As you probably already know—there are two things that make a great book: an engaging plot and interesting characters.  So how does a writer create memorable characters?

1.  The character must want or better yet, need something.  This need will be so strong that it drives the character (and reader) through the story.  If the character needs something badly enough, their struggle to get it hooks the reader.  Clarice, the FBI agent in Silence of the Lambs,is a young, naive agent that is so ambitious she is even willing to work with Hannibal Lector!

2.  To create a character, he must have a problem—both an outside problem and an inside problem.  All humans have problems and a history.  A story character must also have problems—so that they “become human” and the reader comes to believe they’re real because their problems look much like the reader’s problems.

3.  The character must be strong.  (Think of Sara Paretsky’s characters)  Although they have problems and faults (like all humans), they must be strong.  Readers don’t like wimps.  Besides the character’s strength will enable them to succeed eventually.  Paretsky’s character, V.I. Warchowski, is a lonely, single private investigator with lots of doubts.  But she is tough and persistent!

4.  To create a good character, he must have something (skill) distinctive about him or her.  Sherlock Holmes is one of the best examples.  When we remember him, it’s his intense analytical skills that make him memorable.  Actually, he has little personality.  But the distinctive part could be personality.  Remember TV’s “Columbo?”  His distinction was his friendly but persistent investigation.

5.  The character must be sympathetic—to some degree.  The reader should “like” the character so they can more easily identify with the character.  To create good characters even the villain can have some sympathetic parts.  (Not too many!)  Ned, the lawyer in the film “Body Heat” is a small time lawyer who’s not too bright—but he thinks he is.  We like him as a result because he’s kind of a schmuck.  So even when he commits murder, we still want to see him get away with it.

Think about your favorite books or films.  Did the author or directer create good characters?  Who were the characters you remember and why?