In the realm of storytelling, the ability to craft compelling characters is paramount. How to change character delves into the intricate art of character development, guiding you through the nuances of creating believable, relatable, and transformative individuals who captivate readers and viewers alike.

This comprehensive guide explores the importance of character motivation, the impact of character change, and the significance of character flaws. We’ll delve into the role of dialogue, symbolism, and backstory in shaping character depth and complexity. By mastering these techniques, you’ll gain the skills to create characters that resonate with audiences, drive the narrative forward, and leave a lasting impression.

Character Development: How To Change Character

Character development is the process of creating believable and relatable characters who drive the story forward. Well-developed characters have depth, complexity, and motivations that resonate with the audience.

Examples of well-developed characters include:

• Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird”
• Hermione Granger from the “Harry Potter” series
• Walter White from “Breaking Bad”

Tips for creating believable and relatable characters:

• Give them a clear backstory and motivations.
• Make them flawed and relatable.
• Allow them to grow and change over the course of the story.

Character Motivation

Character motivation is the driving force behind a character’s actions. It can be internal (coming from within the character) or external (coming from outside the character). Motivations can be conscious or unconscious.

Types of character motivations include:

• Survival
• Power
• Love
• Revenge

Techniques for creating compelling and believable character motivations:

• Make the motivations clear and understandable.
• Make the motivations believable and relatable.
• Make the motivations consistent with the character’s personality.

Character Change

Character change is the process by which a character undergoes a significant transformation over the course of a story. This change can be internal (within the character) or external (in the character’s circumstances).

Types of character change include:

• Gradual change
• Sudden change
• Internal change
• External change

Examples of character change in classic literature and film:

• Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol”
• Darth Vader in the “Star Wars” franchise
• Atticus Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”

Character Transformation

Character transformation is a more significant and profound change than character change. It involves a fundamental shift in the character’s personality or worldview.

The significance of character transformation in storytelling:

• It can create a sense of closure and resolution.
• It can be a powerful way to explore themes and ideas.
• It can make the story more memorable and impactful.

Tips for writing transformative character arcs:

• Make the transformation believable and relatable.
• Make the transformation consistent with the character’s personality.
• Give the transformation time to develop.

Character Flaws

Character flaws are imperfections or weaknesses that make characters more relatable and realistic. They can be physical, emotional, or psychological.

Types of character flaws:

• Physical flaws
• Emotional flaws
• Psychological flaws

Examples of characters with flaws that make them both compelling and sympathetic:

• Jay Gatsby from “The Great Gatsby”
• Hamlet from “Hamlet”
• Tony Montana from “Scarface”

Character Relationships

Character relationships play a significant role in shaping character development. They can be romantic, familial, platonic, or antagonistic.

Tips for writing believable and dynamic character relationships:

• Make the relationships believable and relatable.
• Make the relationships consistent with the characters’ personalities.
• Give the relationships time to develop.

Character Dialogue

Character dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing character. It can be internal (within the character’s head) or external (spoken aloud).

Types of character dialogue:

• Internal dialogue
• External dialogue
• Subtextual dialogue

Techniques for writing effective and memorable character dialogue:

• Make the dialogue believable and relatable.
• Make the dialogue consistent with the character’s personality.
• Give the dialogue a purpose.

Character Symbolism

Character symbolism is the use of objects, colors, or animals to represent characters or their qualities.

Types of character symbols:

• Objects
• Colors
• Animals

Examples of characters who are effectively represented through symbolism:

• The Great Gatsby’s green light
• The Scarlet Letter’s scarlet “A”
• The Moby Dick’s white whale

Character Backstory

Character backstory is the history of a character’s life before the events of the story. It can provide depth and complexity to a character.

Tips for writing compelling character backstories:

• Make the backstory believable and relatable.
• Make the backstory consistent with the character’s personality.
• Give the backstory a purpose.

Character Archetypes

Character archetypes are recurring character types that appear in stories across cultures and time periods.

Types of character archetypes:

• The hero
• The villain
• The mentor
• The sidekick

The use of archetypes in creating relatable and universal characters:

• Archetypes can help to create characters that are instantly recognizable and relatable.
• Archetypes can help to create characters that are representative of universal human experiences.
• Archetypes can help to create characters that are timeless and enduring.

Quick FAQs

How can I make my characters more believable?

Focus on developing their motivations, flaws, and relationships. Give them unique voices and perspectives, and ensure their actions are consistent with their character.

What is the difference between character change and character transformation?

Character change is a gradual shift in a character’s beliefs or behavior, while character transformation is a profound and fundamental change that alters the core of who they are.

How can I use symbolism to enhance my characters?

Objects, colors, and animals can be used to represent aspects of a character’s personality or journey. By incorporating symbolism, you can add depth and resonance to your characters.