Creating Compelling Characters (pt 6)
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.
The Rest of the StoryWelcome to our final installment in this series on creating compelling characters using the character template. I’ve spent most of this series on what some might call the obvious aspects of creating a character. The template actually has many more sections. While I believe they are mostly self explanatory, I wanted to cover a few items that haven’t been touched on yet.
Context
Each character serves a purpose in the overall story. The first section of the template captures this context for the character. What’s their name? What gender are they? Are they from a recognizable race or culture? What’s their role in the story? Are they the hero or the villain? A side-kick? Comic relief? Defining what role they are expected to play can help with all of the other details in the template.
The physical, part 2
I chose not to cover every section of the physical descriptions. I did not touch on any physical abilities they may have, or specific physical vulnerabilities. Characters may have active abilities they can use, or passive abilities that just are. They also have limits to those abilities. Every Superman needs a little kryptonite to keep them on their toes.
These physical capabilities may be relevant as part of the character’s physical description or may drive their strengths and unique abilities. Alternatively, they could be linked to the weaknesses and vulnerabilities for your character. As you use the template, you’ll have to decide if these aspects are important and what other parts of the template they relate to.
Social Connections
Relationships and romance could be an important part of the character’s growth arc. Detailing these out early in your planning could drive dialog, actions, and emotional outcomes throughout the story.
These social connections may be what drives the character’s motivations and goals, or maybe fuels their emotional growth arc.
Conflict
Every great story features struggles that push characters out of their comfort zones and force them to grow. Let’s examine how a character grapples with internal and external conflicts within the template.
First up, let’s look at internal conflict. [] is a complex individual plagued by her past, particularly an incident in which she was falsely accused of betraying her friends. This internal struggle manifests as crippling self-doubt and fear of being trusted again. Her inner turmoil leads to emotional conflicts with those around her and prevents her from fully embracing new relationships or opportunities.
Internal conflicts give your characters depth and complexity, making them more relatable and compelling for readers. They also offer opportunities for character growth as the characters confront their fears, face their personal demons, and learn to overcome their emotional struggles.
In the broader world, the external conflicts our character’s face is likely a significant element of the overall story. [] external conflicts come in the form of a powerful enemy seeking vengeance for the past betrayal that she didn’t commit. This adversary poses a grave threat not only to her personal safety but also to those closest to her. As [] navigates this dangerous situation, she must confront her inner fears and learn to rely on new allies if she wants to protect herself and those she cares about.
External conflicts provide the tension and suspense that keep your readers engaged in the story. They also offer opportunities for character development as the characters face challenges that test their limits, forcing them to grow and adapt.
This leads to planning the character arc.
Internal conflicts and character arcs create a powerful narrative that resonates with readers on an emotional level. They offer opportunities for characters to grow and evolve, providing satisfying closure and leaving the audience with a sense of fulfillment.
External conflicts offer opportunities for characters to prove themselves in challenging situations, highlighting their strengths and showing how they’ve evolved throughout their journey. They create an exciting narrative that keeps readers invested until the very end.
Here are these sections for my character Elara. She is still a work in progress, but is shaping up nicely. If you read through this, I hope you can get a sense of her story and how her interactions with the other characters would change her in a satisfying manner. I hope to publish Elara’s tale before the end of the year.
By skillfully balancing internal conflicts, external conflicts, and character arcs using the character template, you create a captivating, cohesive story that resonates with readers and leaves them eager for more adventures featuring your compelling characters!
This concludes the series on how I use my character template. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. Next month, I’ll be posting my Novel Outline tool that helps me map the journey my characters will travel. Stay tuned for more!
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