Creating characters that feel real and relatable is a crucial skill in writing stories. It helps readers connect deeply with the characters and their journeys. Here’s how to do it:

Authentic Emotions

• It's important for characters to show emotions that feel real.
• This means they should express feelings we all know, like happiness, sadness, fear, and anger.
• For example, if a character loses someone they love, their sadness should feel authentic. This can be shown through their thoughts and actions as they move from denial to acceptance.

Complexity and Depth

• Real characters are not simple. They have different traits, wants, and fears.
• For instance, a character might want to succeed but also fear failing. This inner struggle makes them seem real and helps drive the story.

Flaws and Vulnerabilities

• Characters who are perfect are hard to relate to.
• Having flaws, like jealousy or stubbornness, makes them human.
• For example, a character who is very ambitious might push friends away, showing their longing for connection.

Realistic Goals and Motivations

• Characters should have clear reasons for what they do, based on their backgrounds.
• These reasons can change during the story.
• For instance, if a character wants to protect others because of something from their past, it feels real. Readers can relate to the difficulty of facing fears while trying to help others.

Relatable Conflict

• Characters need to face both internal struggles and outside challenges.
• Readers often connect with these issues because they have faced similar ones in their lives.
• Create moments where characters must make tough choices or grow from their experiences. The stakes need to feel real.

Cultural and Personal Context

• It’s important to understand where a character comes from—their culture, background, and situation.
• This context helps make their emotional reactions believable.
• For example, a character from a challenging environment might handle problems differently than someone from a wealthy background.

Relatable Relationships

• The relationships between characters should feel genuine.
• These connections help reveal character growth and add depth to the story.
• For instance, a character's bond with a mentor can show how they change over time, highlighting the emotional aspects of this relationship.

Subtext in Dialogue

• The things characters say—and don’t say—can add emotional depth.
• Use hints in their conversations to imply feelings without directly stating them.
• A chat filled with unspoken tension can create strong emotions, helping readers feel the moment.

Character Growth Arc

• Characters should grow as they face challenges.
• This growth journey can involve tackling fears or learning from mistakes, leading to important moments in the story.
• Readers connect more with characters who change significantly.

Fluctuating Emotional States

• Real emotions change all the time.
• Characters should experience ups and downs that reflect real life.
• For example, a character might feel great after an achievement but then feel uncertain after a failure. These shifts make them more relatable.

Symbolism and Metaphor

• Use symbols or metaphors to represent characters’ feelings.
• This can add deeper meaning that resonates with readers.
• For example, a character dealing with loss might find comfort in a withering tree, symbolizing their struggles and hopes.

Temporary Resolutions

• Instead of wrapping everything up neatly, let characters reach temporary solutions.
• This mirrors real life, which often lacks clear endings.
• A character might learn to handle loss but still have sad moments. This realism helps readers stay connected.

Testing Reader Engagement

• Include situations that challenge readers’ feelings.
• Characters making tough choices can lead to discussions about right and wrong.
• This can encourage readers to think about their beliefs and connect on a deeper level.

By using these elements in character development, writers can create emotional characters that resonate with readers. The goal is to build characters who reflect our own struggles and humanity.

In the end, creating relatable characters means showing not just their actions but also their inner emotions shaped by their past. Characters grounded in real feelings can inspire and connect with readers, creating a lasting bond.