Making Characters Real

Have you ever read a story where the characters just seemed so real to you? There is something about them that draws you into the story and makes them unforgettable. As a writer, it is important to create characters that our readers will relate to and remember. If you have trouble giving your characters "character" then here is a tip. When you are at school, work, shopping, etc. take a notebook and pen with you. Take a seat in a busy area and watch people. Look for the funny little things they do, and write these things down. Make a huge list of things that people wear, phrases that they say, and little personality traits that stand out to you. Then pull these different traits together to form a very interesting character. Example of traits on my list:

1. A manager always taps her fingernails on the desk

2. An old man constantly pops tic-tacs as he walks.

3. A little boy who walks with a limp.

4. A teenage girl says "No Way" all the time.

5. A Grandmother wearing ugg boots and cowboy hat.

6. A young man nervously bites his lip.

7. A large man who talks too loudly.

8. A whining, crying, spoiled kid throws a temper tantrum.

9. A woman looks like she thinks everyone is always against her.

So, if I were going to create a character. Say, a teacher. She might be a teacher who dresses too young, constantly taps her fingernails on the desk while popping tic-tacs and biting her lip. Probably nervous ticks from years of working with kids. Her hearing is going so she always speaks so loud that the class next door hears every word. She believes that every child in school is out to get her and she is probably right. Last week she found a tac in her chair..the day before her lunch went missing.

You don't have to use all the traits on your list. Just make it interesting. Over time your list will grow and your characters will have the opportunity to become more complex. Remember, not all characters need several traits to make them unique. Sometimes one trait can really define a character and with the right style of writing you will still create characters that feel realistic. Giving your characters defining traits will help readers remember them. Not only that, your readers will be able to relate better to your characters.