As writers, we work hard to create stories with unique characters and engaging plots. The first of those—unique characters—can be harder to create than you think. We bring our characters to life through character differentiation, so let’s explore why differentiating your characters is crucial and how you can master this essential skill.
Why It’s Important
Character differentiation is vital for several reasons, and this comes from real life. Since no two people are exactly alike, why should our characters be the same? I came face to face with this in 2017 when I wrote the first Mitchell Street novel, and was trying to develop the Street character.
Originally, I saw him as a wisecracking former cop with strong connections with his former colleagues. But after writing Twin Worlds, featuring Tucker McLeod I realized I couldn’t: the two characters would be far too similar, with little differentiation. And there’s nothing worse than someone saying “This is just James T. Kirk from Star Trek in a small Midwestern town,” or something like that. I needed to focus on how McLeod and Street were distinct characters.
How to Do It
A couple of years ago, our chapter of the Maryland Writers Association hosted Eman Quotah, who spoke with us about character development. Like many authors, Quotah has a particular method for creating and differentiating her characters. In her case, she asks what they’re hiding as a way of drawing distinctions between and among them. By focusing on what’s hidden, Quotah believes she develops her characters in unique ways so they become richer and more distinct as a result.
And the differentiation among character should focus on more than appearance. My male protagonists Tucker McLeod and Mitchell Street have almost identical appearances, yet there is a broodiness to Street that is in stark contrast to McLeod’s more affable personality.
Character Templates
Consider creating detailed character profiles or templates. Include information in them such as:
- Physical characteristics
- Background and upbringing
- Personality traits
- Likes and dislikes
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Fears and desires
This comprehensive approach ensures that each character is fully fleshed out and distinct. The platform I use for planning my novels—Hiveword—asks similar questions, which has helped me differentiate among my characters more effectively.
What’s Their Worldview?
Characters should ideally have a distinct worldview shaped by their experiences, beliefs, and values. This perspective influences how they interpret events and interact with others. It can also help us with plot development, dialogue and identifying potential conflicts for the novel. Worldview can also be informed by a character’s ethnic or racial background, gender, and age. And their unique set of goals, fears, and desires—their internal drivers—will lead naturally to differentiated actions and reactions, even in similar situations.
Dialogue Can Help
Dialogue is a powerful tool for differentiation among characters. When creating your characters, consider factors such as:
- Vocabulary and education level
- Regional dialects or accents
- Speech patterns and catchphrases
- Tone and attitude
For example, a stuffy professor might use formal language and long words, while a street-smart teenager might use slang and short, punchy sentences. Mitchell Street, the former cop and now private investigator consistently uses harsher language than McLeod because of his background, for example.
But Watch Out For…
As you work on differentiating your characters, be mindful of these potential issues:
- Stereotyping: While archetypes can be useful, avoid relying on shallow stereotypes.
- Inconsistency: Ensure that a character’s actions and words align with their established personality.
- Overcomplication: While complexity is good, don’t make your characters so convoluted that readers can’t relate to them.
These challenges highlight why a character template can be so valuable.
Mastering the art of character differentiation takes time and practice, but the results are well worth the effort. By creating a cast of unique, memorable characters, you’ll breathe life into your story and create a richer, more engaging experience for your readers. Every character in your story—from the protagonist to the most minor supporting role—should be treated as an individual. And it’s your characters’ distinct voice, perspective, and journey that will keep readers turning pages long into the night.
