Writing Characters Down: Effectively Communicating Your Character to the Reader

Tips for Writing Characters

So you have planned out this amazing character.

You're ready to finally get them expressed on the page....but it's falling flat. The character in your book just isn't the one you'd imagined in your head.

Oh well, this must be what writers mean when they say your character has just become their own person and doesn't want to do what you say.

Um....I don't think so.

Guess what, your character isn't actually alive. They don't decide who they are, you do. And if the person they become on paper isn't what you wanted them to be that either means you have had an epiphany and made them even better, or you failed to communicate the image in your head effectively.

Developing great characters is not only about outlining their background and motivations but also effectively getting them on the page. So, we we will explore 5 practical tips to bring your characters to life through and effectively communicating them characters to your readers.

Character Development Guide

Physical Description

Ah, physical descriptions of your character.

I'm going to let you in on a little secret.

Ready? You're going to love this.

They're not nearly as important as you think they are.

If you have done a good job pre-writing your character (like I how describe in this post here), they will be so real and engaging that your reader might not even notice if you never described their physical traits like eye and hair color at all.

I didn't describe my main character in the short story 'Todd' once, left everything up to the readers imagination, and no one has said a thing about it. Not once.

Because your reader will make up their own image of your character in their heads, and as long as you don't do anything to disturb that image you'll usually be alright.

But there are few key things that you need to get down in order to make that happen:

Show, don't tell

I have a whole series about this, but Show, don't Tell effectively means "creating a sufficient image." This is an image for the reader, to lead their imagination, not dictate it.

Leave out all information except things that are necessary to tell the story. If your character feels real and complex, has depth and resonates with emotion, and you are successful at getting that emotion across, you'd be surprised how little actual description you need.

You never want to just outright tell the reader something like this in exposition.

Example:

Jerry was walking to the store. He had long stringy hair and a trench coat on.

Bleck! Try instead to reveal things through the narrative in a way that keeps everything moving like:

Jerry strolled down the street to the store with his hands in his trench pockets and the collar turned up to shield him from the rain. His long hair hung in wet cords over his face.

In the first example we get that Jerry is walking and he looks like a creep. In the second example the two sentences do more work. Jerry is wearing his trench coat because it's raining, so we get an idea of physical appearance, and setting. The next sentence reveals his long hair, evokes a mood, and gives us a clear image of Jerry. Oh! he isn't a creep, he's just having a bad day.

It's a lot to explain, so I will let you go to the series on it here.

A Unique and Memorable Appearance

When you are going to describe your character's appearance, focus on the distinctive or defining physical features that make your character stand out. It could be an unusual eye color, a scar, a tattoo, or a specific hairstyle.

Make sure though that these descriptions mean something. Don't describe to describe. Focus on things needed to develop and sustain the image you are creating.

Also try to reveal these core details as soon as possible, but not in a heavy-handed way. Your reader will create an image of your character very quickly, and you don't want to spoil it by pulling that away from them halfway through the book.

Use metaphor and simile

Compare your character's appearance to objects or elements to create vivid and memorable imagery. For example, describing someone's hair as a golden waterfall or their eyes as deep pools can evoke powerful visuals.

But make them more unique than the cliches I just spouted off and connect them to the theme and keep them on tone. You can learn more about that in the series on show, don't tell as well.

Show, Don't Tell Series Part 1

Avoid lengthy character descriptions

While details are important, be mindful of not overwhelming readers with lengthy paragraphs of description. Sprinkle physical details throughout the narrative, integrating them seamlessly into the story.

But this shouldn't be a problem because you are going to leave details to the bare minimum when needed, right?

By writing thoughtful and purposeful physical descriptions, you can paint a vivid picture of your characters and enhance their overall portrayal. Remember to balance specific details with room for reader interpretation, engaging their imagination while providing enough information to create a clear visual.

The Slow Reveal Not the Info-Dump

When it comes to revealing character details, the slow and deliberate approach is far more effective than overwhelming readers with an info-dump.

Dumping the Info-Dump

In the beginning of the story it is best to get the important physical details out of the way for the reason I outlined above, go read it again if you don't remember.

But what about the rest of the details—background, personality, etc. That needs to happen gradually over the course of the story. By slowly unveiling information about your characters, you engage readers' curiosity and keep them invested.

Here are some techniques for a skillful and organic reveal:

Show, don't tell

This again?

Of course.

Instead of directly stating your character's traits or background, demonstrate them through their actions, choices, and interactions with others. Allow readers to piece together the puzzle of who your character is based on their behavior and the consequences of their actions.

I'll give this one a rest for now.

Strategic dialogue

Utilize conversations between characters to unveil information naturally. Subtle hints, conversations with emotional depth, or veiled references can provide insights into their past, beliefs, or motivations. Consider how supporting characters may elicit different aspects of your character's history or personality.

I have a post that goes into a dialogue technique that (at least I believe) is the best piece of dialogue advice you're ever going to get. It sure was the best one I ever got. Go to the post here and navigate to the section on Oblique Dialogue.

Not All Writing Tips are Created Equal

You're bloody welcome.

Layered storytelling

Introduce character details in layers throughout the narrative, gradually peeling back the curtain to reveal more about their past, inner conflicts, or hidden desires. This keeps readers engaged and curious, eager to uncover the next layer of your character's story.

Do this by carefully planning when something will be revealed. This is best based on when that detail becomes important to the story.

I tell my authors and clients that the two halves of a story are like mirrors of each other. The first half is the set up, and the second have is the payout. For instance, if at the 3rd plot point (75% through) your character must use his new skill of...i dunno...conflict management?

Yes, his conflict management skills to deal with a problem, then he should learn them around the 1st plot (25% through). Even better if he doesn't realize he has learned anything at all until the last moment.

That's a weird example and I'm not saying it works for everything or needs to be exact, but try to keep the layers of your story more like folds that come back on each other.

Significance through conflict

Use moments of conflict or tension to reveal important aspects of your character. When faced with challenges, characters may expose vulnerabilities, face their fears, or make choices that shed light on their values and beliefs.

Symbolic objects or places

Infuse objects or specific locations with symbolic meaning tied to your character's history or personality. By using these elements in key scenes, you can subtly hint at important aspects of their backstory or emotional state.

Hint: If the object is important for the story and character, even thematically, your character must interact with it, notice it—and have a reason for doing so, even if that's just curiosity.

I'm telling you this because if they don't, your reader will never remember you brought it up in the first place. Use foreshadowing techniques to emphasis it's importance for later.

Character reactions and perceptions

Pay attention to how your character is reacting and how they see the world. Then write the world through their eyes. Don't include things in the story that they don't see, they they don't feel. Describe how they would describe.

This, again is a wide topic. Go to this post here to learn how to get deep into your character by thinking in terms of Narrators, not POVs.

Deep POV: Write Better Narrators

Remember, the slow reveal is an ongoing process throughout your story, allowing readers to discover and connect with your characters over time. By employing these techniques, you build anticipation, and maintain intrigue.

Consistent Behavior and Decision-Making

Consistency in your character's behavior and decision-making is essential for creating believable characters. When readers can predict how a character will act or what choices they will make, it keeps them in the story. They must stay true to who you developed at the outset.

Here are some tips to ensure consistency in your character portrayal:

Character arc alignment

Ensure that your character's behavior and choices align with their overall character arc. As they undergo growth or transformation, their decisions should reflect their changing perspectives, motivations, or goals.

This consistency allows readers to witness their development and evolution.

Motivation-driven actions

Consider your character's motivations when determining their behavior. What drives them? What are their goals or desires? By understanding their underlying motivations, you can ensure that their actions and decisions stem from a place that is true to their character.

For example: If your character is driven to become the next partner of his law firm, then bawling like a baby in front of all the senior partners when he loses his case isn't going to make much sense.

Same goes for a character's reactions to conflict when thing get tough.

Learn from past actions

Characters should learn and grow from their past experiences. Their decisions should demonstrate the lessons they have learned, avoiding repetitive mistakes and showcasing their development.

Consistency doesn't mean static, if they change, so must their actions. But please show this in increments, not a sudden turn of face all of the sudden.

Consider external factors

Keep in mind that external factors, such as the story's setting or circumstances, can influence your character's behavior. Adaptations or deviations from their usual behavior can be justified if they are in response to significant events or changes in their environment.

Your story is a 'whole' and nothing happens in a vacuum. Your character must stay consistent to themselves but also the setting, plot, theme and more.

By maintaining consistency in your character's behavior and decision-making, you create a more coherent narrative. Readers will be able to get engrossed in your story without being hit in the face with something that seem off and out of place.

Character Markers: The Key to Characterization

Character markers are distinctive traits or recurring elements that serve as recognizable and consistent identifiers for your characters. They play a vital role in characterization, helping readers connect with and remember characters as well as signal recognizable images from everyday life.

For instance, rough, calloused hands signal manual labour. A Hawaiian style shirt with dragons on it signals nerd-squad.

At least it did in my day, but who's to say, my kids say Crocs are cool now too.

Let's get back to it, shall we?

Physical characteristics

Choose specific physical attributes that reveal something about your character like the ones that I just described. These should assist the reader in bringing up an image of the kind of person you want them to see.

Please stay away from cliched markers like the calloused hands one above. Though the dragon shirt one is different, you can use that if you want.

Mannerisms and gestures

Give your characters unique mannerisms, gestures, or habits that define their behavior. It could be a nervous tic, or a recurring gesture that reflects their personality or emotional state.

These consistent actions provide insights into their character and add depth to their portrayal.

If your character is forgetful, show them leaving the room and coming back for something or entering a room and saying to themselves "why am I here?"

Play with little habits that can be inserted multiple times, like if your villain chews tobacco and spits at people's feet to show dominance. Have fun with it.

Worldender by Nick Nikolov

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Verbal quirks or catchphrases

Develop distinctive speech patterns, idioms, or catchphrases for your characters. Whether it's a specific vocabulary, a preferred style of expression, or a memorable way of delivering dialogue, these verbal markers contribute to their individuality and make their voice distinct.

I have an example from a book I am writing right now, set in my home province Alberta. When I think of growing up Albertan, I always always remember so many men would call everyone "Bud" after every few sentences. I want my main character to really encapsulate the feeling of living in rural Alberta, so he says "Bud" too.

Might not do anything for most readers other that seem like a quirk, but to fellow Albertans it's going to provide a very particular image because it has shared meaning.

Why Your Story Needs Readers to Come Alive

Emotional responses

Consider how your character responds to different emotional situations. Do they tend to laugh inappropriately when nervous? Do they become withdrawn when facing conflict? These consistent emotional responses create a recognizable pattern and contribute to their overall characterization.

What little things do they do when they are nervous or angry, for instance. Do they harden their jaw? Do they start picking dirt out of their fingernails? What are their signs of discomfort? Joy?

Symbolic objects or motifs

Introduce recurring symbols or motifs that are associated with your character. It could be a specific animal, a meaningful object, or a recurring theme. These symbolic markers can evoke deeper meanings, reflect their journey, or represent their values.

I like to keep all symbolism and literary devices on a specific theme.

For example, if your theme is "consequences of classism," then instead of saying:

Her body swayed back and forth like a pendulum.

Say...

Her body sloshed back and forth like the the contents of a whiskey bottle in a drunk's hands.

Ok, so that might be a weird image I just made, but you get the point. One offers an visual but it's pretty bland, the reader would get it but not care very much.

The second, though strange, brings up and image of a girl dancing like a...well...hammered. She's probably hammered.

Interactions with other characters

Pay attention to how your character interacts with other individuals in the story. Their relationships, dynamics, and conflicts can serve as markers that define their role and personality.

Certain markers connote boundaries, like someone crossing their arms. Some markers signal power dynamics like standing away from your scary boss with your eyes averted.

The way your character treats others or the patterns of their relationships reveal key aspects of their character. Do they not bother to look at the waitress or snap their fingers at her because she is beneath them? Do they say sorry after everything that could be even slightly taken as an offense? (In other words, are they Canadian?)

Sorry.

By incorporating character markers, you make them more memorable and distinct. These consistent traits or elements help readers connect with and identify your characters, enhancing their engagement with the story.

Just remember to balance the use of markers, ensuring they enrich the character without becoming overly repetitive or gimmicky. Don't use anything you have heard before. That might be asking a lot but try your best to come up with something specific to just your character.

Give Your Character a Unique Voice

One of the most effective ways to bring your characters to life is by giving them a unique voice in their portions dialogue. A distinct voice not only makes your characters more memorable but also adds depth and authenticity.

Vocabulary and word choice

Consider how your character speaks and the words they use. Are they formal or casual? Do they have a particular jargon or specialized vocabulary? Tailor their dialogue to reflect their background, education, or occupation. And stay consistent with it. A Texan cowboy isn't going to suddenly talk like an English gent in different company.

Sentence structure and grammar

Pay attention to your character's sentence structure and grammar. Do they speak in long, elaborate sentences or short, concise phrases? Are they fluent or do they have a unique pattern of speech?

Reflecting their speech patterns in their dialogue can make their voice distinctive.

Tone and manner of speech

Explore the tone and manner in which your character communicates. Are they sarcastic, witty, or serious? Do they speak with confidence or hesitancy? These nuances shape their voice and reflect their personality, emotions, and attitudes. It is a key technique for showing and not telling.

Dialogue tags

Get rid of them. Well, at least as many as you humanly can. (That is most, if you're wondering.)

When you use dialogue tags you are missing out on a precious opportunity to insert some characterization.

Here's a tip:

Dialogue tags are always telling not matter what. He said, she said, is lazy writing for the most part. You really don't need it. Use that space instead to have your character do some acting.

As long as you have the acting before or after the dialogue, the reader will get it. Maybe if you have a bunch of people in the scene all talking at once you might need a few 'saids', but I don't believe so.

Here's an example:

"I can't stand this," Tanya said. She poked her head out to see if the line had gotten any shorter.

Or,

"I can't stand this." Tanya poked her head out to see if the line had gotten any shorter.

Easy. It's not always that easy. But usually. Even better, get rid of the dialogue there and show us her annoyance through markers.

Cultural or regional influences

Consider the cultural or regional influences on your character's speech patterns. Dialects, accents, or specific linguistic characteristics can add richness and authenticity to their voice. However, don't let it devolve into stereotypes or caricatures.

Also, it's best to avoid changing the spelling of words to give characters an accent. Actually, don't ever do that. Instead change a few key placements, and a 'em, 'ere, etc is ok sometimes.

I had a book come across the editing desk once that had a Japanese character and every time she spoke, it was like "I not'eh liker to wun" It was the cringiest thing I ever read.

Don't do that!

Internal thoughts and introspection

Incorporate your character's internal thoughts and introspection into their dialogue but also, if they are the POV character, add it directly into the narrative. Consider your character to be the narrator of your story and you let him tell it in his voice.

One of the best writers I've seen do this is Joe Abercrombie. Now I have a lot to say both good and bad about his books, like beating dead horses (not literal, the turn of phrase), but he is always able to pull the reader into his POV (3rd person) characters and make you feel like you are right there in their heads.

I feel this is a really important piece of writing, one that is sadly missing from a lot of modern fiction. We like to gloss over POV as a literary technique(s). That is why I wrote this post on narrators and deep POV. It is an important part of communicating your character effectively to your reader.

Actually, it's the first and very important step. So, I suggest heading over to that post next if you haven't read it already.

Deep POV: Write Better Narrators

Consistency and growth

Ensure that your character's voice remains consistent throughout the story unless intentional changes occur due to character development, significant events, or is necessary for the progression of the plot.

Like: "the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain."

By giving your characters a unique voice in dialogue, you create distinct personalities that resonate with readers. Each character's speech patterns and mannerisms should reflect their individuality and contribute to the overall thing.

The interplay of different voices adds richness to your storytelling and makes your characters truly come alive. But just don't go tongue twisting your reader, they don't want to learn how to read again when your characters talk.

Dialogue still needs to flow easily and not slow anyone down.

Conclusion

Communicating your characters to your readers involves several key elements:

• Show, don't tell, when describing their physical appearance.

• Utilize the slow reveal instead of info-dumps, employing dialogue, conflict, and emotions.

• Ensure consistent behavior aligned with character arcs and motivations.

• Develop unique character markers like gestures, quirks, and symbolic objects.

• Give characters a distinct voice through word choice, sentence structure, and internal thoughts.

By implementing these tips, your characters will come alive and make sure that your readers can vividly see exactly who you want them to see. It will also ensure that your characters who you diligently planned don't get away from you during the writing process.

Unless you come up with something even better that is.

Until next time, Keep writing.