For example, you might name a character “Sadie” because it is unique and suits the character’s demeanor. Or you may name your character “Bash” because they are bold and destructive in your story. You may want to choose unusual surnames like “Temples” or “Cottrill” so the name sticks in the reader’s mind. In some cases, it’s easier to determine the other details of your character first and save their name for last. Perhaps your character’s true identity could be revealed as the story progresses? Avoid choosing names too close to other characters. Readers may confuse them.
For example, you may determine that your character is twelve years old and just starting to experience puberty. You may then try to write from the perspective of a twelve-year old, using your own experiences at that age as inspiration.
For example, maybe your character is tall and lanky, with long, skinny arms and legs. They may have green eyes and dark colored hair, giving them a striking appearance. You can try sketching them.
J. K. Rowling, for example, gave her main character a lightning bolt shaped scar, which is an interesting and memorable mark. Having a distinguishing mark play a role in your story makes it even more memorable. For example, you may have a character with a long scar behind their ear from an operation they had in their childhood. Or maybe your character has a tattoo on their back from a wild holiday.
For example, you may have a character who only wears black leather and denim to try to blend into the crowd. Or perhaps you have a character who dresses in designer clothing to show off their status and wealth.
For example, you may create a character that is Asian-American to reflect your own race or your family background. If you decide to create a character that is a race or nationality that is different than your own, be prepared to do research into that race or nationality to avoid falling into stereotypes.
Don’t forget about other familial relationships your character has. They may be really close to their uncle or their grandmother for instance.
For example, maybe your character grew up in a deprived part of the American Deep South. They may then use certain vernacular and approach the world in a certain way.
You may have a character who did not finish school or dropped out and instead worked odd jobs to gain life experience. This could play into their character as a whole and their approach to the world.
For example, you may have a character who is romantically involved with the other main character in your story. Or you may have a character who is recently divorced and trying to deal with the break-up of their marriage.
For example, you may have a character who hates olives and loves tacos. Or, maybe your main character is obsessed with a television character and binge watches the same TV programme on repeat.
For example, you may include moments of introspection like, “Sadie thought about how angry her mother would be when she got home, five minutes past her curfew. Would she confiscate her mobile phone again or just throw something at her head? Would she go on about how worthless and irresponsible she is? Maybe she fell asleep on pain pills again, dead to the world. Sadie crossed her fingers as she stepped inside. ”
For example, you may have a character who speaks in a combination of English and Spanish to reflect their background and family life. You can also have a character who has a catchphrase that they say when they feel nervous, such as “Holy mother!” or “Seriously, dude. ”
For example, your character may have a desire to leave their small town and escape their abusive family life. Or perhaps your character wants to learn how to throw a football correctly so they can join a local sports team.
For example, your character may struggle to leave their lonesome, small town because they have to care for their elderly mother and have no money to go anywhere. Or your character may find it hard to throw a football because they cannot find someone to teach them how to do it properly.
For example, you may have a character who has addiction issues, causing them to lash out and hurt others around them. Or you may have a character who is too prideful to admit they are wrong, causing them to have poor relationships with their children. Your character could have a particular phobia, such as: heights, water, blood, large crowds or the dark. One of these could be holding them back from achieving their goals.
