Character Development by Debi Stanton, President Pen It!
· A Strong Character, also known as a “round” character, is fully developed and is generally one of the main or main supporting characters. They are more realistic and complex. The reader knows who they are and can relate to them in one way or another.
· A Supporting or “Flat” character doesn’t have as much depth. They aren’t as complex or developed. The reader knows less about them.
· You must develop characters your reader won’t forget or they will forget to finish your book.
· Your character must be believable. It should be someone the reader can identify with or loves to hate.
· Adding too many characters in a book can leave the reader confused. Stick to 1 or 2 main characters and a few (preferably less than 5 or 10) supporting characters.
· When naming your characters, be sure the names aren’t too much alike. This can also confuse the reader. So, you don’t want to use Jane and Joan (unless they are twins).
· Your main character(s) should have an ultimate goal. He wants to win a war. He wants to destroy evil. She wants to have a baby. She wants to get married. If you are having a hard time identifying that goal, ask yourself “What would make this character unbelievably happy or content?”
There are two Main Types of Characters:
1. Main Characters (Protagonist and Antagonist)
2. Supporting Characters (extra, less important characters)
There are two types of “Main Characters”
1. Protagonist (hero) 2. Antagonist (villain)
The Protagonist is the hero or leading character in the story. They are at the very center of the story, making the decisions, having a series of experiences, and dealing with the consequences.
The Antagonist is the villain or the person who causes the most trouble for the Protagonist. In most instances they either create or are the center of all of the conflict.