Creating Characters That Stick

How to Build Relatable Characters with Flaws, Growth, and a Little Help from AI

You know how some characters just stick with you, long after the plot's a blur? They're flawed, messy, and oh-so-human. You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to know that building relatable, unforgettable characters is what gets readers invested. But how do you create a character that’s more than a cardboard cutout?

The secret’s a mix of storytelling fundamentals, a dash of complexity, and—if you’re feeling adventurous—a little help from AI. It’s not cheating, it’s collaborating. Ready to turn those flat characters into people readers will remember long after “The End”? Let’s get to it.

Character Development Fundamentals

Before your character can jump off the page, they need a solid foundation. And that all starts with their goals, motivations, and conflicts—the holy trinity of character development.

• Goals, Motivations, and Conflicts: The Triple Threat
  Every character wants something. Maybe it’s to survive a deadly game (Katniss Everdeen) or finally feel worthy (Walter White). Whatever the goal, it’s the thing driving them forward. But without motivation—the why behind their actions—those goals fall flat. And then there’s conflict, which is really where the magic happens. Conflict, whether it’s external (the villain) or internal (crippling self-doubt), is what forces your character to grow. No conflict, no story.

  “Create a character whose goal is to reconnect with their estranged sibling, but they’re haunted by a secret that could ruin their chances. Describe their motivation and the internal/external conflicts they face.”

• Flaws and Strengths: Why Perfection Is Overrated
  Perfect characters are boring. Give me someone flawed, and you’ve got my attention. Sherlock Holmes may be brilliant, but his arrogance and addiction make him fascinating. A flaw makes a character relatable, while strengths are what keep us rooting for them. Striking that balance is key.

  “Generate a character who’s a top surgeon but has a crippling fear of losing control. How does this flaw impact their personal life and professional relationships?”

Creating Complex Characters

Characters aren’t just born on page one—they’re shaped by their past, and they grow as your story unfolds. Complexity comes from peeling back those layers, letting readers see not just what your characters do, but why they do it.

• Backstory: The Invisible Driver
  Every character has a history, whether it’s a traumatic childhood (Bruce Wayne) or growing up in the shadow of greatness (Hermione Granger). You don’t need to dump their entire backstory into the first chapter, but knowing what drives them—what’s under the surface—will inform everything they say and do. It’s the past that gives context to their actions in the present.

  “Create a character who grew up constantly moving because of their parent’s job. How does that transient lifestyle affect their relationships and sense of stability as an adult?”

• Growth: The Arc That Hooks Us
  Characters who don’t change? Snooze-fest. Readers want to see growth, whether it’s a major transformation or just a subtle shift in perspective. Think of Katniss starting off as a reluctant survivor and ending as a symbol of rebellion. Or Tony Stark, going from egotistical playboy to self-sacrificing hero. It’s that arc—those little (or big) changes—that keep readers engaged.

  “Develop a character arc for someone who begins as a passive, risk-averse accountant but, over the course of the story, learns to embrace spontaneity after a life-changing event.”

Relatability and Diversity

Your characters don’t need to be exactly like your readers, but they need to be relatable. And diversity? It’s not just a nice-to-have—it’s a must if you want to create a world that feels authentic.

• Relatability: Tap into Universal Emotions
  Even if your character is a space-traveling pirate, readers will relate to their fears, hopes, and dreams. It’s the emotions that matter. Think Ted Lasso. You don’t have to be a soccer coach to connect with his struggles around leadership, self-doubt, and optimism. When you tap into those universal feelings—love, fear, guilt—you make your characters relatable, no matter how outlandish their world may be.

  “Create a character who’s a successful entrepreneur but feels overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up appearances. Focus on their emotional journey rather than their professional success.”

• Diversity: More Than Just a Checkbox
  Diversity isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about bringing richness to your story. Characters like T’Challa (Black Panther) and Miles Morales (Spider-Man) don’t just add racial diversity; they offer fresh perspectives and unique experiences. It’s these nuances that add depth and authenticity to your characters. Diversity should shape your characters’ worldviews and how they interact with others, not just be a surface-level trait.

  “Generate a character who grew up in an immigrant household, balancing their cultural heritage with the pressure to assimilate in their new country. How does this internal tension shape their worldview and decisions?”

AI Integration in Character Development

And now, the fun part: AI. Don’t worry—AI isn’t here to take over your writing. Think of it as a brainstorming partner, one that’s always ready to throw out new ideas and help you get unstuck when the well of creativity runs dry.

• Brainstorming with AI: Your Creative Spark
  AI can take your prompts and throw out fresh character traits, backstories, or even arcs. It’s not doing the heavy lifting for you—it’s just helping you think in new directions. Sometimes, all you need is that little nudge to turn a good idea into a great one.

  “Create a character who works as a mild-mannered librarian but dreams of becoming a world-renowned graffiti artist. Generate their traits, backstory, and a potential character arc.”

• Refining AI-Generated Characters: Your Turn to Shine
  AI can give you the skeleton, but it’s your job to breathe life into it. Once you’ve got a basic character profile, it’s time to start asking the deeper questions: What are they afraid of? What’s their greatest regret? AI helps you get started, but it’s your voice that shapes the final character.
  

  Character Refinement Exercise:
  Use an AI tool to generate a character profile, then ask follow-up questions to make them more three-dimensional:

  • What’s their biggest fear?

  • What’s the one thing they can’t forgive themselves for?

  • How do they handle stress and conflict in relationships?

Character Development Exercises

Here’s a quick exercise to get you started on your character development journey:

• Step 1: Use AI to Generate a Basic Character Profile
  Start with something like, “A 35-year-old paramedic who’s afraid of making life-or-death decisions after a tragic accident.” Let AI generate a basic profile with traits and background.

• Step 2: Flesh Them Out
  Now take that profile and ask yourself the real questions: What happened during the accident? How has it shaped their choices since? How do they manage this fear while working in such a high-stakes job? This is where you turn that rough idea into a character your readers will care about.

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Final Thoughts

Creating relatable characters isn’t about making them perfect—it’s about making them human. It’s their flaws, their struggles, and their growth that will stay with your readers long after they’ve closed the book. Whether you’re using AI for a creative boost or relying on classic storytelling techniques, your characters should always be at the heart of your story.

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How do you approach character development? Have you used AI to help flesh out your characters? I’d love to hear about your process—drop a comment and let’s chat!