Navigating Unflattering Characters in Fiction: How to Write About Real People Without Crossing the Line

As novelists, we often find ourselves inspired by real life when crafting our characters. Sometimes, though, that inspiration comes from a person with less-than-flattering traits, and we end up with a character that’s a little too close to reality for comfort. So, how do you go about writing an unflattering characterization that’s based on a real person without inviting trouble? Let’s dive into some strategies that’ll help you tell your story without crossing the line.

Fictionalise to Protect the Guilty (And Yourself)
One of the safest ways to include an unflattering character based on a real person is to fictionalise the details. Change their name, appearance, and even aspects of their background so they’re no longer a clear reflection of the real individual. The more you alter the character, the less likely it is that someone will recognize themselves—and take offense.

For example, if you’re inspired by a difficult boss from your past, you might turn them into a tyrannical headmaster at a boarding school. Give them a different gender, a unique quirk, and a backstory that’s far removed from reality. This way, you keep the essence of what made that person interesting (or infuriating) without making it obvious who you’re writing about.

Blur the Lines with Composite Characters
Another technique is to blend traits from multiple people into one character. This not only makes it harder for any one person to see themselves in your writing but can also create a richer, more complex character. By combining traits, you avoid the pitfalls of too-close-for-comfort portrayals and add depth to your narrative.

Imagine you’re writing a story about a corrupt politician. Instead of basing the character on just one real-life figure, pull from several. Maybe you take the charm of one, the ruthlessness of another, and the hypocrisy of a third. The end result is a character that feels real but isn’t a direct replica of any one person.

Focus on Fictional Motivations
Even if a character is inspired by a real person, their motivations, decisions, and actions should be firmly rooted in your fictional world. By grounding their behavior in the needs of your story, rather than the reality of someone’s life, you distance the character from their real-life counterpart.

For example, let’s say you’re drawing from an old neighbor who was notoriously nosy. In your novel, perhaps that nosiness stems from a deep-seated fear of being forgotten or overlooked, which drives them to meddle in everyone’s business. This fictional motivation gives the character a purpose within your story that’s separate from the real person’s actual reasons for being the way they are.

Consider the Legal and Ethical Implications
While it’s tempting to pour all your grievances into a character based on someone you know, it’s important to consider both the legal and ethical implications. Writing a character that’s too obviously based on a real person can open you up to defamation claims, especially if the portrayal is negative and harmful.

To avoid this, ensure that your work is clearly labeled as fiction and consider adding a disclaimer that the characters are entirely fictional. While this won’t protect you if someone can convincingly argue that your character is a thinly-veiled portrayal of them, it does show that you made an effort to create fictional rather than factual content.

Personal Anecdote: Lessons from a Misstep
Early in my writing career, I created a character based on someone who had wronged me in real life. I thought I’d changed enough details to keep it safe, but when the book came out, they recognized themselves and weren’t happy. Fortunately, it didn’t lead to legal action, but it taught me a valuable lesson about the fine line between inspiration and invasion. Since then, I’ve been more careful about blending traits and ensuring that my characters serve the story, not my personal grievances.

Conclusion: Crafting Characters with Care
Writing about real people, especially when the portrayal is unflattering, requires a delicate touch. By fictionalizing details, blending traits, and grounding characters in the needs of your story, you can create compelling, believable characters without crossing into risky territory. Remember, your characters should ultimately serve your narrative, not mirror reality too closely. With a thoughtful approach, you can tell the stories you’re bursting to share while steering clear of potential pitfalls.

Happy writing, James.