Creating Compelling Characters (pt 5)

This six-part series will walk through the sections of my Character Template, describe how to use that template, and why you should go to this effort. I’ll sprinkle in some behind-the-scenes usage of the template as I’ve applied it to my latest writing efforts. My template is available for free to all subscribed members, so subscribe today and follow-along.

Those messy emotions

Welcome to our fifth installment in this series on creating compelling characters using the character template. Today, we’ll delve into the importance of emotional growth and progression in crafting complex, engaging stories that resonate with readers.

The template section

A character’s background shapes who they are and influences their motivations, actions, and decisions. For [], her upbringing in a secluded monastery after her village was destroyed instilled a strong sense of discipline and inner peace within her. This kind of background context not only adds depth to the story but also makes the character more relatable and authentic.

The background information you choose to put into the template may be sparse or very detailed. Elara’s background spans nearly half a page (too much to post here), but this is an excerpt of it:

A richly developed background provides valuable information about a character’s origins, family history, education, and notable relationships, allowing readers to better understand their motivations and emotional journeys. This background, with a simple mapping of the character’s history and relationships will inform and drive their emotional challenges and growth as well.

Template section

Emotional Challenges
Every character faces emotional challenges throughout their journey – be it grief, loss, betrayal, or fear. In our example, Character Name experiences profound grief and anger after losing her loved ones. This emotional turmoil not only adds depth to the story but also creates opportunities for character development.

Personal Epiphanies and Realizations
Emotional growth often involves gaining new insights about ourselves or the world around us. For Character Name, her emotional journey leads her to discover the true meaning of family, community, and forgiveness. Through these experiences, she learns valuable lessons and grows as a person.

Let’s look at my sample character once more. As you can see, big parts of her character arc have been fleshed out here. As you can imagine, this has given me the structure to make some interesting interpersonal conflicts in the plot as well as present key challenges to move the story forward.

So-What?
By focusing on emotional growth and progression in our characters, we create stories that resonate with readers and leave lasting impressions. These elements not only make our characters more relatable but also add depth and complexity to the narrative, ensuring a satisfying and rewarding reading experience for our audience.

Remember, every great story is fueled by compelling characters who evolve and grow throughout their journey. In our next installment of this series, we’ll explore how relationships play a crucial role in shaping our characters and adding depth to their stories. Stay tuned!

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