Great stories are built on the backs of unforgettable characters. No matter how thrilling the plot or how imaginative the setting, if the characters are flat or predictable, the story loses its emotional impact. Complex characters are not just memorable—they are essential to storytelling. They drive the narrative, make readers care about what happens, and give depth to the themes being explored.
In this article, we’ll explore how to create complex characters who are not only believable but also integral to the progression of your story. We’ll examine the traits of multi-dimensional characters, how their internal struggles shape the plot, and the techniques writers can use to breathe life into them.
- What Makes a Character Complex?
A complex character is one who feels real. They have layers, motivations, contradictions, and room to grow. These are characters who act on their beliefs, struggle with their flaws, and make decisions that are consistent with their worldview—even when those choices lead to failure.
Key traits of complex characters include:
Internal Conflict: They often face moral dilemmas or emotional struggles.
Flaws and Strengths: No one is perfect. Complexity lies in the balance.
Growth or Change: They evolve over time, shaped by the events of the story.
Realistic Motivations: Their goals are grounded in something deeply personal.
Contradictions: Just like real people, they can be brave and afraid, kind and selfish.
A great example of complexity is Walter White from Breaking Bad. Initially a sympathetic character, his transformation into a ruthless figure reveals layers of ambition, pride, and desperation, making his journey captivating.
- Start with a Deep Backstory
Every complex character has a past that shaped them. Understanding your character’s history—even if it’s not fully revealed in the narrative—will help you write them authentically.
Ask yourself:
What pivotal moments defined their childhood or adolescence?
Have they experienced trauma, loss, or great success?
Who influenced them most—positively or negatively?
What beliefs did they inherit from their environment?
A character’s backstory gives context to their motivations and reactions. For example, a character who was betrayed in the past might struggle with trust, even if someone else has genuinely good intentions.
- Define Clear Motivations and Goals
Characters must want something. These desires propel them forward and influence their decisions. A well-defined goal—whether it’s to seek revenge, protect a loved one, or earn redemption—adds tension and urgency to the plot.
Distinguish between external goals and internal goals:
External goals are visible (e.g., solve a mystery, win a court case).
Internal goals are emotional or psychological (e.g., feel accepted, forgive themselves).
The most compelling characters often pursue both. Think of Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games: her external goal is survival, but internally she yearns to protect her family and preserve her humanity.
- Give Them Flaws and Contradictions
Perfect characters are boring. Real people are inconsistent, and your characters should be too. Perhaps a courageous hero has moments of selfishness. Or a villain shows unexpected kindness.
These contradictions make characters feel more lifelike and unpredictable. Readers relate to characters who are flawed because we all have weaknesses. Moreover, flaws introduce stakes. A character’s bad decisions might put them in danger or complicate their journey.
Examples of effective character flaws:
Pride or arrogance that blinds them to warnings
Naivety that makes them easy to manipulate
Emotional detachment that hinders relationships
Fear of failure that causes hesitation
The interplay of strength and weakness creates tension that drives the story.
- Allow for Evolution: The Character Arc
A powerful character arc is one of the most effective ways to build a story around character complexity. This arc charts the transformation of a character over the course of the narrative.
There are several types of character arcs:
Positive arc: The character grows in strength or morality (e.g., from cowardice to bravery).
Negative arc: The character deteriorates or becomes corrupted (e.g., innocence to villainy).
Flat arc: The character remains steady, but helps change the world or others around them.
The arc gives readers something to root for—or against. It invites emotional investment. As characters face setbacks, their evolution becomes a metaphor for human experience.
- Use Relationships to Reveal Depth
How characters interact with others can expose hidden traits. A stern, guarded character might become vulnerable with a child. A seemingly loyal friend might betray when power is at stake.
Use dialogue, conflict, and emotional exchanges to uncover the complexity of relationships. Consider:
What kind of people does the character attract or avoid?
Do they change depending on who they’re with?
What do their relationships reveal about their values?
Romantic entanglements, sibling rivalries, or mentor-protégé dynamics are all opportunities to challenge characters and expose different sides of them.
- Let Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Characters are defined by what they do—not just what they say or think. A character who says they value honesty but lies to protect someone reveals a deeper emotional contradiction.
Build scenes that force difficult decisions. Do they help a stranger at personal risk? Do they betray someone to protect their own interests? These moments are gold for character development.
Also, be careful with exposition. Don’t just tell the reader a character is “brave” or “intelligent.” Show it through actions and decisions under pressure.
- Tie Character Choices to Plot Development
A well-structured story should not move forward in spite of the characters but because of them. Every major plot development should be driven by a character’s choice, whether it’s right or wrong.
Ask yourself:
What would happen if this character made a different choice?
Does the plot force the character to face their deepest fears or desires?
Is there a consequence for every major decision?
When your characters drive the plot, the story feels organic. Readers understand the consequences of actions and feel more invested in the outcome.
- Use Internal Monologue to Explore Inner Conflict
Internal dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing what a character truly feels, especially when it contradicts their actions. It provides a glimpse into their mind—what they fear, hope, regret, or hide.
However, balance is key. Avoid overloading your narrative with thoughts. Instead, use it strategically to highlight moments of internal struggle or decision-making.
A powerful inner monologue can elevate a scene and give the reader deeper insight into why a character behaves the way they do.
- Let Characters Surprise You
Sometimes, the best way to make a character complex is to allow them to evolve beyond your initial plans. As you write, you may discover unexpected traits or motivations. Don’t fight this.
Characters, like people, are unpredictable. Maybe your hero doesn’t forgive their enemy after all. Maybe your antagonist shows genuine remorse. These surprises not only add authenticity but also keep readers intrigued.
Be open to rewriting based on how characters naturally grow as the story unfolds.
Conclusion
Developing complex characters is about more than adding quirks or backstories—it’s about crafting people who feel real, with desires, flaws, contradictions, and the capacity to change. These characters don’t just exist within the story—they move it.
By focusing on emotional depth, internal struggles, and consistent motivation, you can create characters who capture your readers’ hearts and minds. When your characters drive the narrative, the story becomes more than a sequence of events—it becomes a journey of transformation that resonates long after the final page.
So take the time to know your characters. Let them surprise you. And above all, let them live on the page.
