Hey, busy writers! How are those stories coming along? With the new year upon us, it’s the perfect time to dig into fresh, exciting projects—or finally tackle those shiny, new goals, like querying your dream agent or even self-publishing your first book. But where should you start? How about with your character? Crafting a unique protagonist (or antagonist!) who jumps off the page and keeps readers hooked is the first step to writing a story people will remember.
Here are 5 captivating ways to describe your character:
1. What they say
A character’s voice says a lot about who they are. Are they formal or informal? Do they speak with humor, or are they straight to the point? Describing a character through their dialogue lets you show who they are without ever needing to say it directly. Think about the tone and rhythm of their speech. Do they use sarcasm as a defense mechanism, or do they pepper their sentences with “like” and “literally” for a more relaxed vibe? Imagine a character who introduces themselves as, “I’m just a regular guy. Nothing special here. But hey, if you’re into fast cars and bad decisions, we’re going to get along just fine.” Just a few words can convey volumes about a character’s personality, background, and even their sense of humor.
2. What they do
You can reveal so much about your character by showing what they do—or, more specifically, how they do it. Is your character the type to drop everything and help a stranger? Or do they give a “not my problem” shrug and move on? Let your character’s actions reflect their personality and past experiences. Try writing how three different characters would react to the same scenario—say, an unexpected breakup or being accused of stealing a pen from their boss. Actions speak louder than words, and these reactions will give you insight into their values and quirks.
3. What they look like
We all know the typical descriptions: “He had twinkling eyes and a gray beard.” (Yawn.) Instead, get creative! Use metaphors, similes, or even symbolism to describe your character’s appearance in a way that feels fresh and unique. Rather than relying on a standard description, show what the character’s physical traits say about them. Maybe your character’s wild hair mirrors their chaotic personality, or perhaps their pristine, crisp clothes reflect a meticulous, calculated nature.
4. What they consider easy/difficult
How a character interacts with their environment can also tell you a lot about them. What do they find effortless, and what trips them up? Do they glide through social situations with ease, or do they fumble every time they have to make small talk? Consider how something as simple as reaching for an item on a high shelf could reveal physical traits. Maybe your short character is always climbing on chairs to grab the cereal, while your tall character ducks through doorways, constantly reminded of their height. Small struggles can expose big things about your character’s life experiences and personal challenges.
5. What they desire
Desire is a key motivator for any character. What do they want most in the world, and how do their physical traits play into this? Maybe your character’s broad shoulders make them a natural protector, or perhaps they’re constantly working on their fitness because they want to prove their worth to someone. A desire for success could drive a character to work late hours, their tired eyes the only evidence of their ambition. Describing a character’s desires—not just in terms of what they want, but also how they go after it—creates a strong emotional connection with readers.
Conclusion
Describing a character doesn’t have to be dry or drawn out. In fact, for writers, it should be fun! By focusing on what your character says, struggles with, and desires, you can create a character that readers will feel like they know in a matter of pages. So go ahead—fine-tune those little details and start making your character shine.