Write Real People

When I started writing, I created elaborate character questionnaires with every detail mapped out before writing a single scene. I knew everything about them, but my characters felt flat on the page.

Then I tried the opposite, starting with just goal, motivation, and conflict. Suddenly my characters came alive, making choices that surprised even me, and sending the story lines in new directions.

Simple Strategy

Why it works:

• Gets you writing immediately instead of endless planning
• Characters develop naturally through action
• Prevents over-thinking that leads to flat personalities
• Focuses on what actually drives your story forward

Perfect for: Writers who get stuck in planning mode and need to start putting words on the page.

Start with the “Big Three”, what your character wants (goal), why they want it (motivation), and what’s stopping them (conflict). Add one distinctive habit and one key backstory moment.

Deep Development Strategy

Characters you fully understand beat characters you’re figuring out as you go.

When you know your character’s psychology, fears, and contradictions upfront, you can craft more complex, layered stories.

Why it works:

• Creates consistent character behavior across long projects
• Prevents plot holes caused by character inconsistencies
• Builds richer internal conflicts from the start
• Helps with series planning and character arcs

Develop detailed profiles including fears, flaws, backstory, and internal contradictions. This will help you know how your characters will react in any situation before they face it.

Hybrid

Most successful writers use core elements first, then depth as needed.

Start simple to get writing, then develop deeper understanding as your character makes choices in scenes. Let the story reveal who they are.

Follow Your Writing Style

• Get stuck planning? → Start simple and discover through writing
• Need consistency across complex plots? → Develop detailed profiles upfront
• Want flexibility? → Use the Big Three, then build depth as you write

Your characters will become real people regardless of which method you choose.