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How To Create Compelling Characters That Stand Out
One thing that sets breathtakingly gripping novels apart from the rest is solid characters. Sure, the overall plot and story line is important, but a character can really drive a story into the minds of millions. There's a reason why so many successful novelists write novel after novel with the same character in different adventures.
A strong character is somebody that the reader can identify with. A character has traits that separate him or her from the rest of the hacks, but at the same time they have weaknesses similar to the audience so that that reader can vicariously travel with the character along his or her journey, and really feel the pain and fear and triumph when they eventually overcome the obstacles. When you think of some popular characters from popular culture, you can recognize this.
So how do you develop a character with powerful strengths, but at the same time give them weaknesses that threaten to stand in the way of their victory? How do you create such a compelling character that your readers will stay up way past their bedtime reading about them, rooting for them, and even shedding tears for them? How can you create such memorable characters that your readers won't be able to wait until your next novel comes out?
Easy. You are human, right? Of course you are. Think of some of your common fears and anxieties. When you do this you'll realize that they are the same fears and anxieties held by most people. Are you strong enough? Are you capable enough? When the time comes, will you be able to do the right thing?
One way to make these "weaknesses" believable is to create a reason for your character to have them. For example, if you character has trouble expressing his or her emotions, create a situation in their past where they were hurt really bad from doing so. Maybe the first girl they asked out laughed at them in front of everybody at school, or they proposed to their girlfriend in high school only to get rejected.
You don't need to explain this in any detail in your story, but when you have a good idea of why your characters are the way they are, they will be much more real to your readers. So real that your publisher may likely demand that you sign a book deal to write at least three more books with the same characters, in different adventures. Then you know you've really got a winner.
About the Author Find out why so many are saying that Zapotec is likely the best novel ever written. You'll find out just how easy that is when you visit The Best Novel Ever
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