Creating Character

There are a few different ways to drive a story. It can be driven by action, it can be driven by story, or it can be driven by character. A good story will combine all three, but there will still be a dominant driver. However, even if the dominant driver is not character, a story must have good characters.

What are good characters, and how do you create characters? A good character is simply one that the readers can believe and accept. If the reader feels he or she knows the character and sees the character as a real person, then you have created a good character. Creating good characters is part science and part art form.

One tried-and-true method of creating characters is to use archetypes. An archetype is a standardized map of a character. Archetypes have been in use since the Greek and Roman times. There are many different archetypes, from those originating in mythology to ones established by early psychoanalysts such as Carl Jung and myriad variations in-between. Archetypes exist for the hero, villain, and supporting characters. There are also archetypes for the journeys characters take that can be used to mold a story.

Research the different variations of archetypes and decide which ones to use for your story. You may choose to strictly adhere to an archetype, but tread carefully so not create a formulaic story. Unless, of course, that is what you want to create. Often it is better to use an archetype to guide your character, not to control him or her. Also, do not confuse archetype with stereotype. A stereotype is a simplified illustration of a character that very often is a negative portrayal, whether or not that is the intention. Stereotypes may be based on race, religion, gender, sexuality…even a job. The stereotype of a scientist, for example, is a nerdy person wearing glasses who has an extreme lack of social skills. Avoid stereotypes. However, using an archetype to guide your characters can help you create good characters.

Tin Whiskers Publisher is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). IBPA’s mission is “to lead and serve the independent publishing community by providing advocacy, education, and tools for success.” IBPA is a not-for-profit membership organization serving and leading the independent publishing community. Founded in 1983, it is the largest publishing trade organization in the United States. IBPA members pledge to uphold the organization’s code of ethics.