When we are going to write a story, it is essential to first know how to define the protagonist of the story. As well as the supporting characters, antagonists, co-stars and other characters who end up contributing in one way or another to the development of the novel, story or writing. The characters are a fundamental element in the creation of a good story, so it is something that in don hows, we could not let go without further ado. This is how we have deigned to write this article today on how to create a character for your novel or story?
If you intend to write or enter the world of literature and aspire to be a novelist, our recommendation is that you stay reading until the end. We will mention the important points and what we must take into account when creating a character. As well as mentioning some recommendations and examples on how to do it correctly.
Let’s keep in mind that the process of defining a character is just as important as writing the story itself, if you don’t manage to create your character well. Unfortunately, you may be prone to your story failing or the character in question not generating the result you expect in the reader.
Know the setting.
Before even defining a character, it is advisable to first be clear about the setting or places where the story will take place. Since that can make it much easier for you to create your character, obtaining a result that blends in harmony with the environment.
When we talk about setting, we are not only referring to defining aspects such as the period, aesthetics and genres of the work. Since the union of all these elements will allow you a correct creation of characters. To give you an example, let’s say you intend to write a story with the following setting:
- It takes place in the 30s.
- It will be a detective mystery story.
- The place will be the Great Britain of that time.
Having these elements, creating a buts becomes easier, because in doing so we must make our character fit well with the setting. Although there are those who do the opposite (First they define the character and then the setting). We believe that this is the correct way, since it is easier to adapt a character to a certain environment than vice versa.
The conflict or contribution that involves the character.
In a novel we can add a character just because, as long as it is intended to join a new one. It has to have a purpose, a mission to attend to in the development of the story. If you only introduce a character because you just feel like it, it will be one that will go unnoticed in his work.
Not only that, but you should also consider how your character will evolve in the play. To give you an example. Let’s say that your thing is to write an epic adventure, where at the beginning of it the character is an inexperienced young man. But that after a series of events in the play, the inexperienced young man will become an experienced adventurer. If you are clear about this and what “events” make your character go from his initial state to the end. You will be able to create a terrific character, not only one that is in harmony with the setting of the work, but also one that is actively involved and participates in it.
To create a character, you need to build its descriptive sheet.
If you realize, until now we have commented on a series of points that help more than anything to create your character, taking into account your environment and conflicts. However, we have not stopped until now to comment on the general data that builds it. And by this we mean not only taking into account physical aspects of the character, but also psychological and social ones.
When we create a character, the more we can define about it, the better. Not only because that will help us when we write the novel, we know how the character will respond to X situation. But also the elements that we already defined of it, can help with the advancement of the story.
In the descriptive sheet you must take into account data such as:
- Age.
- Full name.
- Personality.
- Skin color.
- Notable physical features (Example has a tattoo).
- Hair color.
- If you handle any type of weapon.
- Hobbies or pastimes.
- Social status.
- Academic level.
- profession or work
- Tastes.
- Sexual orientation
These were just some of the descriptive traits to consider when creating a character. Although in the first instance it seems absurd to build a token. The truth is that it helps enormously in the understanding and structure of our future character.