How can I make my Characters more life-like when writing a story?

Question

As in dynamic, well-rounded characters. Tips, anyone?

Answer 1

You can find a slew of interesting character tips at Stortymind.com. They do hawk a product on the site but the articles are well worth sifting through the advertising. J.R. Turner has some interesting articles as well on the art of writing. Check them out!

Answer 2

Not just details, but a true character. if you have space, give them a flashback to an event that typifies or shapes them. Create a whole persona for them, even if you don't use it all- what are their habits, hobies, favorite foods and dances. what do they listen to, how do they spend their days, how do they feel about their life, etc. all of this will give you a feel for them, and then you can write their decisions based on what that person would really do. Everything comes out so much more real when you intimately know your characters.

Answer 3

i find it easiest to if you make the character based off a real person. that way you know how they will act and react to certain situations and can write accordingly. the worst thing in a character is to have traits that contradict each other. it can be really hard sometimes, that way if you use a friend, relative, ect. you will understand them better. the more writing you do the better you will become. good luck.

Answer 4

Give them a personality with human emotions...Describe feelings, looks, and anything to make the reader become closer to the character, almost as if they know your characters.

Answer 5

When you describe them, or their actions, use human/life like descriptions. Be realistic.... consider a similar situation for yourself and draw from that. Above all, be as colorful and descriptive as possible. It should be like painting a picture for someone to see. Describe it like you would describe something to a blind person.

Answer 6

i always admired writer that wrote in a flaw for their characters. it's easy to just say your main character is the smartest, coolest, healthiest guy ever to walk on two legs, but who can identify with that?

Answer 7

Try to think from their perspectives, and determine whether, given their personality, they would take certain actions. And also vice versa: from their actions, determine what that says about their personality.

Answer 8

make sure you give them personality and write it into story. like tommy loved to ride his bike in the rain. he loved danger. sue had a scar on her finger, lalalala you know what i mean. good luck and merry christmas.

Answer 9

use metaphors and... (i forgot what the word is called)... use more sensory details to be really detailed
the audience needs to really FEEL the character in their hearts

-hope this helps

Answer 10

Create them through dialogue and strong imagery/descriptive words.