Outside the box - what box?
For us indie authors, the heartbeat of a book lies within its characters. They are the conduits through which your readers experience the story, and crafting unique, memorable figures can elevate your narrative to new heights. Here are some simple yet effective ideas to help you create distinctive characters that resonate with your audience.
1. The Unlikely Hero
Why stick to the classic hero archetype? Consider crafting a protagonist who defies expectations. While helping with research, a retired librarian finds herself embroiled in a conspiracy. The gardener for an estate finds a buried treasure. Building a story around an ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances can create a relatable yet captivating character.
2. Quirky Professions
Characters in unusual professions can set the tone for your story and make it memorable. Think about a food critic who loses the sense of taste, a dog whisperer who navigates emotional landscapes, or a detective who communicates with animals. These unique roles can add depth, humor, and a fresh perspective to your narrative.
3. Flawed Yet Relatable
Everyone has flaws, and your characters should too. Creating a character that grapples with relatable issues, such as anxiety, compulsive behavior, or a fear of commitment, allows readers to connect on a personal level. Show how their flaws hinder or help them in their journey, making their growth realistic.
4. Unconventional Relationships
Place your characters in unconventional relationships. Think of a friendship between a retiree and a young influencer, or a romance that blossoms in a support group. These unexpected connections can generate tension and intrigue, while also showcasing different facets of your character's personality.
5. Alter Ego or Secret Identity
Characters can take on an extra dimension when they lead a double life. A mild-mannered protagonist is an accountant by day and a graffiti artist by night. Or a high school teacher who moonlights as a vigilante. This inner conflict can generate suspense and depth, as readers become invested in the character's struggle to reconcile both sides.
6. Nature-Inspired Characters
Take inspiration from the natural world. Create a character who embodies a specific element, such as a fiery personality who is always hot-headed (Earth), or a whimsical dreamer who shifts with moods (Water). This metaphorical approach can add layers to your character's traits and motivations, enriching your storytelling.
7. Unexpected Skills
Give your characters unusual skills that can affect the story in surprising ways. A character with an extraordinary memory might solve a mystery, or someone skilled in foraging could lead a survival quest. These talents can make your characters stand out while driving the plot forward.
Wrapping Up
Creating unique characters doesn't require grand gestures; sometimes, the simplest ideas can lead to the most captivating narratives. By exploring these concepts, you'll develop a cast that not only enriches your story but also resonates with readers. Remember, the heart of storytelling is connection, and unique characters can forge deep emotional ties with your audience. So, take these ideas, make them your own, and infuse them into your writing.
About Kayelle
Kayelle Allen is the founder of Marketing for Romance Writers. She writes MM Sci-Fi Romance, Mythic Heroes, Immortal Gamers, and Warriors Who Purr. Her unstoppable, unshakeable, unforgettable characters fill a complex universe with diverse settings and fascinating people, some of whom think they're not fictional. Fortunately, Kayelle keeps them all in line, or at least that's what she tells her therapist. She's also a US Navy veteran and has been married so long she's tenured.
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