Unique Characters and Their Traits
Every person you have ever come across, every person you know, is unique. Our individual journeys and stories shape us into who we are, and while you develop characters, remember that they, too, are incredibly unique.
Assigning traits to characters in your narrative is all about finding the qualities that make them memorable, relatable, and fitting for the world they inhabit. At its core, this process begins by understanding the character’s role in the story: are they a hero, an antihero, a mentor, or perhaps even a villain? This role often guides the initial traits you assign. For instance, a hero might be brave but impulsive, while a mentor could be wise but jaded from past experiences. Each trait you give should have a purpose, shaping how a character acts and reacts to events within the story. A character’s traits also play into their relationships with others, as compatible or contrasting traits can create complex and interesting dynamics, setting the stage for meaningful interactions and personal growth.
The traits of characters who dwell within a fantastic can also be a direct reflection of the world’s culture, history, or even magic system. A character who grew up in a secluded forest village might have a calm, observant nature, while someone from a tough warrior society might be competitive, loyal, and driven by honor. Fantasy worlds allow for heightened traits or unique quirks that might feel out of place in a realistic setting similar to our own world. Maybe your character has a high tolerance for cold because their people live in icy mountains, or perhaps they have a fascination with ancient lore because their society highly values scholars. These kinds of traits not only deepen the character but also root them firmly in the world you’re building.
While physical traits are a useful way to make a character visually distinctive, they should ideally complement personality traits or play into their role, not overwhelm them. A tall, imposing figure might naturally seem like a warrior or leader, while a smaller character with a quick wit could be perfect as a cunning thief or spy… but keep in mind that it can be fun and interesting to subvert these expecations. Physical traits can also hint at personality: a character with a scarred face might be seen as intimidating, yet their true nature could be gentle and compassionate. When physical traits and personality work together, readers gain a more complete and memorable impression of the character. Adding small, defining details—like a nervous habit, a favorite phrase, or a specific gesture—further personalizes the character and makes them stand out. Think about the people you know within your own life: what little things about them do you notice? Do they hold their fork a certain way when they eat? Do they insist on doing things in a peculiar way? Don’t be afraid to get inspiration from the people around you- they’re as unique as they come, and sometimes real people are stranger than fiction.
Another crucial part of assigning traits is thinking about character flaws, as these bring realism and relatability. No character should be perfect- perfect is boring- flaws create challenges and opportunities for growth. A powerful mage might be stubborn or overly confident, making mistakes despite their high-level abilities or potential. Flaws also lead to conflict, both internal and external, adding richness to the narrative. When assigning flaws to individuals within your story, consider how they’ll affect relationships or plot points, and how they might evolve over time. A character with a quick temper, for instance, could find themselves in constant trouble, learning patience and self-control along their journey (or maybe not- maybe your tale is a lesson on how refusing to improve can doom you to failure.)
Finally, consistency is key. It’s extremely important to keep the character’s traits steady but dynamic. They should feel authentic, with a few core traits that shape their behavior, but they shouldn’t be so rigid that they can’t grow. As the story progresses, your characters should experience moments that challenge or change them, pushing their personalities to evolve. A shy, cautious character might become braver after facing a terrifying monster, while a self-centered thief could learn compassion by helping others.
Think about your own journey through life, and your own traits. How would you describe yourself? How would your friends describe you? If you could be the protagonist in your own setting, how would you handle your flaws and capitalize on your strengths? What personal growth have you experienced as you’ve navigated our world and your life? Apply that thought process to your characters. By giving them traits that feel both rooted and flexible, you create individuals readers can connect with and cheer for (or perhaps despise), watching them become more than they were at the story’s beginning.
