How Do You Start Writing a Character?

Starting to write a character can feel like staring at a blank page—how do you create someone who feels real, relatable, and complex from the ground up?

You want your readers to connect with your characters, so getting their personalities right is crucial.

In this post, we’re going to break down some simple yet effective ways to start writing your characters, making them as authentic and relatable as the people in your own life.

Whether you’re creating a fierce heroine or a mysterious supernatural being, these tips will lay the groundwork for bringing your characters to life.

Whether you’re crafting a kick-butt heroine or a brooding supernatural creature, these tips will provide you with the foundation to bring your characters to life.

 

Develop a Backstory That Feels Authentic

Before diving into the present moment of your character’s life, take time to think about their past.

A carefully crafted backstory adds layers to your character and explains why they react to situations in certain ways.

It doesn’t need to be an elaborate or detailed history—just enough to help you understand the key experiences that shaped them.

For example, let’s say you’re writing a paranormal romance with a female protagonist who discovers she has supernatural abilities.

Perhaps she grew up as an outcast, always feeling different, and that sense of isolation influences how she navigates her new powers.

Consider:

• What was their childhood like?

• Did they face any significant challenges or triumphs?

• Who had the most influence on shaping their character—family, friends, or a mentor?

 

By answering these questions, you’ll begin to craft a character who feels multidimensional, even if their backstory is brief.

 

Give Them a Clear Sense of Purpose

Every character needs something they desire—something that drives them forward.

Giving your character clear goals provides motivation and direction, and it keeps your story moving.

Without a goal, your character may come off as aimless, and that will show in your narrative.

Maybe your protagonist is a young witch determined to lift her family’s curse.

Or perhaps it’s a werewolf struggling to control their shifting abilities before they hurt someone they love.

Whatever the goal is, it should push them to take action and make impactful choices.

Think about:

• What does your character crave most?

• What obstacles stand in their way?

• How will they react if they can’t achieve their goal?

 

Once you define their goal, you’ll have a clear vision of what they’re striving for, which gives your story momentum.

 

Introduce Challenges (Because Every Great Character Needs to Face Struggles)

A character without conflict is like a cake without frosting—there’s just something missing.

Conflict is the heart of a character’s journey.

It’s what makes them grow, evolve, and become relatable to your readers.

This doesn’t only mean physical battles—it could be internal struggles, ethical dilemmas, or tangled relationships.

Think about the characters you love in books or movies.

They all face some form of conflict, whether it’s overcoming self-doubt or navigating a love triangle.

Conflict forces your character to make hard choices, and those choices reveal their true nature.

Consider:

• What’s your character’s internal battle? (fear, guilt, self-doubt)

• What external challenges are they up against? (antagonists, the environment, societal pressure)

• How does this conflict impact their decisions?

 

Conflict is where characters shine. It’s what keeps readers hooked, eager to know what happens next.

Without it, even the most interesting characters can feel flat.

 

Use the Character-Building Worksheet to Get Started

If you’re not sure where to begin with your character creation, you’re in luck!

Sign up for my newsletter and get a free Character-Building Worksheet.

This simple, step-by-step guide helps you outline key aspects of your character, from their backstory to their goals and conflicts.

It’s the perfect tool to jump-start your character development and take the guesswork out of the process.

 

Dive Deeper with The Step-By-Step Beginners Guide to Writing a YA Fiction Novel – Breathing Life into Your Fictional Characters

Building relatable, complex characters takes time, and sometimes you need more than just the basics.
That’s where The Step-By-Step Beginners Guide to Writing a YA Fiction Novel – Breathing Life into Your Fictional Characters comes in.

It’s packed with in-depth insights and tips that go beyond the essentials.

Whether you need help fine-tuning a character’s motivations or crafting emotional arcs, this guide gives you the tools to create characters who truly resonate with your readers.

By using both the Character-Building Worksheet and The Step-By-Step Beginners Guide to Writing a YA Fiction Novel – Breathing Life into Your Fictional Characters, you’ll have all the resources you need to bring your characters to life.

 

Want More Writing Tips and Resources?

There’s so much more to explore on my website!

From tips on writing paranormal and supernatural fiction to behind-the-scenes insights into my novels, I share everything I’ve learned throughout my writing journey.

Sign up for my newsletter to stay updated, get exclusive writing tips, and access free resources that will make your writing process smoother and more enjoyable.

Writing characters is one of the most enjoyable aspects of storytelling, and with these foundational steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating characters that readers will never forget.

So go ahead—start writing, and let your imagination soar!

 

Need more help?

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Happy writing,