How To Make Your Characters Relatable

A few months ago, one of the writers I follow on Instagram asked for tips on how to create characters that connect with the audience. I suggested “making relatable characters.” Below are some tips on how to do so:

 1.       Create Flaws or Quirks

No one is perfect, and your characters shouldn’t be either. They could have some kind of flaw: horrible at time management, extremely Type-A, a habitual liar -- the list is endless. If you don’t want a “flawed” character, try giving them a quirk. Maybe one of your characters hums old school songs when they’re nervous. Perhaps they are obsessed with wearing glitter eyeshadow on Tuesdays. Find something that makes your character memorable.

2.       Think About People You Know

Who are some of your favorite people in your life? What draws you to those people? Think about how they make you feel and why you like spending time with them. Do you have a character that people should want to be friends with? Gift some of those endearing qualities to your characters. On the flip side, is there a character that everyone should love to hate? Reflect on the people that you dread being around. What is it about them that makes you cringe? Bring those qualities to light through your characters.

 3.       Reflect On Characters You Found To Be Memorable

Think about characters from stories you’ve read that stood out to you. What was it about them that kept your attention? Did they remind you of people you know (see tip #2) or were you astonished to consider people like them actually exist? How did the author introduce that character? Were they front and center on page one, or did they steal the show with a pop-up in chapter three? Take what worked for you as a reader and use it to your advantage as an author.

I hope these tips will be helpful as you create characters that your audience will treasure and build the worlds that make them shine.