Fleshing Out a Character in a Novel: Simple Steps to Create Authentic Personalities

Hello there, fellow storytellers! Let’s discuss a topic that can make or break your novel: creating characters who jump off the page and feel like real people. We’ve all read those flat, forgettable characters that leave us yawning—and we don’t want to be that author. So, how do you ensure your characters feel as alive as your best friend (minus the midnight snack texts)? Let’s dive in!

    1: Give ’Em Goals, Fears, and Secrets
A great character isn’t just someone who shows up and looks pretty on the page. They need goals (what do they want?), fears (what keeps them up at night?), and secrets (what are they hiding?). These three elements create depth and make characters more relatable.
Example:

• Goal: Lucy dreams of opening her own bakery.
• Fear: She’s terrified of failing in front of her critical mother.
• Secret: She’s already tried and failed at a bakery venture once before—no one knows.

With these elements in place, Lucy’s decisions and actions throughout the story make sense. Readers understand why she’s so determined to succeed.

    2: Mix Up Their Backstories
Everyone has a past, including your fictional folks. Think about how your character’s childhood, relationships, or life-altering events have shaped who they are today. The right backstory adds dimension and motivation without dumping a load of boring exposition on your readers.

Personal Anecdote:
When I first started writing, I created a character named Jake who was just “nice.” That was it. I hadn’t bothered to give him a history or quirks. After some (gentle) feedback from a critique partner—“He’s kind of... blah”—I realized Jake needed more depth. I reimagined him as someone who grew up in a foster home, which fueled his intense loyalty to his friends. Suddenly, he had real reasons for his actions, and readers started rooting for him.

    3: Let Their Personalities Shine Through Dialogue
Stiff, unnatural dialogue is a quick way to lose your readers. Instead, think about how your character talks—are they witty, shy, blunt, or poetic? Dialogue should reflect their personality and worldview.
Example:

• Blunt character: “That plan is stupid. Here’s a better idea.”
• Shy character: “I... um... maybe there’s another way we could try?”

By changing the dialogue style, you reveal a ton about who they are without spelling it out.

    4: Flaws Are Fabulous
Perfect characters are so last century. Readers relate to people who mess up, doubt themselves, and sometimes make the wrong choices. Show your character’s flaws front and centre, whether it’s a temper, a fear of commitment, or a knack for telling white lies when cornered.
Example:

• A detective who’s great at solving crimes but terrible at handling personal relationships.
• A fierce warrior who fights bravely but can’t resist gambling away all her winnings.

Flaws add conflict—and conflict drives your plot.

    5: Keep Them Growing
People change over time, and your characters should, too. Whether they learn from mistakes, overcome fears, or discover new passions, real growth makes your characters feel like actual humans on a journey.

Light Humour Example:
Your formerly stingy character may learn the joy of giving. By the end of the story, he’s the guy who picks up the tab at the local tavern, shocking all his friends into a chorus of, “Wait, who just paid for that round?”

    6: Add Small Quirks and Habits
The little things count. Your character always carries around a dog-eared copy of Pride and Prejudice. Maybe she can’t leave the house without triple-checking the stove. Tiny details can make your characters memorable, just like your best friend’s weird obsession with collecting rubber ducks, which is an endearing conversation starter.

Example:

• They twirl their hair when anxious.
• They can’t stand the sound of crunching chips.
• They hum show tunes while doing the dishes.

These quirks don’t have to be huge, but they’ll help your readers see your character as a fully realized person.

Wrapping It Up
Fleshing out a character in a novel doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of them as real people with goals, fears, secrets, and flaws. Show their growth over the course of the story, spice things up with unique traits, and let their authentic voice shine in dialogue.
Do you have any hilarious or heartwarming stories about creating characters? Drop ’em in the comments—I’d love to hear how your fictional friends have evolved on the page. And remember: the more real they feel, the more readers will fall in love with your story.