In the early stages of writing my novel, I drafted thorough sketches of my major characters, describing personality traits, their jobs, families, the challenges they face and their motivations in life. This preliminary outlining was also important for story development and gave me an easier time to identify any plot holes. After all, characters that are complex and not contradictory drive any good story worth telling.
But at various points in writing, I would pause to reflect on the development of my characters, both major and minor. If I added a new subplot that was not included in the original outline, I had to think through whether it was a plausible development and how each of the characters would react. These are all elements that need to be considered to keep the story tight and intact.
I can't say I have a step by step process to creating 3-dimensional characters, but here are things I keep in mind when dreaming them up.
Tips on how to create a dynamic character:
1. Create a backstory: Even if you don't plan on fleshing out the character's entire history in the novel, you as the author, need to know where this person is coming from.
2. What does this character struggle with in their life? Map out how their behaviour affects others and in turn, how those characters react to the initial action or actions of the major player(s).
3. Endow your character with a quirk or eccentricity that makes them unique. It's even better if the quirk is tied into the larger themes you plan on exploring.
4. Consider the place and time your story is set in: how does the cultural landscape limit or liberate your character? People are often a product of their generation as much as other factors influencing them, such as gender, sexual orientation, family upbringing etc.
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