9 tips for designing a believable character
- Figure out a backstory. ...
- Get inspiration from real-life experiences. ...
- Do your research. ...
- Do a little world building. ...
- Allow your character to evolve. ...
- Give your character a voice. ...
- Be the voice no one else can hear. ...
- Put a face to a name.
What makes characters believable?
Believable characters are unique and three-dimensional. Each has real attributes, like appearance, personality, and a backstory, that make them relatable. A character's motivations inform their actions and decisions, creating the narrative arc in the story.
How do authors create believable characters?
The first rule to create believable characters is authenticity. A reader will be drawn to a character if that character's actions, words, and motives are congruent. Authors should not make a character behave a certain way only to further the plot.
