Creating a crime fiction protagonist

Following on from yesterday’s post about creating a protagonist for your story who is interesting and believable, today we turn our attention to a slightly more specific issue: creating a crime fiction protagonist. What are the particular things authors need to think about when developing a central character for a crime novel?

I think one thing that matters for characters in crime fiction in particular is a certain brand of curiosity that drives them to investigate. Even if you have chosen to portray them as somewhat apathetic and laidback about things, there is still something about crime fiction protagonists that makes them get on and uncover what’s going on – however reluctant they might initially be.

Another interesting idea to explore with protagonists in crime fiction is their beliefs and how they are challenged throughout the course of the story. Of course, this is something that applies to all protagonists, no matter what the genre, but it is particularly interesting in relation to crime fiction as it is a genre that deals so starkly with issues of right and wrong. How does your protagonist react when the lines are blurred, or what makes them start to blur the lines themselves?

How the character reacts to conflict is another key component to consider with your protagonist. Will they go along the lines of the slightly laidback, shambolic detective who seems to amble along but can think quickly when required? Or will they pounce on conflict, ramping up the tension and the risk factor with their own rash actions? This can be one of the key sources of suspense in crime fiction, so it’s an area worth giving some serious thought to.

One of the things many crime fiction protagonists have in common is that they fight for what is right – but how do they fight for it? And what do they think is right? Will they be the ‘by any means’ necessary sort or a ‘by the book’ kind of character?

Getting the protagonist right is one of the most important things you need to do as a crime writer. Putting the work in to get them just how you want them is definitely worth the effort.