As an author of five books including Cults, Coffee and Close Encounters, I’ve had some thoughts on creating unforgettable protagonists
Opening hook: Characters are the heartbeat of any great novel. They draw readers in, make them invest emotionally in the story, and stay with them long after the final page is turned. Creating amazing, multi-dimensional characters is both an art and a skill that can be developed with practice. Here are some tips for crafting unforgettable protagonists that will captivate your audience.
Develop a Compelling Backstory Behind every great character is a rich, layered backstory that informs their motivations, fears, strengths and flaws. Spend time fleshing out your protagonist’s background – their upbringing, relationships, life experiences, traumas and successes. These foundational details will make their actions and choices feel authentic.
Give Them Relatable Flaws and Struggles
Perfect characters are not just unrealistic, they’re uninteresting. The most memorable protagonists are vulnerable, imperfect, and face both internal and external conflicts that make readers empathize with their struggles. Don’t be afraid to give your heroes flaws, insecurities, difficult pasts or tough ethical dilemmas.
Make Them Multi-Dimensional
Avoid one-dimensional caricatures by giving your main characters conflicting traits and layers of complexity. Someone might be both fiercely loyal and capable of deceit, or highly intelligent yet emotionally stunted. Contradictions and contrasts create tension that mirrors real human psychology.
Discover Their Distinctive Voice Every unforgettable character has a unique voice and manner of expressing themselves through distinct speech patterns, dialects, figurative language or humor. Craft communication styles that are individualized and consistent to bring these personalities vibrantly alive on the page.
Put Them Into Action The best way to reveal a character’s essence is by showing rather than telling – by portraying them through specific actions and choices within vivid scenes. Give your protagonists difficult decisions that will force them to confront their beliefs, face their fears, or make sacrifices that stretch them.
With thorough development of backstories, flaws, complexity, distinctive dialogue and opportunities to show character through action, you can create protagonists that take on a life of their own and truly linger in your readers’ imaginations.
Aaron Lamb 