Creating mirror images in prose, in the form of relatable characters, is a powerful tool that writers can use to captivate readers and forge a deep connection. The ability to make characters relatable is a skill that elevates storytelling, making it more immersive and resonant. This article delves into some valuable tips for writers eager to master this art.

9 Tips for Writers on Crafting Relatable Characters

Readers are drawn to relatable characters they can connect with on a personal level. These characters act as mirrors, reflecting the readers' own experiences, emotions, and struggles.

Here are some tips on how to craft relatable characters that keep readers engaged.

1.     Tap Into Universal Emotions

Start by exploring universal emotions that resonate with a broad audience. Joy, sorrow, love, and fear are emotions that everyone can relate to. By incorporating these emotions into your characters' experiences, you create a bridge between the fictional world and the readers' own lives.

2.     Flawed Yet Genuine Characters

Perfect characters can be hard for readers to relate to because they seem unattainable. Introduce flaws in your characters that make them more human and relatable. Imperfections create a sense of authenticity, allowing readers to see themselves in the character’s struggles.

For example, the characters in Linda Harper’s debut novel “Under the Fig Tree” feel authentic through their subtle imperfections. Elizabeth puts on a brave face of contentment but clearly wrestles with some private dissatisfaction, glimpsing an inner complexity that makes her feel genuine. Miss Millie's unusual behavior hints at her loneliness yet persevering personality. Even teenager Jackson has imperfections as he pushes against parental rules in his eagerness to grow up. By hinting at flaws that aren't spelled out fully, the characters maintain an element of mystery but seem grounded. Their struggles feel universal and invite the reader's empathy and imagination to fill in the gaps.

3.     Detailed Backstories

Develop detailed backstories for your characters that shape their personalities, beliefs, and motivations. When readers understand the roots of a character's actions, they can better empathize with them. Provide glimpses into their past that explain why they respond to challenges in specific ways.

4.     Empathy-Inducing Situations

Place relatable characters in situations that evoke empathy. Whether it's a personal loss, a moral dilemma, or a triumphant moment, these experiences will connect with readers who have faced similar situations. Shared experiences create a sense of camaraderie between the reader and the characters.

5.     Evolve and Grow

Relatable characters should evolve throughout the story. Just like real people, characters should learn from their experiences and grow over time. Witnessing this growth makes the reader feel invested in the characters' journeys, creating a stronger emotional connection.

6.     Give Characters Ambitions and Goals

Make your characters proactive by providing them with clear ambitions and goals. Readers are more likely to connect with characters with a purpose and strive for something meaningful. Whether it's a personal dream, a professional aspiration, or a quest for self-discovery, well-defined goals add depth to characters and make them relatable.

7.     Introduce Quirks and Habits

Small quirks and habits can go a long way in making characters memorable and relatable. These idiosyncrasies make characters feel real, as readers can recognize similar traits in people they know or even in themselves. It could be a nervous habit, a particular way of speaking, or a unique preference that sets your character apart.

8.     Explore Internal Conflicts

External conflicts are essential for driving the plot, but internal conflicts are equally crucial for character development. Delve into the emotional struggles, doubts, and dilemmas your characters face within themselves. This introspection adds layers to their personalities and enables readers to connect with the internal battles we all experience.

9.     Use Relatable Dialogue

Pay attention to the way your characters communicate. Use dialogue that mirrors real conversations and reflects the nuances of everyday language. Authentic dialogue adds realism to your characters and makes them more relatable to readers. Avoid overly formal or unrealistic speech patterns unless they serve a specific purpose in the story.

Wrapping Up

Crafting relatable characters is an art that transforms words on a page into mirrors reflecting readers' diverse experiences. By understanding the power of relatability and implementing these tips into your writing process, you can create characters that resonate with your audience on a profound level. Make readers see themselves in the characters, forging a connection that transcends the boundaries of fiction.