Ideas for making a graphic novel: How to develop engaging characters?

You can also get inspiration from other forms of media. Maybe you watched a really interesting movie about time - traveling and you could adapt that concept into a graphic novel. But make it your own by adding unique characters and a different plot structure. You could have a character who time - travels accidentally and has to find a way back to their own time while changing some important events in history.

Base your characters on people you know. Take the best and worst traits of different people and combine them into one character. For example, your friend's sense of humor and your neighbor's stubbornness could create an interesting protagonist.

Think about reversing common tropes. For example, instead of the hero being the strong, muscular type, make the hero a small, unassuming character who uses intelligence rather than brute force. Also, consider the power of juxtaposition. Put two very different things together, like a mermaid living in a post - apocalyptic world. This kind of unexpected combination can lead to very unique concepts for a fiction story.

Observe the world around you. People - watch at a coffee shop or in a park. Notice how they interact, their expressions, and what they're wearing. You might see a couple having an argument and that could inspire a story about a relationship on the rocks. Also, pay attention to nature. A beautiful sunset could be the backdrop for a romantic or melancholy story.

To develop narrative ideas for fiction, start with a 'what if' question. For example, 'What if a person could time travel but only to moments of great personal regret?' This simple question can spawn an entire story. You can also combine different genres or concepts. Say, mixing a detective story with elements of magic. And don't forget about dreams. They can be a great source of strange and interesting narrative ideas.

Give them unique physical features. For instance, a character with one green eye and one blue eye. Also, think about their backstories. A character who grew up in poverty will have different values and behaviors than one from a wealthy family.

You can start by deciding on a theme. It could be something you're passionate about like adventure, mystery, or a historical event. Then, think about the characters. Create unique personalities with distinct looks and backstories. For example, if it's an adventure theme, you might have a brave and impulsive protagonist.

One way to develop unique characters is by giving them quirks. It could be something like always humming a certain tune when they're nervous or having an obsession with collecting old keys. Their relationships with other characters are also important. A character who has a love - hate relationship with their sibling can bring a lot of drama to the story. Another aspect is their goals and desires. A character who is desperate to prove themselves in a male - dominated field will have a different motivation than someone who just wants to get by in life. And don't be afraid to make your characters complex and flawed. A character with a drinking problem but also a big heart can be very engaging.

To create an engaging graphic novel, start by outlining a compelling plot. Work on unique and relatable characters. Also, pay attention to the panel layout and use of colors for visual impact.

The plot is very important. A good plot keeps the reader interested from start to finish. It creates suspense, like in a mystery story where the plot twists keep you guessing. For example, in 'Sherlock Holmes' stories, the complex plots make it engaging.