How To Make A Character

So, you have your story idea, and probably a rough outline. Maybe you even have your protagonist. Now what? The world isn't just a person or two. Perhaps you even have a great villain all lined up. Is that enough? Who else is going to live in that world?

It's rare to be in a situation where you're all alone. The book The Martian is the only one I can think of right now that I've read where someone truly is alone for any portion of the book. Even there, they still have radio contact with Earth, I think. It's been a while since I've read the book. No, you can pretty much count on needing a cast of characters who will show up. Especially if there's a romantic plot or subplot to the book.

How to decide who to add? For characters who show up once or twice, or don't have a significant role, this can be easy. One writer described how they write in a coffee shop. When they need someone to murder or be a witness in their mystery books, well, Gary with his skinny latte just happened to be right there. Gary, congratulations, you're about to advance the plot.

With my first ever book, Runaway Magic 1st edition, I had Aili as a character before I started. She needed to find her place in the world, which also meant finding a community where she belonged. As a new mage, she needed a teacher and a guide. How to choose?

Sometimes we take inspiration from people around us. The masters in Phoenix Rising were loosely inspired by various martial arts teachers I've had, for instance. What characteristics do they have that make them great for the role? Perfect. Use those.

For Aili, I looked at who she needed. Assuming his presence in her life was not an accident, as he admits in a later book he was chosen, that means he'll have some traits she needs to grow and thrive. He's also his own person, so he's not made just for her. What kind of background might he have? What weird hobbies? Even if this information never shows up in a book, it helps me decide how to write what you do see of him.

Kyson wasn't created with Aili in mind, but Andvari. As his working partner, what kind of personality would get along with him well, but also cover areas he wasn't strong in? Alike in some ways, opposite in others, Kyson almost balances Aili out in Andvari's life.

What about challenging characters? Those who help Aili grow, but in a different way? That's how Silla got created. In life we meet people who annoy us. Sometimes we get to know them a bit and they're not that bad. Other times we dislike them until we die. Both types have their place in a story.

When making a world, the people in it help it come alive. Not all characters will resonate with all readers. That's okay, too. What they should do is make the world feel real. People are people, across cultures and times. Let your characters reflect that.