Character Development 101

By ERMW Team
Thursday, July 31, 2025

Creating compelling characters is at the heart of every great story. It's about crafting individuals who feel real, whose journeys resonate, and whose struggles captivate. Let's expand on the fundamentals of character development, from their inner desires to their outward expressions.

Part 1: The Fundamentals – Goals, Needs, and Flaws

Goals Rule: Understanding What Your Character Wants

A character without a goal is like a car without a destination – it might be well-built, but it's not going anywhere interesting. Goals are the driving force of your story. They provide direction, create conflict, and give the audience something to root for (or against).

It's crucial to distinguish between internal goals and external goals:

  • External Goals: These are tangible, often plot-driven objectives. They're what the character is actively pursuing in the external world. Examples include finding a treasure, winning a competition, escaping a prison, or solving a murder. These are the "what" of your character's pursuit.

  • Internal Goals: These are the character's deeper, often subconscious desires related to their personal growth or emotional state. They might involve earning respect, finding love, overcoming a fear, achieving self-acceptance, or finding their true identity. These are the "why" behind the external actions and often represent a fundamental shift the character needs to make within themselves.

Often, a character's external goal will serve as a vehicle for them to achieve their internal goal. For instance, a character might embark on a quest for a magical artifact (external goal) not just for the artifact itself, but because they believe it will prove their worth to their family (internal goal). The tension between these two types of goals, and how they intertwine, creates a richer, more engaging character journey.

Needs are Essential: The Deeper Drivers of Behavior

While goals are what a character wants, needs are what they require to be whole, to achieve fulfillment, or to resolve an inner imbalance. These are often universal human desires, such as:

  • Love/Belonging: The need for connection, acceptance, and intimacy.

  • Acceptance/Validation: The desire to be seen, understood, and approved of by others or themselves.

  • Safety/Security: The fundamental need for protection and stability.

  • Control/Power: The urge to influence their environment or others.

  • Meaning/Purpose: The search for significance and a reason for existence.

  • Self-Actualization: The drive to reach one's full potential.

Needs often operate beneath the surface, sometimes even at odds with a character's stated goals. A character might desperately want power (goal), but deep down, what they truly need is to feel secure and loved. Their pursuit of power might be a misguided attempt to fulfill that deeper need. This conflict between what a character thinks they want and what they truly need is a powerful source of internal drama and provides fertile ground for their arc.

Flaws and Imperfections: The Spice of Character

Imagine a perfectly good, perfectly capable, perfectly kind character. Sound boring? That's because it is. Flaws are not weaknesses to be hidden; they are essential ingredients for creating relatable, dynamic, and ultimately more human characters. Insecurities, mistakes, bad habits, moral ambiguities, and prejudices are what make characters feel real.

Flaws bring several critical elements to a story:

  • Conflict: Flaws are inherent sources of conflict, both internal and external. A character's arrogance might lead them to make a critical error, or their insecurity might prevent them from trusting allies.

  • Relatability: No one is perfect. When characters exhibit flaws, the audience can see themselves reflected, making the character more sympathetic and easier to connect with. We understand their struggles because we have our own.

  • Growth Potential: Flaws provide opportunities for a character to learn, change, and grow. Overcoming a significant flaw is often the core of a compelling character arc.

  • Depth: Flaws add layers to a character's personality, moving them beyond one-dimensional archetypes. They hint at complexities and contradictions that make a character fascinating.

Don't shy away from giving your characters authentic imperfections. The more human they are, the more profoundly they'll resonate with your audience.

Part 2: The Power of the Backstory

The Past Shapes the Present: The 'Why' Behind the 'What'

Every character has a past, and that past is not just a collection of events; it's the crucible in which their present self was forged. Backstory provides the essential "why" behind a character's actions, beliefs, fears, and, critically, their flaws. It explains their motivations, their unique perspective on the world, and the origins of their strengths and weaknesses.

For example, a character's distrust of authority might stem from a childhood experience of betrayal. Their fierce protectiveness of loved ones could be a reaction to a past loss. Understanding a character's backstory allows writers to imbue their present behavior with logic and emotional resonance, making them feel like a fully formed individual rather than a mere plot device.

Backstory Clues: Weaving the Past into the Present

While backstory is vital for the writer, it doesn't mean you should dump it all on the reader at once. The art of revealing backstory lies in subtlety and strategic placement. Instead of lengthy exposition, consider these methods:

  • Dialogue: Characters can allude to past events, make inside jokes with long-standing relationships, or react strongly to certain topics based on their past experiences.

  • Actions: A character's habits, anxieties, or automatic responses can be subtle tells about their history. Someone who hoards food might have experienced famine. A character who flinches at loud noises could have a traumatic past.

  • Symbolic Details: Objects, locations, or even recurring motifs can carry symbolic weight connected to a character's past. A faded photograph, a scar, or a specific melody could subtly hint at significant events without explicit explanation.

  • Reactions to Present Events: How a character reacts to new information or challenges can reveal aspects of their past. Their current fears or prejudices often have roots in earlier experiences.

Less is More: Trusting Your Audience

The most effective backstory is often hinted at, not explicitly detailed. "Less is more" when it comes to backstory reveals. Avoid "info dumps" – long paragraphs or monologues where a character or narrator explains extensive chunks of their past. This often bogs down the pacing and can feel unnatural.

Instead, sprinkle clues throughout your narrative. Trust your audience to piece together the implications. A well-placed line of dialogue, a brief flashback, or a meaningful glance can convey volumes about a character's past without over-explaining. This approach not only keeps the story moving but also engages the reader, allowing them to actively participate in uncovering the character's history. The mystery of a character's past can be just as compelling as the events unfolding in the present.


Part 3: Character Arc – The Journey of Change

The Necessity of Transformation: Why Characters Must Evolve

One of the most satisfying elements of a compelling story is watching a character undergo significant change. A character arc is the journey of transformation a character takes from the beginning of the story to the end. This isn't just about external events; it's about internal growth, the shifting of beliefs, the overcoming of flaws, or sometimes, the embrace of darker tendencies.

Why is this essential for audience satisfaction?

  • Relatability: Just like in real life, people change. Seeing characters evolve makes them more human and their struggles more resonant.

  • Emotional Investment: We invest in characters who strive, fail, and ultimately grow. Their journey becomes our journey, evoking empathy and excitement.

  • Meaningful Story: A story where the protagonist remains unchanged often feels static and pointless. The arc provides purpose and demonstrates the impact of the narrative events on the character's inner world.

  • Resolution: A complete character arc often provides a sense of emotional resolution, even if the external plot has an open ending.

Types of Arcs: Navigating the Spectrum of Change

Not all character arcs are the same, and the "right" type depends on your story's themes and your character's journey.

  • Positive Arc (Transformation Arc): This is the most common and often the most satisfying. The character starts with a significant flaw or misconception and, through the challenges of the story, learns to overcome it, growing into a better version of themselves. They might learn humility, courage, or the importance of connection.

  • Negative Arc (Fall Arc): In this arc, the character degenerates over the course of the story. They might succumb to their flaws, make increasingly poor choices, or lose their moral compass, ending up in a worse state than they began. This arc is common in tragedies or stories about villains.

  • Flat Arc (Testing Arc): In a flat arc, the character themselves doesn't undergo a significant internal change. Instead, they serve as a catalyst for change in the world around them or in other characters. They often embody a core belief or moral truth that is tested throughout the story, and their unwavering nature proves its validity. This arc can be effective for heroic figures who are already "complete" or whose role is to inspire others.

Choosing the appropriate arc for your character is crucial for conveying your story's message and achieving the desired emotional impact.

The Inciting Incident: The Spark of Transformation

Every great character arc begins with a trigger – an event that shakes the character out of their equilibrium and forces them to confront their current reality. This is the inciting incident. It's the moment when the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the character is propelled into the main conflict of the story.

The inciting incident is vital because:

  • Disrupts the Status Quo: It shatters the character's comfortable or established life, forcing them to react and make choices they wouldn't have otherwise.

  • Creates a Goal: It often presents the character with a new external goal they must pursue, which in turn will often necessitate an internal change.

  • Reveals the Need for Change: It highlights the character's existing flaws or unmet needs, setting the stage for their transformation. For example, a shy character might be forced into a leadership role, revealing their need to find their voice.

The inciting incident isn't just a plot point; it's the catalyst that ignites the character's journey of change, making their arc inevitable and compelling.

Part 4: Showing, Not Telling – Revealing Character through Action

Action vs. Description: The Power of Observation

One of the foundational rules of good storytelling is "show, don't tell." This principle is particularly vital when it comes to character development. Rather than directly stating a character's traits (e.g., "She was brave"), demonstrate those traits through their actions, reactions, and interactions.

  • Telling: "He was a nervous man." (This gives the reader information, but it's not engaging.)

  • Showing: "His hands trembled as he reached for the doorknob, and he cleared his throat, though no words came out." (This allows the reader to experience his nervousness and draw their own conclusion.)

By showing, you engage the reader's imagination and allow them to infer character traits, which creates a more immersive and believable experience. It makes the character feel more real and less like a list of adjectives.

Behavior Under Pressure: The True Nature Revealed

It's easy to present a facade when things are calm, but a character's true nature often emerges when they are pushed to their limits. How a character behaves under pressure – in moments of crisis, fear, anger, or despair – reveals their core values, their resilience, and their deepest instincts.

Consider:

  • Do they panic or remain calm?

  • Do they sacrifice themselves for others or look out only for number one?

  • Do they confront the challenge head-on or try to escape?

  • Do they resort to violence, cunning, or compassion?

These high-stakes moments strip away pretense and allow the reader to see the character's authentic self, often revealing strengths or flaws that were previously hidden. These are the moments that define a character and stick with the audience.

Symbolic Actions: Gestures That Speak Volumes

Sometimes, a single, small action can convey a wealth of information about a character's personality. These are symbolic actions – specific behaviors that represent a larger character trait or inner state. They are often subtle but powerful visual cues that speak volumes without needing lengthy explanation.

Examples:

  • A character who habitually smooths their hair when stressed suggests vanity or a need for control.

  • Someone who always offers to carry the heaviest bag reveals generosity or a protective nature.

  • A character who avoids eye contact might be shy, deceptive, or deeply insecure.

  • The way a character holds their body – slumped, rigid, open – can instantly communicate their mood or attitude.

These small, distinctive actions not only make a character more vivid but also deepen the reader's understanding of their inner world, reinforcing their established traits or even hinting at hidden complexities.

Part 5: Dialogue that Defines

Voice is Everything: Making Characters Sound Unique

Dialogue is not just about advancing the plot; it's a powerful tool for characterization. Each character should have a unique voice – a distinctive way of speaking that sets them apart from others. This involves more than just different opinions; it encompasses:

  • Word Choice (Diction): Do they use formal or informal language? Simple words or complex vocabulary? Slang or archaic terms?

  • Sentence Structure: Are their sentences long and rambling, or short and clipped? Do they use complete sentences or fragments?

  • Rhythm and Pacing: Do they speak quickly or slowly? Do they pause frequently or rush through their words?

  • Accent/Dialect (Implied): While not explicitly written, hints of regional or social speech patterns can add authenticity.

  • Catchphrases or Idiosyncrasies: Specific phrases they frequently use or unique vocal habits.

When a character's voice is well-crafted, you should be able to identify who is speaking even without a dialogue tag. This makes conversations feel natural, dynamic, and revealing of the characters' personalities.

Subtext and Nuance: The Unspoken Words

What a character doesn't say can be just as important, if not more important, than what they do say. Subtext is the unspoken meaning, the underlying emotions, or the hidden agenda behind a character's words. It's the tension, fear, longing, or resentment that bubbles beneath the surface of a seemingly mundane conversation.

  • A character saying "I'm fine" while avoiding eye contact and clenching their fists suggests anything but fine.

  • A seemingly casual question about another character's plans could be an attempt to gather information or subtly manipulate them.

Nuance in dialogue allows for deeper character exploration and adds layers of complexity to interactions. It reveals inner conflict, strained relationships, and the true motivations that characters might be trying to conceal. Mastering subtext makes dialogue richer, more realistic, and far more engaging.

Every Line Counts: Purposeful Conversation

In compelling storytelling, there should be no wasted words. Every line of dialogue, ideally, should serve at least one of these purposes:

  • Advance the Plot: Move the story forward, reveal crucial information, or set up future events.

  • Reveal Character: Showcase a character's personality, beliefs, flaws, or emotional state.

  • Develop Relationships: Illustrate the dynamic between characters – their history, their affection, their animosity.

  • Create Conflict or Tension: Introduce disagreement, raise stakes, or build anticipation.

  • Establish Setting or Mood: Use dialogue to hint at the environment or set the emotional tone of a scene.

By carefully crafting each line, ensuring it has purpose and contributes to the overall narrative, writers can make their dialogue vibrant, efficient, and deeply impactful on both character development and plot progression.

Part 6: Avoiding Cardboard Characters – Stereotypes and Clichés

Beyond the Familiar: The Dangers of Flat Stereotypes

The human mind naturally categorizes, and while archetypes can be useful starting points, relying on flat stereotypes is a shortcut to creating uninspired, unoriginal characters. Stereotypes are oversimplified, generalized portrayals that strip characters of their individuality and complexity. The "tough guy with a heart of gold," the "ditzy blonde," the "evil CEO" – these familiar molds can make your characters feel like cardboard cutouts rather than living, breathing individuals.

The danger lies in:

  • Predictability: Readers can see the character's entire arc coming from a mile away because they've seen the stereotype countless times.

  • Lack of Depth: Stereotypes lack the contradictions, nuances, and unique histories that make real people fascinating.

  • Offensiveness: Many stereotypes are rooted in harmful generalizations about race, gender, sexuality, or profession, and their use can perpetuate prejudice.

Writers should strive to move beyond the familiar and delve into the specificities that make each character unique, even if they start from an archetypal foundation.

Showing vs. Tropes: Nuance Over Lazy Shortcuts

A trope is a commonly recurring literary or narrative device, theme, or character type. Not all tropes are bad; they can be useful shorthand for communicating information quickly. However, when a trope becomes a cliché – overused to the point of losing its impact and becoming predictable – it leads to lazy characterization.

The key difference lies in how you use them.

  • Using a visual trope to show a character trait: A character meticulously organizing their desk might be a visual trope indicating their orderliness, but it's shown through action. This can be effective if it's integrated into a complex character.

  • Lazy cliché shortcuts: Presenting a "rebel without a cause" simply by giving them a leather jacket and an angry scowl, without exploring the why behind their rebelliousness, is a cliché shortcut. It relies on superficial traits instead of developing a genuine personality.

Instead of relying on easy stereotypes or cliché shortcuts, show your character's traits through their unique actions, dialogue, thoughts, and interactions. Challenge yourself to subvert common tropes or give them an unexpected twist, adding layers of complexity that surprise and engage the audience.

Diversity and Authenticity: Crafting Respectful Characters

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of creating diverse, layered characters cannot be overstated. This goes beyond mere representation; it's about crafting characters from various backgrounds, experiences, and identities with authenticity and respect.

  • Research: If writing about experiences or cultures outside your own, conduct thorough research. Understand the nuances, avoid assumptions, and seek out authentic voices and perspectives.

  • Avoid Tokenism: Don't include diverse characters merely to check a box. Ensure they are fully developed individuals with their own arcs, motivations, and complexities, not just representatives of a demographic.

  • Empathy and Nuance: Approach all characters, especially those different from yourself, with empathy and a desire to understand their unique lived experiences. Challenge your own biases and assumptions.

  • Beyond Surface-Level Traits: Dive deeper than superficial characteristics. Explore how a character's background, identity, and experiences shape their worldview, their struggles, and their triumphs.

Crafting diverse and authentic characters enriches your story, makes it more relatable to a broader audience, and demonstrates a commitment to thoughtful, respectful storytelling. Ultimately, the goal is to create ch

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ERMW Team

Our leadership team bring years of experience in many different sectors to bear on the challenges of expanding economic and workforce development.

https://www.elratonmediaworks.org/board
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