How to Write Compelling Characters That Keep Readers Hooked
Let’s be real—writing a book is tough, but creating characters that people actually care about? That’s next-level hard. Whether you’re working on your first novel or just trying to level up your writing game, crafting compelling characters is a must. After all, it’s the characters that keep readers coming back for more. So, if you want to write people your audience will obsess over, stick around because I’m breaking down how to do just that.
1. Build a Solid Character Foundation
Alright, first things first: your character needs depth. I’m not talking about just slapping on a name and a few traits like “brave” or “shy.” Think bigger. What’s their backstory? What do they want? What drives them? Dig into their motivations and make them real.
Ask yourself:
- What’s their biggest fear?
- What’s their dream?
- What’s that one thing that keeps them up at night?
Starting with these questions makes your character way more relatable and helps you avoid the dreaded flat character syndrome.
2. Show, Don’t Tell (Seriously, Don’t)
You’ve probably heard this a million times, but it’s true. Readers want to see your character in action, not be told what they’re like. Don’t just say, “Anna was mad.” Instead, let us feel her anger: “Anna clenched her fists until her knuckles turned white, her eyes locked on the door, daring him to come back.” Boom. Now we know she’s mad, without you spelling it out.
This technique pulls your readers into the moment and makes them feel connected to the character’s emotions.
3. Give Them Realistic Goals and Conflicts
Your character needs something to fight for. Without goals, there’s no story, right? But don’t make it easy for them—give them obstacles. Both external conflicts (villains, deadlines, natural disasters) and internal struggles (fear, guilt, doubt) are key to making your character interesting.
If they’re fighting for their dream job, maybe they’re also dealing with imposter syndrome. Or if they’re chasing love, throw in some personal baggage. These conflicts are what make readers root for your character and keep turning the pages.
4. Dynamic Character Arcs Are EVERYTHING
Flat characters = boring books. Your character needs to grow, evolve, or at least change over the course of the story. Readers love seeing characters who learn something, overcome challenges, or even spiral downward (looking at you, anti-heroes).
Ask yourself:
- How is my character different at the end compared to the beginning?
- What have they learned?
- How do their relationships shift?
If your character stays the same the whole time, your readers will check out before the story even wraps.
5. Let Dialogue Do the Heavy Lifting
Dialogue is a goldmine for showing who your characters are. It’s not just about what they say—it’s how they say it. Is your character sarcastic, awkward, or super formal? You can show a ton of personality through how they speak without having to describe every little detail.
For example, a confident character might say, “I’ve got this,” while a nervous one might be like, “I-I think I can handle it… maybe.” Their words and tone give readers insight into who they are, so make sure their dialogue reflects their unique voice.
6. Complex Characters Are Unpredictable (And We Love Them)
No one is one-dimensional in real life, and your characters shouldn’t be either. Mix it up! Maybe your badass protagonist has a soft spot for puppies, or your cold-hearted villain secretly loves baking cookies. These contradictions make characters feel more real and keep readers on their toes.
The best characters are the ones you can’t quite figure out. They’re not all good or all bad—they’re human. And that’s what makes them unforgettable.
7. Make Readers Feel Something
Here’s the truth: if readers don’t care about your character, they won’t care about your story. Period. So give them a reason to care. Show your character’s vulnerability, let them mess up, make them relatable. Maybe they’re going through something your readers can connect with, like heartbreak, loss, or chasing a dream.
When readers feel something for your characters—whether it’s love, hate, or anything in between—they’ll stay invested in your story. Emotional connection = reader engagement.
Finally!
Creating compelling characters isn’t just about filling a book with people—it’s about making them come alive. Think deep, show their complexity, and make them evolve throughout the story. If you can do that, you’re golden. Remember, it’s not just about what happens to your characters—it’s about who they are and how they make your readers feel.
Go out there and write characters that stick with people long after they’ve turned the last page. You’ve got this.