In my opinion, and in that of many other writers, the character is the most important part of a story. Regardless of the genre (and the genre’s expectations), the character is the centre of the story, the foundation upon which other elements of the story are built.
It is, therefore, very important to get the character right.
The process of creating characters and developing characters in a story cannot be underestimated. A writer must understand the importance of characters and recognise their role in shaping the reader’s experience and the overall success of a story.
How to do this
The first step in emphasising the significance of characters is recognising that readers form emotional bonds with the characters NOT the plot. No reader on earth bonds with your plot. They may like your plot, your world-building, your pacing, your writing craft, and your humour. But characters are the vessel, the emotional core, through which readers appreciate your work.
The second step is to analyse well-established characters in literature and note what made them so memorable. For example, Atticus Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird” was so instrumental to the story that some people believed Harper Lee considered naming the novel “Atticus.” His character was not just a tool to push the plot forward; Atticus embodied the themes and values of the story.
Consider how you can do this in your story. What are the themes of your story? Does your main character embody this theme? Does the reader see the evolution of the story through the evolution of your character?
Another example of the Importance of Writing Good Characters
My Hero Academia is another great example of this.
The protagonist, Deku, is optimistic and jovial. In a world where “quirks”, or superpowers, are an integral part of an individual’s biology and the functioning of society as a whole, he is "quirkless." An aberration. Despite this, he remains hopeful and strives to become a superhero.
From the onset, it is obvious that Deku is a reflection of his society.
Superheroes make the world safer and their presence serves as examples for kids to look up to and for adults to emulate. Shining beacons for people to gaze upon and cherish. Yet, blemishes remain in the form of villains who use their powers for selfish purposes. Battles between villains and superheroes attract crowds and are televised. And when the heroes win (as they often do), the crowd is elated. Good triumphs over evil, once more.
So society doesn’t crumble at the threat of these superpowered villains. The presence of the all-powerful number one hero, All Might, further buttresses this hope. Society remains confident and widely optimistic.
Just like Deku.
But when All Might is injured in a public fight with the number one villain, and has to retire, there is a noticeable dent in society’s faith in the heroes.
This crack is further widened when the number two hero, who steps up in All Might’s absence is found lacking. In strength and in character. Prison breaks, riots, protests and vigilantism become the order of the day.
Deku, who received All Might’s powers, isn’t yet strong enough to face humanity’s greatest threat. And just like the world around him, he becomes withdrawn, tense and grim.
I could go on and on about My Hero Academia and how the themes of the story mirrored the development of the main character.
In fact, Deku’s powers are another way in which the story’s themes are reflected in the character development. His powers are special. They have been passed down from generation to generation, accumulating with every generation. For Deku to gain mastery over them, he is assisted by visions of the previous generations and by studying his classmates and peers.
For Deku to gain strength, he has to rely on others, threading together their tutelage and experience. Something his predecessor never had to do. Time and time again, we see that the idea of a singular, all-powerful hero is fading away, and the image of collaboration and collective strength is taking its place.
There are numerous examples of this throughout the show and despite its initial lightheartedness, it gives you food for thought. As a casual watcher and as a writer.
View your characters as champions of your story. Make their faults the faults of society. Make their strengths the strengths of society. And watch your story flourish.
Summary
Do not underestimate the power of characters in your story. Elaborate plots, with far-reaching, intertwining storylines can be engaging, yes. But it is the characters’ experience, emotions and growth that truly captivate readers.
Do not neglect character development, no matter how plot-heavy your story might be.
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