Zen…

A three dimensional character must be complex and unique, with a fully developed fictional life. This makes them real, easy to relate to and most importantly the readers’ emotions are likely to be engaged. To create a three dimensional character there are few steps you should consider taking;

Your main character’s goal. He should have a goal – What does he want to achieve ? Is he searching for something? Is he trying to solve a particular problem? What is his quest? Let your main character’s goals and desires steer the plot.

Write a mini biography for each character. Who is he? Where does he come from? His age? Does he have a family? His background. An education? A significant past – like an ex wife who’s a drug addict. If he’s a businessman – what’s he’s mission or vision statement?

Write it all down and discuss it.

Interview your characters and ask them tough questions.

You can do this by story boarding or simply writing each character’s names on separate pages and asking them questions to help you have a clearer vision of how the story is to be structured.

“Why does Jane hate men?”

Was she assaulted in the past by a close relative?

Does she have a male boss at work who is chauvinistic? What inspires her character? Why is she still single at 32?

Use sample dialogues to pin points the voice of each character.

Read your story out loud to be able to get a clear angle of these dialogues. Try having a conversation with your imaginary main character.

Ask her why can’t you want to fall in love? The try noting all the possible answers to your questions. Make sure you are also taking notes of the physical details and reactions of the character you’re interviewing.

Another thing that works is the “what if” method. What if you were to lose your family in an accident (just like your main character) what do you think will happen. What will your life be like?

Creating a 3 dimensional character gives your story a soulful meaning and it also makes it worth skipping the nights for. The more you summarize a particular story, the idea gets better, the vision for the story becomes clearer and more importantly you are pushing yourself to create more than just “flat” character who your readers will most likely not feel.