Creating Compelling Characters

When creating your characters, the golden rule 'show don't tell' applies as much as with other aspects of writing. It's so much easier to write 'she was a forty something divorcee, but it's much more interesting to lead the reader to that conclusion 'In the bar mirror she saw him appraising her, the calculating look in his eye evaluating his chances. Daily visits to the gym kept her body firm, but it took more effort now she was north of forty. She stared back, realised he resembled her ex-husband. She wasn't going there again.'

Dialogue is another effective tool. The man who says 'Oh I say old chap', is very different to the one who says 'Oi, you, come 'ere.' Choice of vocabulary can also indicate education level, culture, background and character. Is your character in 'a spot of bother' / trouble / Barney Rubble / up shit creek / in a mess?

Setting can also be used to contribute to build an image of a character. What type of person inhabits this space?

'Books stand at attention in glassed cases lining one wall. On white walls, a large oil canvas; slashes of red, angry greens and deep purples swirl in patterns that draw you in, tempting dark thoughts and shadows. A desk of light maple commands the room, it's clean lines unmarred by clutter, the only item an accurately centred blotting pad, is aligned at right angles so precise, they could have been measured. The desk faces away from the single window and its bright view, overlooking a topiary lined, manicured lawn.'

Character needs to go beyond vital statistics - age; sex; height; weight. What are your characters driving forces? Who are they beneath the surface? A good strategy is to conduct a character interview, and dig beneath the surface. What is their deepest secret? What is the the thing they are most proud of? What was the defining moment of their life? What do they want to achieve and why? What do they care about? What distresses them?

You may not write all of this into your story - especially if you're writing short stories where you have only a few words to create your character - but knowing your character will add depth to your writing.

Don't forget though, that your character can change, and perhaps the events you're writing about will bring that development and change to his life.