Help write a novel: How to develop characters?

To develop characters, think about their goals and motivations. What does your character want? Is it love, power, or revenge? And how far are they willing to go to get it? Let's say your character wants power. Maybe they will manipulate people around them, which shows their cunning side. You can also show their relationships with other characters to further develop them.

Give your characters distinct personalities. Think about their likes and dislikes. For example, if a character loves books, they might be more introverted. Also, consider their goals. A character who wants to become a famous singer will act differently from one who just wants a quiet life. Physical appearance can also play a part. A tall, strong character might be more confident than a small, shy one.

Developing characters involves several steps. Start with their basic profile - age, gender, occupation. But don't stop there. Dig deeper into their psyche. What are their fears? What makes them happy? Maybe your character is afraid of the dark because when they were a child, they got lost in a forest at night. Their hobbies and interests also play a role. If they like painting, it can be a way for them to express their emotions or a source of conflict if they can't afford art supplies. Also, think about how they interact with other characters. Are they a good listener? Do they tend to dominate conversations?

One important aspect is backstory. You need to figure out what happened in their past that made them who they are. For example, if your character is a detective, did they have a personal experience that led them to this career? Also, give them flaws. No one is perfect, and these flaws will make your characters more relatable. You can show how they struggle with these flaws as the story progresses.

To develop characters in realistic fiction, first give them a backstory. This can explain why they act the way they do. For example, if a character is shy, maybe they had a bad experience in a social situation in the past. Also, give them unique physical traits and mannerisms. One character might bite their nails when they're nervous. Let their relationships with other characters shape them too. A character might become more confident because of a supportive friend.

Mix different personality traits. Don't make your characters one - dimensional. For example, a hero can be brave but also have a fear of spiders. This makes them more human and relatable. You can also develop characters by giving them relationships. How they interact with their family, friends, and enemies can shape who they are. A character who has a very overbearing mother might be more submissive in some situations, but rebellious in others.

Characters drive the plot. Their decisions, actions, and interactions shape the course of the story and create conflicts and resolutions.

The plot should have a clear progression. It can be like a journey, with a beginning, middle, and end. In the middle, the challenges and obstacles should increase, leading to a climax where the main conflict is at its peak, and then a resolution at the end.

It can provide various techniques. For instance, it might suggest ways to give characters unique physical traits that reflect their personalities. A shy character could have a habit of fidgeting with their hair. Also, it can offer ideas on creating character backstories. By using the methods in '102 ways', you can make sure your characters have a past that influences their present actions.

Well, you could observe people in real life for inspiration. Give your characters conflicts to overcome and let their growth and changes shape the story. Also, make sure their personalities are consistent throughout.