Character development in a work of art is like propellers through which a work of art flies. A poor character leaves no memory in the minds of the readers. However, a well developed character is the spice every creative writer must strive for if they are to create memorable fictional characters in their plays or novels.

The name Oliver Twist rings a bell because the author Charles Dickens was an expert at crafting memorable characters in all his novels, especially the ones that are eponymous.

What Makes A Fictional Character Memorable?

1. True to life

One of the fundamentals of character development is the ability to make your characters individuals that are true to life. That is, showing things and people as they really are, or seeming to be real. Making your characters assume relatable traits that are in tandem with what is obtainable in the realm world will make your readers carve out a special place for your characters. A character, just like a human being, is a combination of strengths and weaknesses, good and bad. If you make your characters all-round saint without any weaknesses, it may likely not register in the minds of your readers.

You must understand that readers tend to identify with characters that share certain similarities with them. When this occurs, most readers carry these characters in their minds throughout life.

2. Know your characters 

Whether you are crafting a character from real life individuals or a fictional one, it is important that you know your characters through and through. You should be able to explain in detail the motivations, inclinations and the tendencies of your characters. What makes them act the way they do? What is so dear to their hearts? What are those things they are afraid of? What are the things they are eager to achieve? What are those things limiting their desires? These and many other questions you must answer when crafting a memory character or characters.

3. Visualize your character(s)

J.K Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, said she was on the train when she got the idea for the character of her novel. She said she visualized a young boy with unusual abilities in her mind’s eye. From then on, she began writing her novel. And today, Harry Potter is a household name. Can you visualize your characters? Can you give a perfect description that will set your main character apart from the flat ones?

4. How Does Your Character Speaks?

Developing memorable characters will require you to know every detail about your character. Part of this will include knowing how your character speaks at every point in time. The way Lord Voldemort, in Harry Potter speaks is different from the way Dobby speaks. They each have their distinctive features.

5. How do you describe your characters?

One of the ways of developing memorable, fictional characters is by the way you describe your characters. Notice the way Chinua Achebe describes Okonkwo, the main character in his novel, Things Fall Apart,

He was tall and huge, and his bushy high brows and wide nose gave him a severe look. He breathed heavily, and it is said that when he slept, his wives and children could hear him breathe. When he walked, his heels hardly touched the ground, and he seemed to walk on springs, as if he was going to pounce on somebody.

Reading this, you have a clear idea of what Okonkwo looks like.

Conclusion

Crafting a memorable, fictional character is what every creative writer should strive towards. Until your readers begin to relate with your characters like individuals in the real world, you are yet to create a memorable fictional character. However, adopting the steps highlighted above will take you to the pedestal where your characters are memorable.

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