I'm going to start off by saying that I am no 'master' at creating characters for stories. Heck, I'm not even a master at creating stories. But, as you will read through this article, you'll see my interest in this 'art,' and that it's a really fun process.
I just wanted to share how I did this for my own characters, and perhaps this could help you with your own writing!
The first thing that I love to do is brainstorm names. I do this a lot with my friends so we can create something unique, but not something out of the ordinary. That way, we can create a character based around the name.
Alternatively (and I've done this plenty of times), you can choose an object that you have and think of ways to shake up its own name. I did this with a simple aloe vera plant and decided to name it "Eloise" (Kind of like 'aloe ease.' Clever, right?).
Next up is characteristics. What makes them tick? Better yet, what makes them calm? It's all up to you!
For Eloise, I came up with some traits based on the plant itself. For example, since aloe vera has thorns, I had her get really angry if left alone for too long. She loves to be outside, as she feels like she 'flourishes' (as any plant would).
She loves attention, but at the same time, she loves to left alone sometimes, too. I feel as though characteristics are just as important––if not more––than a name or their physical appearance.
If you don't know how a person is supposed to act, then how are you ever supposed to know how they dress or talk? Emotional and physical traits almost go hand in hand, as emotion can be display a bit better if shown through a person's appearance and attire.
And speaking of appearances, that is what's next. Here's my rule on that: if I can't close my eyes and see what they're wearing, their facial expression, and their clothes, then they aren't finished in my mind.
Do they dress to their interests? Sweaters in the summertime? A suit to informal events? It's whatever you feel is appropriate for the character.
Just as a side note, unless you're going to be using this character a lot (or, say if they go through a major character arc in your story that requires for them to change how they act/dress), then going into the nitty-gritty of the character will be very beneficial for the future. Trust me.
All in all, anyone writing a story knows that characters are essential for telling a story. However, if they aren't fleshed out enough, then your story could potentially fall flat. Please keep creating!
