Creating complex characters that are interesting to read about can be one of the most difficult things for an author to do. While I might have a good idea about who my character is and why he/she does the things they do, if I cant get this down on paper in such a way that the reader wants to read more, then Ive failed as a writer. So, what are some good ways to help bring your characters to life? Here are some examples.

1. Make all your characters unique and different, even the secondary ones. Give your characters a set of traits that are unlike any character youve read about. This can be difficult at times, but if you strive for uniqueness then it is possible. Sit down and write up a description of each of your characters that includes physical and personality traits. This will help.

2. Show your characters emotions. This can be difficult but it falls under the category of show dont tell. For example instead of saying, Kim was sad. Say, Kim sat down on the couch put her head in her hands and wept. See what I mean? You are showing the reader that the character is sad, not just saying she was.

3. Give your characters unique and interesting names. This is one of my favorite techniques for bringing a character to life. Many of my characters are American Indian and there are plenty of interesting Indian names out there that are unique to this culture. But this isnt the only way to create a unique or interesting name for your character. There are a plethora of places from which to pick names such as culture, country, personality, and even just by making one up. Whatever path you choose, picking a unique name will help your readers to remember your characters, and want to read more about them.

4. Make your characters appear to be grander than anyone in real life. You want your characters to stand out if they are in a crowd, whether you choose to do that by the characters looks, their actions, or even what they say is up to you, but finding some way to do this will help your characters come to life.

5. Create some conflict around your characters, and show them dealing with it. Books where everything rolls along just fine and everyone agrees with everyone else are boring. People dont want to read these kinds of books. Give your characters some conflict to chew on, throw in some negative emotions and situations.

6. Show your characters bad side. Thats right show your characters at their worst. Showing a character with human failings will endear that character to your readers, and help them relate to your characters. Nobody wants to read about Miss Goody Two Shoes who never does anything wrong, and who saves the world while putting her lip gloss on with one hand, and feeding the homeless with the other. Show your characters when they get in a snit, when they get mad, when they strike out in anger, when theyre jealous and any other petty emotion that any of us regular folks might have. A word of caution, dont have your main characters do anything that is so beyond the realm of acceptable that it is unforgivable, such as murder or rape for example.

Several years ago one of my characters was accused of being a cookie-cutter character. As I learned the craft of writing, and worked with a mentor I gradually got better and better at helping my characters come to life. These are the methods that I used to refine my writing, and my writing got better and better as long as I used them. I sincerely hope they help you as they did me.

Regina Paul
http://www.reginapaul.com