Creating Relatable Characters: Development Techniques

You want characters that don’t just sit on the page like cardboard cutouts. You want them to breathe, to make readers squirm in their seats or nod in grudging respect. Characters that feel like people you might actually know - or fear. Believable character building isn’t some mystical art reserved for the chosen few. It’s a craft. A grind. And yes, it can be learned.

Let’s cut the fluff and get into the nitty-gritty of how to create characters that stick with your readers long after they’ve closed the book.

Why Believable Character Building Matters

Characters are the heart of any psychological thriller or mystery. You can have the twistiest plot in the world, but if your characters are flat, forgettable, or just plain unbelievable, your story tanks. Readers need to care about what happens to your characters. They need to see themselves in them or at least understand their twisted logic.

Believable character-building means giving your characters flaws, contradictions, and quirks. Nobody is perfect. Nobody is consistent. People are messy. Your characters should be too.

Think about it: the best villains are often the most human. They have motivations that make sense, even if you don’t like them. The best heroes have doubts and fears that make them relatable. Without that, you’re just writing puppets.

The Building Blocks of Believable Characters

Start with the basics. You need to know your character inside and out before you put them on the page. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started:

• Backstory: Where do they come from? What shaped them?

• Motivations: What do they want? What are they willing to do to get it?

• Flaws: What makes them screw up? What are their weaknesses?

• Strengths: What do they excel at? What makes them stand out?

• Contradictions: What do they say versus what do they do?

• Secrets: What are they hiding, even from themselves?

  
  

Don’t just jot these down. Live with them. Imagine your character’s day-to-day life. What do they eat? How do they react to stress? What’s their favorite song? These details might seem trivial, but they add layers.

Writer's desk with character notes and coffee

Getting to know your character means digging into the small stuff.

Using Conflict to Reveal Character

Characters don’t reveal themselves in calm moments. They show their true colors when the pressures on. Conflict is your best friend here. Throw your characters into situations that challenge their beliefs, desires, and fears.

For example, a character who prides themselves on honesty might face a dilemma where lying could save a life. What do they do? How do they justify their choice? This reveals their complexity and makes them relatable.

Conflict doesn’t have to be explosive. It can be subtle - a quiet argument, a moment of hesitation, a glance that says more than words. These moments build tension and depth.

The Power of Flaws and Contradictions

Nobody likes a perfect character. They’re boring. Flaws make characters human. They make them relatable. Maybe your protagonist is brilliant but socially awkward. Maybe your villain is ruthless but has a soft spot for animals.

Contradictions add spice. People often say one thing and do another. They want to be brave but freeze in fear. They crave connection but push others away. These contradictions create internal conflict, which is gold for psychological thrillers.

Don’t shy away from making your characters unlikeable at times. Real people are messy. Your readers will appreciate the honesty.

Journal with character development notes

Flaws and contradictions scribbled down - the messy blueprint of a real character.

Dialogue That Rings True

Dialogue is where your characters come alive. It’s not just about what they say, but how they say it. People don’t speak in perfect sentences. They interrupt themselves, trail off, use slang, or get defensive.

Use dialogue to reveal personality, background, and emotional state. A character who’s nervous might stammer or avoid eye contact. A confident character might dominate the conversation with sharp, clipped sentences.

Avoid info-dumping. Let dialogue flow naturally. If your characters sound like they’re reading a textbook, you’ve lost the plot.

Show, Don’t Tell - But Don’t Overdo It

We’ve all heard this advice a million times. But it’s worth repeating. Show your characters’ traits through actions, not just exposition. Instead of saying “John was angry,” show John slamming a door or grinding his teeth.

That said, don’t get carried away. Overloading your story with too many subtle hints can confuse readers. Balance is key. Use a mix of showing and telling to keep the pace tight and the story clear.

Using Character Development Techniques to Deepen Your Craft

If you want to take your character building to the next level, dive into some proven character development techniques. These methods help you explore your characters’ psychology, motivations, and arcs in a structured way.

For example, the “Character Interview” technique forces you to ask your character questions about their past, fears, and desires. The “Role Reversal” technique puts your character in someone else’s shoes to reveal hidden traits.

These tools aren’t magic bullets, but they’re invaluable for writers who want to craft characters that feel real and compelling.

Final Thoughts on Crafting Characters That Stick

Creating relatable characters is a grind. It takes patience, honesty, and a willingness to dig into the messy parts of human nature. But when you get it right, your readers won’t just read your story - they’ll live it.

About Craig Tyson Adams

Craig Tyson Adams is a compelling figure in the world of psychological thrillers, known for his intricate plots and deeply flawed characters. His writing often explores the darker aspects of human nature, bringing to life characters that resonate with readers on a personal level. Adams believes that the essence of a gripping narrative lies in the imperfections and contradictions that define us as individuals.

Creating Relatable Characters. The Lying Spiral

In my novel, The Lying Spiral, I delve into these themes through a cast of characters who are not only relatable but also complex and unpredictable. Each character embodies the idea that perfection is an illusion; they grapple with their own internal conflicts and moral dilemmas. This layered character building creates a rich tapestry that keeps readers engaged and invested in their journeys.

By incorporating elements of fear, vulnerability, and resilience, The Lying Spiral aims to reflect the reality of human experience, inviting readers to confront their own perceptions of truth and deception. As Craig Tyson Adams suggests, it is this blend of imperfection and conflict that makes for a psychological thriller that lingers long after the last page is turned.

Now, go make some characters worth remembering. Creating relatable characters like the one's shown below.