrior, a dentist or a bank-robber), etc.
- Hobbies.
- Describe their current home and past/childhood home(s).
3
Describe the character's personality in detail. Are they loud and flamboyant, or more the quiet introvert? Do they stand for their beliefs? Are they shy, or in-your-face? You want your readers to know exactly what kind of person your character is, if required.^{[4]
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- Of personality traits, which are the best? They are all great for working with as a writer, but you must choose a reasonable selection that best fits your character––don't try to overwhelm the character with an unlikely combination of many traits.
- Don't give the character merely neutral or good traits (an overly perfect character is often called a "Mary Sue" and received poorly by readers]]. Also spice it up with the vices and weaknesses. Your character is best if presented as imperfect (in actions, appearance or personality). Your character can make mistakes, have bad habits, and possess little interesting quirks. This is what makes the character interesting. For example: Is he so nice that he gets taken advantage of? Or is she so pretty that it goes to her head? Is she such a tomboy that the guys don't mind including her in guy's night out?
4
Flesh out the character's past. Your character's background is one of the most important thing about them. That is when they learned what they know today. Was her father a drunk and beat her so badly that she is scared of guys? Or maybe her father was never even in the picture and her mother wasn't the best mother? Maybe she is the oldest child and takes care of her two little brother since her parents left her at a young age to fend for herself? What are you going to make happen?^{[5]
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5
Develop a plot that relates to the character's involvement. What is a good story without a good plot? Maybe your character fell in love with the wrong person and now has to find a way out before it is too late? Maybe your character has become mixed up with some bad people or a strange mystery. Maybe your character has only months to live and wants to do something great. Keep imagining away.

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Community Q&A

Question

I feel like I'm writing a book that's already been written. How do I steer away from doing this?

Community Answer

As long as you aren't directly copying a story, it is okay to use an idea that has already been used. It is impossible to write a book where every single aspect is brand new. Just try to include some twists that makes it unique. For example, if you are writing a fantasy novel, add a mystery aspect. Or if you are writing a fluffy YA novel, add an odd character that takes the story in an unexpected direction.
Question

I based my story off of something else, but now I think I could go somewhere with it. How do I make it different from the original?

Community Answer

If is difficult to make something completely different from what it is based off of. That said, you can try making subtle changes to your character and as you write, go back and make sure that you are able to distance you new story from the original. It may take time, but you can do it.
Question

How can I find the balance between too much detail and too little?

Community Answer

Usually you can tell when something is overwritten. I usually stop at one or two adjectives per sentence, and maybe leave one bare. If you're talking about a character, then they can never have too much. Just don't introduce it all at once or it'll be overwhelming.
Question

I am struggling with writing a specific character because she's the opposite of me. What should I do?

Community Answer

Ask yourself how you would deal with your character's situation. Once you determine how you would do it, make sure the character does the opposite or something different from your choice.
Question

How do I get my own ideas without taking ideas from other books I have read?

Community Answer

Give yourself time to think. Good ideas for stories don’t usually come quickly. As for not using their ideas, you can take little bits of these stories and meld them into a new plot if you must, as long as these bits are not anything that could be copyrighted, like a character named Harry Potter.
Question

How do I get people to love my character?

Community Answer

Create a character people can relate to. Do this by assigning it actions and characteristics people find heroic and likable.
Question

How can I get past writer's block?

Community Answer

Try writing a small side story about one of your minor characters; that can help get your creativity going. Sometimes you just need to take a break from writing altogether though, so maybe wait a week or two before you continue your story.
Question

I'm so worried that my character is a Mary Sue! Help! She has a sad(ish) background, is the oldest of three, has to take care of her siblings, and is a detective that solves the mystery!

Ellie

Community Answer

You can easily stop this from happening by giving her some flaws, like maybe she's very impatient, or perhaps she has a bitter personality.
Question

How do I create a good plot for my novel?

Donagan

Top Answerer

See Write a Good Plot.
Question

How do I make my villain hated in my novel?

Community Answer

Have them do some things that directly affect the protagonist, such as hurting someone they love/care about.

Warnings

There will be people who may not like your character.

Thanks!
Helpful 45 Not Helpful 13
Don't make a character based on a real-life person that is defamatory in nature. If it is evident to most readers who that character is in real life, the real person may seek to sue you for defamation.

Thanks!
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