Introduction
No matter how compelling your plot or setting is, your readers will only connect deeply with your story through your characters. Strong, believable characters are the beating heart of every memorable book. They make readers laugh, cry, and reflect, and ultimately, they’re what keep readers turning pages.
Understanding the Role of Your Characters
Before you begin shaping your characters, it’s vital to understand their purpose in your story.
Every story typically includes three main types of characters.
1. The Protagonist
Your protagonist is the central character, the person readers will root for. They are the driving force behind your story’s action and emotional core. A strong protagonist must have a clear goal, relatable flaws, and the capacity for change.
Example:
“In Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief, Liesel Meminger isn’t just a girl growing up in wartime Germany an example often discussed at the Melbourne Writers Festival (https://mwf.com.au).”; she’s a symbol of resilience, curiosity, and hope. Readers follow her transformation through hardship, making her an unforgettable protagonist.
2. The Antagonist
The antagonist opposes your protagonist’s goals. They’re not necessarily evil; they simply have motives that conflict with the main character’s desires. A believable antagonist should have depth, purpose, and logic behind their actions.
Tip: Avoid creating “flat villains.” Give them motivations readers can understand, even if they don’t agree with them.
3. Supporting Characters
Supporting characters add richness to your story world. They challenge, guide, or reflect your protagonist’s journey. Even if they play a small role, give them distinct personalities, histories, and voices.
Building a Solid Character Foundation
Strong characters don’t appear out of nowhere; they are built from a foundation of personality, history, and purpose.
Create a Character Profile
“A character profile helps you stay consistent and deeply understand your characters, and tools like Reedsy’s Character Profile Template (https://blog.reedsy.com/character-profile/) can make the process easier.”
- Name: Choose a name that fits their cultural or regional background. If your story is set in Australia, consider names that reflect the diversity of modern Australia.
- Age and Appearance: Think about how they look, dress, and carry themselves. Their physical traits can reflect their background or experiences.
- Background: Include family history, education, profession, and major life events.
- Personality Traits: Are they optimistic or cynical? Bold or hesitant? Understanding their nature will help you predict how they’ll act in any situation.
- Flaws and Fears: Flaws make characters human. Think about what they’re afraid of losing or confronting.
- Goals and Motivation: What do they want and why? Motivation is the emotional engine of your story.
Example:
If you’re writing an Australian coastal drama, your protagonist might be a marine biologist torn between protecting the reef and supporting a family fishing business. Their internal conflict will drive the emotional depth of the story.
The Power of “Show, Don’t Tell”
“The golden rule of writing applies perfectly to character development, and this Show, Don’t Tell guide by MasterClass (https://www.masterclass.com/articles/show-dont-tell) is a great reference.” Don’t tell your readers what your character feels; show it through their actions, dialogue, and decisions.
Instead of saying
“Mia was nervous before the interview.”
Show it
“Mia’s fingers tapped the edge of her coffee cup, leaving tiny wet rings on the table.”
This approach allows readers to feel the character’s emotions rather than simply read them. Actions, mannerisms, and even silence can speak volumes.
Conflict and Growth: The Core of Character Arcs
Every powerful character changes. Whether they learn, lose, or evolve, growth is what makes their journey memorable.
1. Internal vs. External Conflict
- Internal conflict happens within the character’s doubts, fears, and moral struggles.
- External conflict arises from outside forces opposing people, systems, or environments.
Combining both creates a layered, realistic story.
Example: In Cloud street by Tim Winton, the Lamb and Pickles families deal with external struggles like poverty and tragedy while facing deep internal conflicts about faith, purpose, and identity.
2. The Character Arc
A strong character arc shows transformation. Ask yourself:
- What does your character want?
- What stands in their way?
- How do they change by the end?
A protagonist who ends your book the same way they began it hasn’t truly lived your story. Growth makes your narrative meaningful.
Crafting Authentic Dialogue
Dialogue is one of the most revealing tools in a writer’s kit. It exposes personality, background, and relationships instantly.
Tips for Writing Realistic Dialogue
Keep it natural: Read it out loud. Would someone really say that?
Give each character a voice: A retired teacher won’t speak the same as a teenage surfer from Bondi.
Use subtext: What your characters don’t say can be just as important as what they do.
Avoid info dumps: Don’t use dialogue just to explain the plot. Let it flow naturally.
Australian Context
“If your story is set in Australia, consider using authentic but subtle local expressions this Australian slang resource (https://www.australianexplorer.com/slang/) can help keep dialogue natural.” or rhythms of speech, not clichés. The goal is to feel genuine, not forced.
Example:
Instead of “G’day mate,” think about how an Australian character might actually greet a friend: “Hey, you right?” or “How’s things?”
Observing Real People for Inspiration
Writers are, by nature, observers. The best characters often come from fragments of real people you’ve met or watched.
- Listen: Tune into conversations at cafes, parks, or public transport.
- Watch: Body language reveals more than words. How do people react when they’re nervous, tired, or excited?
- Take Notes: Keep a “character journal” of interesting phrases, gestures, or quirks.
This practice helps you write authentic, layered characters for people who feel like they truly exist.
Balancing Relatability and Uniqueness
Readers connect most with characters who feel familiar but still surprise them. Strive for a balance:
- Relatable: Emotions, struggles, and dreams that readers understand.
- Unique: Traits or perspectives that set them apart.
Example: An introverted Sydney journalist who secretly writes poetry about the city’s nightlife combines relatability (shyness) with uniqueness (creative double life).
Avoiding Common Character Development Mistakes
Even experienced authors can fall into traps when creating characters. Here are a few to avoid:
- Flat Characters: Lacking depth or believable motivation.
- Stereotypes: Avoid relying on clichés or cultural generalizations.
- Perfection: Perfect characters are boring. Flaws create tension.
- Inconsistency: Make sure your character’s actions align with their personality unless change is part of their growth.
Cultural Sensitivity and Representation in Australian Writing
“Australia is a multicultural society with rich Indigenous and immigrant voices, and the First Nations Australia Writers Network (FNAWN) (https://fawn.org.au) offers valuable guidance for authentic representation.” When writing characters, especially from backgrounds different from your own, research thoroughly and approach with empathy and respect.
- Avoid appropriation or tokenism.
- Consult with people from those communities if possible.
- Represent diversity authentically and thoughtfully.
Good writing celebrates inclusion, and authenticity always strengthens your story.
Character Motivation The Key to Believability
Every decision your character makes should stem from their motivation, the why behind their actions.
Ask yourself:
- What drives them emotionally?
- What are they trying to achieve?
- What will they sacrifice to get it?
Without strong motivation, even the best written characters can feel hollow. Motivation adds purpose and makes readers invest emotionally.
Using Setting to Enhance Character
Australia’s unique landscapes, from bustling cities to quiet coastlines and the Outback, can deeply influence your characters’ personalities and choices.
Example
A character raised in Melbourne’s artistic scene will think and act differently from someone growing up on a cattle station in rural Queensland. Use setting as a reflection of identity and inner conflict.
Character Relationships and Dynamics
Characters are defined not just by who they are but by how they connect with others. Relationships add emotional complexity and tension.
Consider:
- Friendships: What do they reveal about loyalty or vulnerability?
- Romantic bonds: How do they influence decisions or personal growth?
- Family ties: Do they create conflict, comfort, or both?
Dynamic relationships will help you explore multiple dimensions of your characters.
Letting Your Characters Evolve Naturally
As your story unfolds, allow your characters to surprise even you, the author. The best characters start to “speak” for themselves, making choices that feel organic to their nature rather than forced by the plot.
If a scene feels unnatural, it might be because you’re making a character act out of line with who they truly are. Listen to their voice and follow it.
Bringing It All Together
Developing strong characters takes time, patience, and curiosity. As an Australian author, you have access to a vast array of cultural influences, landscapes, and voices.
By combining authenticity, empathy, and observation, your characters will become the soul of your book. They’ll carry your readers through your story and stay in their minds long after the final page.
FAQs
Q 1. What makes a character strong in a story?
A. A strong character has clear goals, believable flaws, and emotional depth. They grow throughout the story, allowing readers to connect with their journey and transformation.
Q 2. How can I make my characters more realistic?
A, Observe real people, develop detailed backstories, and focus on how your characters think, speak, and react in different situations. Showing rather than telling helps make them feel authentic.
Q 3. Do Australian settings influence character development?
A. Yes. The local culture, environment, and lifestyle can shape a character’s background, voice, and behavior, adding authenticity to stories set in Australia.
Q 4. How do I balance multiple characters in one story?
A. Give each character a clear purpose and unique traits. Ensure their goals and conflicts support the main story without overwhelming the reader.
Q 5. Why is character growth important in book writing?
A. Character growth shows change and learning, making the story engaging and meaningful. Readers connect deeply when they witness transformation through conflict and experience.
Conclusion
Creating unforgettable characters isn’t about perfection; it’s about truth. The truth of human emotion, conflict, and growth.
Take time to sketch profiles, explore backstories, and let your imagination roam. Study the world around you. Watch, listen, and feel.