The Art of Creating Engaging Fictional Characters: Humanization and Development

In the vast world of fiction, characters are the heart of the narrative. A captivating and complex character can transform a book or a movie from a mere plot summary into an evocative and transformative reading or viewing experience. This is because the best characters are not just cardboard cutouts but rather fully realized individuals who go through journeys that mirror our own human experiences. So, what makes a fictional character interesting and compelling in the eyes of readers and audiences? In this article, we will dive into the nuances of massive character development and the importance of showing a character's humanity.

Massive Character Development

The key to creating an interesting character often lies in their development. Even the most flawed or villains can become beloved if they undergo significant transformation. Take, for example, a character named Aphrodite from a novel I read. At the beginning of the story, she was a bully, pure and simple. As the narrative progresses, however, we witness her transformation from a malcontent to one of the main character's best friends. This journey from anti-hero to heroine and everything in between is what makes her such an engaging character. Such a change, while sometimes controversial, can leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Showcased Humanization

But what truly defines a compelling character? It is their humanity. Characters who possess admirable qualities and flaws are more relatable and, in turn, more engaging. Showcasing this side of a character, whether it be their strengths, weaknesses, or the moments of vulnerability that help us connect, is what truly makes them stand out. The story drives the characters, and the characters drive the story. By setting up a series of circumstances, each character reacts to them in distinct ways, which guides the narrative towards its intended direction. These reactions are what breathe life into the story, making it more than just a text on the page.

Quality Writing Matters

While humanization is crucial, quality writing is often the foundation upon which all else is built. With skilled writing techniques, even the most despicable characters can become relatable and beloved. Take, for instance, the idea of a despotic tyrant who becomes a beloved figure after nuking a city. Alternatively, a cold, psychopathic teenager can be transformed into a character with a troubled past. A mentally unstable individual can become a sympathetic figure with a background that explains their behavior. Conversely, if you fail to craft a quality protagonist or hero, the audience may root for the villains just to keep engaged.

Judging from personal experience, I can recount how often the audience's interest wanes when the protagonists are one-dimensional or poorly written. Time and again, I found myself rooting for the antagonists because of Mary Sue-like protagonists or simply due to a lack of compelling alternatives. This is a chilling reminder that the quality of your writing is paramount in maintaining your audience's interest and engagement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating engaging fictional characters involves more than just setting them up as simplistic heroes or villains. It requires a deep understanding of human nature and the skill to bring those internal struggles and transformations to life on the page or screen. Characters who go through significant development, showcase their humanity, and are written with quality are the ones that leave a lasting impression on readers and viewers. By employing these strategies, writers can create stories that captivate and resonate with a wide range of audiences, making the art of storytelling all the more rewarding.