How to invent a new character

Where do characters in stories come from?

They come from the mind of the author.

There’s a whole bunch of questions that are good to think about for each character.

So let’s rewind a bit and go back to the beginning.

How old should the character be?

What’s their name?

What do they do?

What’s their personality?

What interesting habits could they have?

How do they move?

How do they behave?

What makes them different?

How do they feel?

What are they thinking?

If you ask questions like these - and more - you might come up with the next Mick.

Or, erm, an even better character.

NARRATOR

How to create a character.

Every good story needs strong characters.

You could write about characters you already know, from books, films or television, but it’s much more fun to start with a blank state.

Then you’re in charge of everything. You could start anywhere. Your character’s name, their job, where they live. How about physical appearance? What do they look like?

Firstly, is the character male or female? Let’s make her a female.

Should she be tall? Not that tall. That’s better! And, what if we give her biceps the size of footballs?

Maybe your character has an unusual feature, such as a scar? Ah, been done before. Or, glasses? Been done before too.

Don’t just list their height, build and features. Use descriptive language, including plenty of adjectives, as this will really help bring your characters to life.

Similes can help give the readers a clear image of your character, too. What if she has cheekbones sharp as razors, and her black eyes are like a shark’s?

What is it that this character actually does? Maybe a ballet dancer? Not with muscles like those. I think she would make a great bank robber!

Now, what a character wears can reflect what they get up to in your story. She’s dressed from top-to-toe in stretchy black material that clings to her menacing muscles!

But what you think her name should be? Mrs… Wilson? Maybe that’s too normal. She looks like she would have a more memorable name, like… Helga Van Schwarzenbrow! Perfect.

And where Helga hide out? Hmm, something doesn't seem quite right about this house… Think about how your setting can match your character. That’s more like it.

And let’s think more about Helga’s personality. What are her likes and dislikes? Maybe Helga has a passing interest in the arts? Maybe she has an unhealthy dislike for authority…

Now you have your character. What happens next is up to you!

[POLICE SIREN]

NARRATOR

All in all, it might be best for Helga to be behind bars!

Phew! That’s a relief. Ultimately, the reader should be able to close their eyes and imagine your character clearly.

[SAWING NOISES, METAL CLINKS ON FLOOR]

NARRATOR

Ah! Where did she go? And hang on… where’s my wallet?!