How Do I Figure Out My Characters’ Personality?
Designing characters that feel like they belong in the real world can often be one of the trickiest parts of storytelling.
It’s not just about giving them a name and a set of traits—it’s about creating living, breathing people who stand out to your readers and make an impact.
But how do you go from a character sketch to someone who feels entirely real?
This guide will walk you through the process of creating characters who are multi-faceted, genuine, and unforgettable.
Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Discover Their Core—What Drives Them?
Every character is driven by something, whether it’s an external goal or an internal need.
Their motivations—the things that push them toward action—are what make them come alive on the page.
This doesn’t have to be a grand or complex goal either. It could be something simple, like wanting to be seen as competent, or finding a sense of belonging.
The first step is to understand what your character wants most.
This desire will shape their choices, actions, and even the relationships they build.
The clearer this internal drive is to you, the more authentic your character will feel.
For instance, let’s say your character is an artist who craves recognition but also feels inadequate.
This internal conflict between their desire for success and their fear of not being good enough will guide their every action and decision.
These complexities make them feel like real people, not just fictional constructs.
Step 2: Build Layers—Flaws and Strengths in Balance
Real people are multi-dimensional.
They are neither entirely good nor entirely bad.
They possess strengths, but also flaws, vulnerabilities, and contradictions.
To make your character feel fully alive, you need to explore their weaknesses and imperfections, alongside their strengths.
Does your character have a great sense of humour but struggle with anxiety? Are they fiercely independent but have trouble trusting others?
These dualities in their personality will make them feel more human and relatable.
For example, your character may be highly ambitious but terrified of failure.
This fear could lead them to make rash decisions, avoid important opportunities, or sabotage their relationships.
The key here is that their flaws are an extension of their deeper desires or fears—this is what creates emotional depth and makes them compelling.
Step 3: Align Their Choices with Their Inner Journey
How do you show your character’s growth?
The answer is simple: make sure their decisions align with their internal desires and fears.
The actions they take—whether in small moments or life-changing events—should reflect the inner struggles they are going through.
For example, a character who values personal freedom might act impulsively, always seeking the next adventure, even at the cost of stability.
On the other hand, a character who is afraid of being alone might cling too tightly to relationships, even when those bonds are unhealthy.
These actions, deeply tied to their personality and emotional journey, are what make them feel authentic.
When your character’s external actions and internal emotions are in sync, they become believable and resonate with your readers.
Step 4: Relationships Matter—What They Give and Take
No character exists in a vacuum.
They are shaped by the people around them, and the relationships they form are key to understanding their growth.
Every relationship—whether with family, friends, or a romantic partner—reflects something crucial about who they are.
Think about how your character interacts with others.
Are they open and trusting, or guarded and distant?
Perhaps they have a toxic relationship that holds them back, or a supportive friend who pushes them to be their best.
These dynamics not only reveal more about their personality but can also become catalysts for change, sparking transformation in your character’s arc.
A character who learns to trust others, or who finally stands up for themselves after years of silence, is showing growth.
Relationships offer a fertile ground for both conflict and development.
Step 5: Utilize Tools to Add Depth and Consistency
To make your character’s journey easier to map out, consider using psychological tools like the Myers-Briggs Personality Types or the Enneagram.
These frameworks help define your character’s basic tendencies and emotional triggers, ensuring that every action and decision feels consistent with their inner world.
For example, a Myers-Briggs INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) might be highly strategic and prefer solitude, while an ENFP (Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving) might be spontaneous and driven by emotions.
These personality traits provide insights into how your character would react in different situations.
The Enneagram offers another layer, helping you explore your character’s core fears, desires, and motivations.
Using these tools can guide your character development, giving you a clear sense of who they are and how they will react in any scenario.
Step 6: Create the Ultimate Character Guide with The Ultimate Author’s Planner
Once you have your character’s foundation built, it’s time to dive deeper.
The Ultimate Author’s Planner is designed to help you take your character from a basic outline to a fully realized person.
This guide is packed with exercises, prompts, and detailed breakdowns of personality traits, relationships, and motivations.
With this resource, you’ll be able to refine your characters, making sure they are complex, grounded, and ready to take on any challenge in your story.
Ready to Start? Grab Your Free Character Worksheet Today!
The journey to crafting a well-developed character starts with a single step.
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Along with this free resource, you’ll get access to insider tips, additional writing tools, and updates about my upcoming works.
Conclusion
Creating a character who feels like a real, breathing person doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task.
With the right tools, techniques, and a bit of creativity, you can build characters that readers will connect with and remember long after they’ve finished reading.
Ready to get started?
Download your free worksheet today and let’s bring your characters to life!
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