How To Create Great Characters For A Story: Step-By-Step Guide For Kids I Blog by Team Bookosmia

How To Create Great Characters For A Story: Step-By-Step Guide For Kids

A character is something which grabs our attention firstly, when we start reading a book. A general curiosity rises in the reader to know about the character. A good character can make or break the depth of the storyline. This is one of the most important aspect to look into while writing a story. And if you are now wondering ways to create a great character for your book, this article will really be helpful to you.

What is a character?

A character is like the catalyst to the storyline. It can be a person, an animal or even an object – that is up to your creative imagination. A story character is like a friend in a book or a movie. They are the people or animals who do things and have their own feelings and ideas. They help make the story interesting by what they do and speak. Do you have a favourite story character?

Who is a great character?

A great character in a story is someone who feels real and interesting. They have their own personality, like being brave, funny, kind, or maybe a bit tricky. They also have feelings and thoughts that make you care about what happens to them. Good characters usually change or learn something important as the story goes on, just like real people do. When you remember a story, it’s often because you loved the characters and how they made the story come alive! 

How to create a great character?

Step 1: Find Inspiration.

Note down your favourite characters. Think what you like and dislike in them. Think of how they could be more interesting. You can also find inspiration from people around. For example, if you want a character of a mother for your story, you can add the qualities of your mother.

Step 2: Imagine Their Looks

Pen down how the character looks. Describe what is different in their appearance, like scars, superpowers etc. Think about what your character wears. Their clothes can say a lot about their personality and the world they live in. 

Step 3: Describe Them. 

Firstly, give them a nice catchy name and personality. Describe how they look and how they behave. Make your character feel real by giving them strengths, weaknesses, fears, and desires. Characters with flaws and vulnerabilities are often more relatable and interesting

Step 4: Highlight Their Speciality.

Give your character something unique or interesting. It could be a special skill, a long nose, a funny way of talking, or a big dream they want to achieve. If the character is a negative one, highlight their qualities too. Maybe horns or 5 legs or anything like that. The creative space is totally open for you here.

Step 5: Show Their Growth.

As the story progresses, allow your character to change, learn, or overcome challenges. This development keeps the character dynamic and engages the audience. Imagine your character is like a seed you plant in a story. As the story goes on, the seed grows into a big, strong tree. Showing their growth means watching how the tree gets taller, grows leaves, and changes with the seasons—just like your character changes and learns new things in your story!

Bonus Tips:

1. Let your character express emotions like happiness, fear, or excitement. This helps readers connect with them.
2. Plan how your character will change or learn something important during the story. This adds depth and growth to their journey.
3. Keep track of your character’s personality, appearance, and abilities throughout the story to avoid confusing your readers.
4. Try to avoid using stereotyped traits or characteristics that make your character predictable. Instead, think of unique aspects that make them stand out.
5. Give your character friends, family, or mentors who support them. These relationships add depth and help show different aspects of your character.

Conclusion:

Creating characters for your stories is like painting with words—you get to imagine and bring to life someone special who goes on exciting adventures. Remember, the best characters have feelings, flaws, and dreams just like you! By making them unique, showing how they grow, and giving them friends and challenges, you can create characters that jump off the page and into your imagination. Have fun creating and exploring new worlds with your characters!

By Aleena Shajan

Aleena Shajan, with a profound love for language and storytelling, is a highly committed and dedicated professional eager to advance her career in publishing and editing. She is passionate about improving written material and contributing to the success of publications. Aleena thrives on the challenge of transforming unpolished ideas into well-crafted works, and she is devoted to assisting authors on their journey, helping them uncover and realize their aspirations.

Team Bookosmia 

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