Instead of starting with the common wisdom that a story needs a big idea or an intricate plot, let’s flip that on its head. I’ve found, time and again, that the most unforgettable narratives don’t begin with a grand blueprint of events, but with a single, beating heart. It’s not about what happens to someone first; it’s about who it happens to. This is where the true magic of storytelling resides: in the creation of a character so vivid, so real, that your audience can’t help but lean in, listen closely, and journey right alongside them.
More Than Just a Name
Building a Living Being
When I began my artistic journey, like many aspiring storytellers, I was obsessed with plot. I’d sketch out elaborate timelines, twisty turns, and dramatic climaxes. But my early stories often felt hollow, like intricate clockwork without a soul. It wasn’t until I shifted my focus entirely—from the gears to the ghost in the machine—that my narratives truly came alive.
A character isn’t just a name on a page, a set of physical descriptors, or a list of personality traits. They are an amalgamation of desires, fears, contradictions, and dreams. Think of someone you know intimately, a real person. Can you reduce them to a bulleted list? Of course not. They are complex, sometimes illogical, often surprising. Your fictional characters need that same depth.
How do you achieve this? Start by asking yourself not just “What does my character do?” but “Why do they do it?” What drives them at their deepest level? What are their unspoken needs, the ones they might not even admit to themselves? Perhaps they crave acceptance, or fear abandonment, or secretly yearn for a life entirely different from the one they currently lead. These internal landscapes are the fertile ground from which truly compelling characters emerge.
The Echo in the Reader
Fostering Deep Connection
The goal isn’t just to create a unique individual; it’s to forge a profound connection between that individual and your audience. This connection is the emotional engine of your story. When readers or viewers see a glimmer of themselves in your character—a shared struggle, a similar hope, a familiar vulnerability—they become invested. They don’t just observe; they participate.
Consider the ordinary person thrust into extraordinary circumstances. We don’t necessarily relate to their superpowers or their grand destiny, but we relate to their fear, their resilience, their moments of doubt, or their fierce loyalty. It’s in these universal human experiences that relatability blossoms. Your character might be a space explorer, a mythical hero, or a detective in a gritty city, but if they grapple with universal themes like loss, love, justice, or identity, your audience will find a way in. They’ll root for your character not because they’re perfect, but because they are imperfectly human.
The Power of Imperfection
Embracing Flaws and Nuance
No one is flawless, and neither should your characters be. In fact, their imperfections are often their most endearing and relatable qualities. A character who makes mistakes, who has blind spots, who stumbles and gets back up, is far more engaging than one who glides effortlessly through every challenge. Their flaws create opportunities for conflict, for growth, and for moments where their humanity shines through.
Think of it as building a sculpture. You don’t just add clay; you also carve away, revealing the form within. Similarly, revealing a character’s vulnerabilities, their hidden anxieties, or even their morally grey areas, adds layers of dimension. It makes them feel lived-in, authentic. It’s the slight tremor in their voice when they face their deepest fear, the fleeting moment of doubt in their eyes, the stubborn refusal to admit they need help. These nuances paint a portrait that resonates far more deeply than any perfect ideal.
The Journey of the Heart
Character Transformation is Key
A compelling character isn’t static. They embark on a journey, not just across a physical landscape, but through their own internal world. They learn, they adapt, they fail, they succeed, and they are ultimately changed by the events of the story. This “character arc” is what keeps your audience hooked. We want to see how they evolve, how they overcome their internal demons, or how they finally confront their core beliefs.
This transformation doesn’t have to be a grand, heroic shift. Sometimes, the most powerful changes are subtle—a hardened heart softening, a timid soul finding their voice, a cynical mind finding a sliver of hope. It’s this emotional growth that provides the true payoff for your audience’s investment. They’ve witnessed someone’s journey from within, and that experience is far more impactful than merely observing external events.
So, as you embark on your next storytelling adventure, resist the urge to start with the grand tapestry of plot. Instead, quiet your mind, and listen for the first heartbeat. Find the person, the unique individual, who will carry the weight and wonder of your narrative. When you craft a character that breathes, your story will not just be told; it will be felt. It is the beating heart of your character that will make your audience care, invest, and journey alongside your creation, long after the last page is turned.
This summer, our arts program is a vibrant hub for artists and the arts sector across Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Northwestern Ontario. We’re providing professional development and storytelling opportunities, with the goal of equipping artists with the tools they need to grow and succeed. This entire initiative is made possible thanks to the support of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and the Ontario Arts Council, whose funding is helping to support this season’s valuable mentorship and internship program.
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