Why Writing Believable Characters Matters…

I often see manuscripts with attractive and imaginative storylines that, for some reason, simply don’t work.

Often that’s because the characters within them exist only to serve the narrative, and are not believable as deeply constructed, rounded, flesh-and-blood personalities.

The old sales mantra – people buy people – is equally relevant to fiction. If your reader can’t see in your characters a fully-fledged human, then they won’t buy what it is you’re selling!

Creating believable characters in fiction is a crucial aspect of storytelling that directly impacts a reader's engagement and emotional investment in a narrative. When authors craft characters with depth, authenticity, and relatability, they elevate the overall quality of the work and that leaves a lasting impression on readers.

It is character that serves as the backbone of a compelling narrative. Readers are more likely to immerse themselves in a story when they can connect with the characters on a personal level. Characters with well-defined personalities, motivations, and flaws resonate with readers, making the fictional world you’ve imagined feel more authentic and relatable. This connection fosters a sense of empathy, allowing readers to share in the characters' joys, sorrows, and triumphs.

Additionally, believable characters contribute to the overall credibility of the story. When characters act consistently within the established parameters of their personalities and the story's context, readers find the narrative more believable. This consistency builds trust between the author and the audience, enhancing the suspension of disbelief necessary for a satisfying reading experience.

Moreover, crafting believable characters adds a layer of complexity to the storytelling. Characters with depth and nuance bring richness to the plot, introducing conflicts, dilemmas, and growth arcs that captivate readers. Whether protagonists or antagonists, well-developed characters challenge and evolve throughout the narrative, keeping the audience invested in their fates.

Before I start to write the first sentence, I put together character charts for each of my main characters – this includes things like eye colour/complexion/hobbies/likes/dislikes/childhood influences/familial influences/parentage/emotional motivations/physical  and mental differences, and a whole lot more. As I write these charts, new plotlines and connections swim to the surface – and ensure the characters you create are living, breathing individuals.

Geoff Poundes is a writer and professional developmental editor, specialising in fiction non-fiction, particularly business, sport and history, biography and memoir. Go to www.geoffpoundeseditor.co.uk to find out more.