Creating Characters Readers Love: From Personality to Backstory

As writers, we all dream of creating characters that leap off the page, right? The kind that readers connect with, root for, and occasionally cry over (in a good way, of course). But how do we get there? How do we take a jumble of personality traits and life experiences and turn them into a character who feels real? Spoiler: it’s not as easy as just making them “nice.” Readers are smarter than that. They want something deeper—something that makes them feel like they know your character, flaws and all.

In this post, I’m going to walk you through the key steps to building a character that readers will love—or at least tolerate in a “I can’t stop reading this trainwreck” kind of way. We’ll talk about everything from personality quirks to the backstory that explains why they are the way they are. Ready? Let’s dive in.

1. Start with Personality: Are They a Hero or a Hot Mess?

Okay, let’s face it. Everyone wants to write the perfect hero—strong, smart, flawless. But let’s be real, perfect heroes are pretty boring. If your character never makes a mistake or has any weird quirks, you’ll lose your readers faster than you can say “Mary Sue.” No one cares about a cardboard cutout.

So, let’s get real. What does your character actually feel? Are they optimistic or a cynical mess? Do they talk too much when they’re nervous or clam up like a brick wall? Their personality isn’t just a list of traits—it’s how they react, how they feel about things. Make them interesting, make them layered, and give them enough contradictions to make readers think, “Wait, I kind of get them.”

Tips for Crafting Personality:

• Steer clear of the clichés: Yes, the brooding, misunderstood antihero has been done a thousand times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put a fresh spin on it. Make your character’s flaws relatable, not just tropey.

• Mix in some contradictions: A tough-as-nails fighter who secretly loves baking cupcakes? Hell yes. A charming goofball who’s terrified of being vulnerable? Even better. Contrast keeps things interesting.

• Internal conflict = best conflict: It’s not just what they do, it’s why they do it. A character might seem like they have it all together, but secretly they’re terrified of failure. Show this internal battle—it adds depth.

2. Backstory: Every Messy Detail Matters

So now that your character is all complex and interesting, let’s give them a past. A backstory isn’t just “where they came from”—it’s the emotional baggage they bring with them. Did their parents constantly remind them they’d never amount to anything? Perfect. Does their ex still haunt their dreams and social media? Oh, the drama.

A good backstory doesn’t just provide info—it explains why they’re acting like that guy who shows up to work with coffee on his shirt and a chip on his shoulder. Why do they push people away? Why do they always say the wrong thing? Why are they this way? Answering those questions will not only give your character motivation but will also make them feel more like a real person.

Tips for Crafting a Compelling Backstory:

• Formative moments, baby: Think of those key moments in your character’s life that shaped them—family trauma, a huge win, or maybe that one awkward incident at a high school dance. Big moments, small moments, they all add up.

• Don’t dump the backstory all at once: Show the past through actions and interactions. Your character doesn’t need to give a TED talk on their trauma—it’s better to weave it in through hints and details as the story progresses.

• Your backstory is like a messy closet: Only pull out what’s relevant to this story. You don’t need to know your character’s favorite color unless it somehow matters. But if they wear their old high school jacket every day because it’s the last thing their mom gave them? That matters.

3. Flaws: Yes, They’re Imperfect (And That’s Okay)

People are complicated. No one’s perfect. Not even your character (probably). A perfect character is a dead character—and not in the literal, plot-driving way. I mean dead as in boring. We want flaws, quirks, imperfections. Your readers want to see characters struggle, make mistakes, and try to fix those mistakes. And guess what? It’s even better when they fail at it. That’s real life, my friend.

Tips for Crafting Flaws:

• Give them something to overcome: A character without flaws is like a story without conflict—pointless. Give them a flaw they’ll need to face and work on. Maybe it’s an unhealthy fear of rejection or an impulsive streak that always gets them into trouble.

• Flaws don’t have to be giant: A flaw could be something small but relatable—like their constant need for validation, or that they can’t ever admit when they’re wrong (we all know someone like that, don’t we?).

• Balance flaws with strengths: A character with no flaws is boring, but a character with only flaws? That’s just depressing. Make sure they also have redeeming qualities—whether it’s loyalty, humor, or a tendency to always show up when it matters most.

4. Character Arc: Watch Them Grow (Or Fail Miserably)

This is where the magic happens. A character arc is what separates a static character from a dynamic one. What changes in your character over the course of the story? Do they overcome their flaws? Do they double down on them? The key here is that the character should be different by the end of the book—preferably in a way that’s meaningful and satisfying.

Tips for Crafting a Powerful Character Arc:

• Make it personal: It’s not enough for your character to just “win the fight” or “get the girl.” The arc has to be about something deeper—maybe they learn to trust others, or maybe they finally realize they’re okay as they are.

• Turning points are everything: You know those moments where your character makes a decision they can’t take back? Those are the juicy turning points in their arc. Make them count.

• No one’s perfect (even by the end): A great character arc is about growth, but it’s okay if they don’t totally change. Maybe they’re better, but they’ll always have their flaws—and that’s what makes them real.

5. Relationships: Love, Hate, or Somewhere in Between?

Characters don’t exist in a bubble. They need relationships to show who they really are—and to create conflict. Maybe they’ve got that one best friend who pushes them to do better, or maybe they’ve got a rivalry so heated that it could start a war. Either way, the way your character interacts with others will reveal a whole new side of them—and it can drive the emotional stakes of your story.

Tips for Crafting Meaningful Relationships:

• Make them complicated: Relationships shouldn’t be one-dimensional. A “perfect” relationship is great for a rom-com, but real-life relationships are messy. Let your characters fight, make up, and learn from each other.

• Use relationships for growth: The best relationships are the ones that challenge your character. A friendship or romantic relationship that forces your character to face their flaws (or strengths) makes them more dynamic.

• Don’t forget the antagonists: Even the “bad guys” can have relationships that shape them. Maybe the villain’s mentor was the reason they became so twisted—or maybe they’ve got a soft spot for their pet cat. Relationships give depth, even to your antagonists.

Final Thoughts: Characters That Stick with Your Readers

So, there you have it. Building a character that readers actually care about isn’t about making them perfect—it’s about making them real. It’s about layering in personality, backstory, flaws, growth, and relationships to create someone your readers will root for (or love to hate). Whether you’re writing the next big hero or a complicated antihero, the key is to make them feel human—and that’s what will make them unforgettable.

Want to Dive Deeper?

If you’re ready to take your character development to the next level, here are some excellent books and online resources to help you craft memorable, complex characters:

1. “Creating Characters: The Complete Guide to Populating Your Fiction” by Dwight V. Swain

A classic! This book is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand character building from the ground up. It walks you through personality traits, motivations, and how to breathe life into your characters.

2. “The Art of Character: Creating Memorable Characters for Fiction, Film, and TV” by David Corbett

This is an excellent guide for digging deeper into the emotional layers of your characters. It helps you build complexity and make them feel more real, which is what we all want!

3. “Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel” by Lisa Cron

Not just about characters, but understanding your character’s psychology and what drives them is key to crafting a compelling story. A perfect companion to any writing project.

4. Character Development Worksheets by Reedsy

Reedsy Character Development Templates

If you like working through templates, Reedsy offers a handy set of character profile worksheets to help you flesh out your character’s traits, backstory, and goals.

5. The Character Builder Blog by The Write Practice

The Write Practice Character Building Resources

A treasure trove of articles on crafting authentic, multi-dimensional characters. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this blog has something for everyone.

Struggling With Your Characters?

Want to make them even more compelling (or just make sure they don’t fall flat)? I’m here to help! Contact me for personalized coaching or a developmental edit, and let’s create characters that readers will love—and never forget.