How to Create Characters Readers Will Never Forget

Want to write characters that feel real and unforgettable? Learn how to build engaging, relatable characters that drive your story from the first page.

Hey there! Reginaldo Osnildo here again, and today we’re going to talk about the real stars of your story.

No, not the plot. Not the setting.
It’s the characters. Always the characters.

Think about your favorite books, movies, or series. What sticks with you? It’s not just the twists or the world—it’s the people. Their quirks, emotions, goals, and flaws. That’s what you remember. That’s what makes stories matter.

So today, I’m going to show you how to create characters your readers will love, root for, or even love to hate.

Let’s get into it!

Why Characters Matter More Than Plot

Plot is what happens.
Characters are why it matters.

A great story without strong characters is like a car with no driver. Your readers want someone to connect with—someone they can follow, feel for, and see themselves in.

Whether you’re writing a romance, a thriller, or a slice-of-life piece, your characters are what carry the story.

The 5 Core Ingredients of an Unforgettable Character

Here’s a no-fluff recipe you can use right now:

1. Goal

What does your character want?

It could be something big (like saving the world) or personal (like mending a broken relationship). What matters is that it drives their actions.

“A character without a goal is just standing still.”

2. Motivation

Why do they want it?

This adds emotional depth. Maybe they want to be a doctor because they lost a loved one. Or maybe they want to be rich because they grew up with nothing.

3. Conflict

What’s standing in their way?

Conflict creates tension. Maybe it’s another person, a situation, or even their own inner fear or doubt.

4. Flaws

Perfect characters are boring. Seriously.

Make them impulsive, insecure, too proud, or too selfless. Flaws make characters human.

5. Change

How will they grow (or fail to grow)?

By the end of the story, something should be different. The character should have changed—or made the choice not to.

Bonus Layer: Personality & Voice

Give them quirks. Habits. A unique way of speaking. Maybe they bite their nails when nervous. Maybe they always start sentences with “Listen…”

These little things make them feel real.

Example:
Clara, a nurse in a small town, wears the same frayed ponytail every day, keeps peppermint in her pocket, and believes people can change—even if they rarely do.

See? You already want to know more about her, right?

Character Creation in Action (Mini Exercise)

Let’s make one together:

  • Name: Andre
  • Age: 42
  • Job: Bus driver
  • Goal: Reconnect with his estranged daughter
  • Motivation: He’s dying and wants to make things right
  • Conflict: She won’t speak to him
  • Flaws: Stubborn, emotionally closed-off
  • Possible Change: He opens up, writes her a letter he never sends

That’s a full character concept—in less than 60 seconds.

Writing Tip: Characters Drive the Plot

Here’s a pro tip: Let the character’s decisions shape the story.
Don’t just throw stuff at them—show us how they react, adapt, and evolve.

A character should feel like someone we could meet. Someone who matters.

Quick Checklist for Building Characters

  • What do they want?
  • Why do they want it?
  • What’s in their way?
  • What are their flaws?
  • How will they change?

Got all five? You’re off to a great start.

🎁 Want to Practice Character Creation Step-by-Step?

You don’t need a degree in psychology to write compelling characters—you just need the right guidance and a few fun, hands-on prompts.

That’s why I wrote this book just for beginners like you:

👉 The Basics of Creative Writing for Those Who Have Never Written Short Stories or Novels

Inside, you’ll find clear, practical exercises to help you build memorable characters from scratch—plus tools to structure your story, craft dialogue, and bring everything together.

By the end of the day, you’ll have your first story written—and characters you’ll be proud of.

Let’s keep writing together. I’ll see you in the next article!

— Reginaldo Osnildo

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