How to Create Complex Characters in Your Novels
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Writing a compelling story with complex characters is the key to creating a successful novel in today’s market. If your characters are flat and one-dimensional, it can be hard for readers to connect with the narrative or become invested in the plot. Creating dynamic, complex characters is essential for giving your novel depth and making it more appealing to readers. Let’s explore the definition of complex characters for today’s market.
Complex Characters Have Flaws
It’s important to remember that no person is perfect. Everyone has flaws, so when you’re creating complex characters, make sure they have flaws, too. This will help bring your fictional people to life and make them relatable to readers. The flaws shouldn’t be glaring or morally corrupt (unless you’re writing an anti-hero), and the character should have redeeming qualities that outweigh their flaws. The most compelling flaws and misconceptions relate to the character’s sense of self.
Fleshing out your complex characters’ flaws will help give them humanity and deepen the theme you’re exploring in your story. Showing readers how complex characters with real flaws and obstacles overcome their shortcomings will also give readers a sense of redemption and satisfaction at the end, if the character is able to triumph.
Complex Characters Have Unique Voice
Your characters should have distinct voices that set them apart from each other, especially if you are writing in alternating point of view or using an ensemble cast. This will make them easier for readers to recognize and differentiate between as they progress through the story, and it contributes to them all feeling like complex characters.
To achieve this, focus on using specific language for every character as well as distinct phrases, gestures, facial expressions, mannerisms etc., that belong solely to that individual character but don’t detract from the flow of the story. It's also important not just focus on dialogue but physicality too. People act and move and speak differently when feeling emotions such as anger or joy, and this should be reflected in the way you write your characters so they come alive on the page. (Developing individual voices for each character might seem daunting, and it’s okay to work on developing your writing voice first.)
Developing Backstory for Complex Characters
Every person has a unique backstory that shapes who they become later in life—this should also be true for each of the complex characters that appear in your book. By exploring their pasts (and formative experiences) you can gain a deeper understanding of why certain things trigger certain reactions in them or why they respond differently than others would in certain circumstances. Each character has their own goals and motivations and needs, which are informed by their past.
Make sure to brainstorm and include details about your complex characters’ family dynamics, relationships with friends or significant others—anything that helps build an understanding of who this person is and what motivates them throughout the story. Doing this will help you shape complex personalities that feel real and believable for readers as opposed to the flat character or caricature stereotypes that lack any sort of emotional depth or true resonance.
Crafting dynamic, complex characters brings life into your story, which is essential if you want people to stay engaged. Start by giving each character their own distinctive voices, develop their personalities by adding flaws that humanize them, and explore their backstories. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to craft captivating complex characters that carry your novel and intrigue and delight readers.
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