Writing background characters: 5 uses

In a novel, film or stage play, not every character needs to take center stage. Some characters play a minor role. Some add passing humour, obstacles, important advice or information. Read 5 ideas for writing background characters: 1. Try writing background characters for habitation Often ...

How do you write character growth? 7 tips

Growth and change are elements that make characters' paths interesting. How do you write character growth into your story? Read seven approaches: How to write character growth: 7 stages Find what characters lack to begin Plan short-term and long-range growth Weave in agents of change High...

Characters of personality: 7 concepts for richer stories

Remembering characters of personality such as extroversion and introversion will help you create characters who contrast with each other. Here are 7 ways to use concepts of personality to create a richer cast of players: How to create characters with personality Use the 'Big Five' persona...

Direct characterization: 6 tips for precise description

Introducing and describing characters are key parts of the storytelling process. Read 6 tips for describing characters using direct characterization, with examples: Tips for direct charactization: Write clear and concise introductions Give specific context Use precise adjectives Give mean...

Development of characters: 6 intriguing ways we change

The development of characters is a topic blog readers and Now Novel members often ask us about. Creating an interesting, dynamic character arc is easy when you're aware of the many ways people change. Here are 6 interesting ways people change, plus tips to craft a compelling, engaging character ...

What are good character traits? 7 helpful attributes

Character growth or change is integral to great stories. Giving characters bad as well as good character traits makes your characterization deeper. It also helps to spark ideas for multiple elements of backstory, for how the character acquired these dominant qualities in the first place. Read...

How to develop a character: 7 simple steps

Knowing how to develop a character so your reader invests in them and believes their journey is key to writing great character-driven stories. Try these 7 simple steps to begin creating affecting, intriguing character arcs: Developing characters in 7 steps: What is character development? ...

How to write character development: Anil's Ghost

In learning how to write character development, it's helpful to think about how each element of storytelling contributes. What are the basic facts about your character the reader should know, going in? What does dialogue do to develop your character further? Action? Narration? Description? Their...

6 creative writing exercises for rich character

In creative writing, practice is key. Try these creative writing exercises for deeper characterization. Use every detail, from appearance to movement, gesture, voice, habit, and reputation to make your characters great: What do we mean by 'rich character'? First, what do we mean by 'rich' ...

Main antagonists: How to write real opponents

A main antagonist is the character who is the main enemy or opposition to a hero or protagonist. Antagonists supply core conflict. How do you create and write potent opponents? Read a definition, examples and quotes, plus 8 steps to write yours: First, what is a main antagonist? The word a...

How to write character profiles: 10 tips and a template

Character profiles are helpful process work for writing. A profile contains all you need to know about your characters; ID facts such as name, age, gender, birthplace, plus story elements such as characters' goals, motivations, desires, and conflicts. Read how to write character profiles in 10, ...

How to describe a person vividly: 8 ways

Knowing how to describe a person so that your reader forms a vivid impression is vital for immersive writing. How can you describe a person precisely and avoid pace-crushing info dumps or eyes, eyes, eyes? Read 8 ways to write better, varied character description: 8 ways to describe people in...