The Ultimate Character Building Template: A Step by Step Guide to Creating Unforgettable Characters

May 3

Every great story starts with a compelling character. Whether you are writing an epic fantasy, a romance with a twist, or a short story for a school project, your characters are the heart and soul of your story. But how do you make them feel real? How do you make them such an integral and interesting part of your story that people will be talking about them for years and years to come?

You read this blog and use this template.

Get Your Character Development Template

No, seriously. It is that simple. If you read this blog fully and use the character building template I have spent hours and hours developing, you can create a character that has goals, personality, and real fears and desires. No more flat characters. It’s bulk season, baby.

So, what does this blog and character building template offer?

FAQ on Character Development
What is Character Development?
Why Character Development Matters
Common Mistakes Writers Make in Character Building and Development
Overused Tropes
Step-by-Step Character Creation

You may be asking yourself, “why is this the ultimate character building template / blog compared to others?” I scoured the web, read every character development blog there is, watched every Youtube video I could find, and put all of that information into this blog and character template. Some of the most helpful resources I could find came from sources like Reddit and Quora, where real people ask real questions to fellow writers. Here are a few that stood out in my research:

An image of a Reddit post where someone asked, "What are the Do's and Dont's of Character Development?"

An image of a Quora post where someone asked, "How do you create a deep and well-developed character?"

An image of a Reddit post where someone asked, "How do I develop characters better?"

While these forums and blogs are extremely important in understanding what problems writers are having in their own character development journeys, I also found they were incomplete. Some had very specific questions, others asked only parts of questions. Some blogs had great answers to some questions, but missed the mark when engaging with other questions. My goal after reading these forums was to create a comprehensive guide that encapsulates every single thing you could ever want to know about developing your own characters. And that blog is here. Strap in!

FAQ: Character Development

We will explore these in depth throughout this blog and in the character building template, but here is a quick breakdown of some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to character development and creating great characters:

What is character development in storytelling?

Character development is the process of creating a believable, evolving character in a story. It includes shaping their personality, motivations, past, and how they grow in response to conflict.

How do you write a strong character?

Start with a clear concept, then develop their backstory, personality, motivations, flaws, and goals. Make them relatable and let their decisions drive the plot, not the other way around.

What makes a character feel real?

Depth. Real characters have contradictions, flaws, personal struggles, and unique voices. They reflect the complexity of real people.

What’s the difference between static and dynamic characters?

Static characters stay the same throughout the story. Dynamic characters change in meaningful ways, often learning or growing due to the events they experience.

Why is character development important?

Because readers don’t fall in love with plots—they fall in love with people. Strong character arcs drive emotional engagement and make your story unforgettable.

Why Characters Matter in Any Story

Before we dive into the art of crafting a memorable character, we need to understand why they matter in the first place.

Think about a car that is about to embark on an epic road trip. At the start, it’s parked in its usual spot. Comfortable, unchallenged, and blissfully unaware of the world around it. Then, bam! It’s shoved into drive and sent hurtling down the highway toward an unknown destination.

Along the way, it is cut off by reckless speedsters, forced to detour through sketchy backroads, and runs out of gas at the worst possible moment. But it learns a few things on the way, like how to refill its gas tank, change a tire, or navigate a thin road on a rocky mountain - something it has always feared. By the time it finally reaches its destination, it is not the same car that started the journey. It’s tougher, wiser, and maybe a little dinged up, but all the more interesting for it.

That’s exactly what a great character does in a story. They are the vehicles through which the reader experiences the adventure. If they never struggle, adapt, or lose a tire on a desolate highway, the story is boring. You can have the most intricate world, an amazing magic system, and a great theme, but without a great character, your story will suffer.

In the end, a character is not just part of a story - they are the story.

What is Character Development?

Character development is the process of creating and evolving a character throughout a story. It involves defining their personality, motivations, and growth as they face challenges. Strong character development makes characters feel real, giving them depth, flaws, and emotional arcs that engage readers. There are two main types: static characters, who remain largely unchanged, and dynamic characters, who grow and transform. Well-developed characters drive the plot forward and make stories memorable by allowing readers to connect with their journey.

Static characters play a crucial role in character development by serving as a contrast to dynamic characters. Because static characters remain the same throughout a story, they highlight how much a dynamic character has evolved.

Take Fahrenheit 451 as an example—at the beginning, Montag dutifully burns books, just like his superior, Captain Beatty. But as the story unfolds, Montag questions everything he once believed, while Beatty remains steadfast in his convictions. By the end, Montag’s transformation is even more striking because we can compare him to Beatty, who never changed.

How can you use static characters in your own story to highlight changes in your dynamic characters? We will explore in more detail the best ways to develop a character, and why that is important, throughout this guide.

Why Character Development Matters

When studying why character development matters, we need to understand what character development means to the reader of a story. So, why do readers connect with strong, well-rounded characters? They connect with strong characters because they are real - they have many flaws, are often complex, and are emotionally compelling. Readers often see a version of themselves within the characters. That is why making your characters feel real is one of the most important things you can do to create an unforgettable character.

Readers connect with well-made characters for a few reasons. They may emotionally connect with a character who struggles with something the reader has experienced. This creates a relatability and allows the reader to become personally invested in the character and their journey. This personal investment raises the stakes of the story. The reader now feels that every decision the main character makes impacts them directly. As the main characters transform and grow, the reader feels the connection grow even deeper and a sense of pride fills them.

If you do character development correctly, the connection between your main character and your readers will last indefinitely.

In Avatar the Last AirBender, Zuko goes through one of the most drastic and incredible character transformations of all time. At the beginning of his journey, he is filled with anger and a desire to prove himself. The scars from his past shine not only through his emotions, but he is literally scarred across his face. His pain, mistakes, and struggles help us relate to him, even when he is a villain. Once he learns to shed his father’s expectation, and is mentored by Uncle Iroh, he transforms. He finds his own path and becomes a leader.

How can you develop your character in a way that feels real? What flaws do they have, and how can they grow throughout the story to turn flaws into strengths? There are many more questions like these available in the character building template.

Common Mistakes Writers Make

There are three mistakes that writers most often make when building and developing a character. These three mistakes are creating a character that is one-dimensional, overusing character tropes, and creating characters that do not evolve.

One-Dimensional

At the top of this list of character pitfalls is creating a one-dimensional character. What does that mean? It refers to a character who feels flat, underdeveloped, and lacking the depth that makes them come alive on the page. One dimension characters often lack complexity, experience no growth, and can easily be predicted by the reader.

To add complexity, give your character flaws. No one wants to read about a character who’s perfect or never questions the status quo. Think about how you can give your character interesting flaws. Take for example, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence. Ransom Stoddard, a senator and lawyer, faces off against a group of ruthless cowboys terrorizing a small, Western town. He’s smart, caring, and hardworking - but what’s his flaw? He can’t shoot a gun. In a time when a gun was the ultimate symbol of power, Stoddard must find a way to adapt or risk losing everything.

Giving your character a weakness doesn’t weaken your story, or even your character. It makes them more relatable, adds depth, and fuels the unpredictability of the plot.

Overused tropes

This one may be controversial, but I think it is important to talk about. I am not saying that you can never use the following tropes, but find a way to make them unique. Using the following tropes in a cliche way can cause the reader to feel like they have read this stroy before. This will also cause them to become bored as they will be able to predict the ending. Here are three of the most common tropes:

The Chosen One: is when a protagonist is destined to save the world or fulfill some grand prophecy. While it’s a popular trope, it’s overused to the point where it can feel formulaic unless given a fresh twist. The most popular example would be Harry Potter. Because Rowling created such a unique world with interesting characters and magic systems, this trope works. If you plan on using this trope, think of ways to make it your own.

The Evil Villain: A villain who is purely evil with no depth or motivation. This kind of one-dimensional antagonist can lack the complexity that makes a good villain truly compelling.

The Mentor: The wise old guide who helps the protagonist learn their skills, often sacrificing themselves in the process. This trope can feel tired unless the mentor has an interesting backstory or a unique approach to teaching.

Overused tropes can make characters or plotlines feel predictable, because the audience has seen them before in countless other stories. The key is to subvert expectations or add complexity to these tropes, so they feel new and exciting.

For instance, you could take the "Chosen One" trope and make the protagonist reluctant, or have them doubt the prophecy’s validity, leading to an unexpected journey. Or, with a mentor, you could explore the mentor’s flaws or make them a character who teaches in unorthodox ways.

Characters who do not evolve

Do you often feel like you're dragging your characters through the plot, rather than letting them shape the plot themselves? This is a common issue, especially in the second act of your story. One of the best ways to make your characters evolve is by creating conflict in their lives.

Think about your own personal life. We often grow as individuals when we're pushed beyond our limits—whether through suffering, facing our fears, or losing everything we’ve worked toward.

To create compelling, evolving characters, think about how you can challenge them. Create situations where they must confront these difficulties head-on. The way they respond will reveal more about their true selves and drive the plot forward.

Step-By-Step Character Creation

Now that we have learned the importance of character development, let's learn how you can create an unforgettable character. The rest of this blog will follow what is inside of the ultimate character building template, so be sure to download that to begin working on your own characters.

One of my favorite characters of all time, and arguably one of the greatest characters of all time, is Arthur Morgan from Read Dead Redemption 2. There are minimal spoilers for this game below.

Let’s take a look at Arthur Morgan and see how we can use him as an example for crafting a unique and interesting character. Spoilers below for anyone who has not played Red Dead Redemption 2!

Character Concept

This is the conception stage of the character creation process - the big idea. Here you’ll define your character at a foundational level: their strengths and weaknesses, fears and doubts, and the general arc transformation you envision for them. We'll dive deeper into personality, psychology, and motivations in later sections, so feel free to keep this part broad.

Use this section to jot down whatever comes to mind—physical descriptions, mannerisms, quirks, accents, or anything that helps your character feel real and distinct. Think of it as your brainstorming zone.

Arthur Morgan Character Concept Example:

Arthur Morgan is a tough-as-nails, fiercely loyal outlaw navigating the harsh realities of the American frontier. As Dutch Van der Linde’s right-hand man, he’s a skilled marksman and survivalist who isn’t afraid to use brute force and intimidation to protect his gang. At the start, Arthur is fully committed to the outlaw lifestyle, but as the story unfolds, he begins to question the morality of his actions and the direction of the gang. His journey becomes one of self-reflection and redemption, as he confronts his past and searches for a more meaningful path forward. Tall, strong, and sharp-witted, Arthur is often seen with guns strapped to his back and hip, a thick beard framing his weathered face, and a dusty cowboy hat pulled low over his eyes. His presence alone commands respect—and a bit of fear.

Backstory

This is where you dive into your character’s past and uncover what shaped them into who they are today. What key events molded their worldview, habits, fears, or strengths? Were they shaped by trauma, loss, or a powerful mentor? Maybe a personal victory built their confidence—or created arrogance.

Look for defining moments in their past that explain why they act the way they do. Then, go a step further: which of those past events might serve as catalysts for change later in the story? How can past trauma, failures, or even success become stepping stones toward growth, redemption, or downfall?

Backstory isn’t just about filling in the blanks—it’s the emotional soil your character grows from.

Arthur Morgan Backstory Example:

Arthur comes from a broken home. His mother abandoned him, and when speaking of his father, he says, “My daddy… well, I watched him die. That weren’t soon enough.” Dutch Van der Linde took Arthur in at a young age, offering him not just shelter, but a sense of belonging—a gang that became his family. This bond forged deep loyalty in Arthur.

Raised in violence and immersed in chaos, Arthur has known little else. He’s carried out countless robberies, beatings, and murders, leaving his soul weathered and his perception of the world clouded. Violence is his default. But as Dutch’s leadership grows more erratic and Arthur begins to change, he starts questioning everything—his past choices, his loyalty, and whether the life he’s built was ever truly his. He begins to see that the world is changing, and with it, the outlaw way of life is slowly dying.

Personality and Psychology

This section is all about getting into your character’s head—how they think, feel, and react to the world around them. Are they quick to anger or slow to trust? What emotional walls have they built? How do they handle fear, love, guilt, or failure?

Arthur Morgan Personality and Psychology Example:

Arthur Morgan is a complex blend of loyalty, grit, and introspection. On the surface, he’s a hardened gunslinger—calm under pressure, quick to act, and unapologetically dangerous. But underneath the tough exterior lies a man burdened by regret and longing for something more. He’s not naturally cruel—he’s just spent most of his life surviving in a cruel world.

As his story unfolds, Arthur shows a deeply philosophical side. He starts journaling, reflecting, and questioning everything from Dutch’s leadership to his own moral compass. His internal conflict—the tug-of-war between who he is and who he wants to become—drives much of the emotional weight of his arc. He is a man torn between loyalty and conscience, between the life he’s lived and the life he could live.

When writing your own characters, consider: what makes them tick? What do they believe about themselves and the world, and what happens when those beliefs are challenged?

Goals and Motivations

Every strong character needs a reason to keep moving forward. This section digs into what your character wants (goals) and why they want it (motivations). Goals drive action. Motivations give those actions emotional weight. Ask yourself these four questions to identify goals and motivations for your character:

What does your character want on the surface?
What does your character truly need beneath that want?
What is preventing your character from attaining these wants and needs?
How do these goals change as the story unfolds?

Arthur Morgan Goals and Motivations Example:

At the start of his story, Arthur Morgan’s goal, or want, is simple: keep the gang alive. He’s loyal to Dutch, the man who raised him, and to the only family he’s ever really known. His actions are fueled by a deep sense of duty and an unspoken belief that the gang can somehow escape their violent past and ride off into a better future.

But as Dutch’s leadership unravels and the gang begins to fracture, Arthur’s motivations begin to shift. He starts asking bigger questions—about morality, legacy, and the kind of man he wants to be. After seeing the gang break down, Arthur becomes driven by a more selfless goal: to protect those who still have a chance at redemption, even if he doesn’t. His motivations evolve from survival and loyalty to purpose and atonement.

A compelling goal keeps your character moving. A powerful motivation keeps readers emotionally invested.

Unique Speech and Behavior

How your character talks, moves, and interacts with the world can make them unforgettable. This is where you breathe life into them beyond the page—by giving them quirks, habits, and a voice that readers recognize instantly.

Arthur Morgan Unique Speech and Behavior:

Arthur Morgan has a distinct voice that blends gruff pragmatism with quiet introspection. His speech is slow, deliberate, and colored by a Southern drawl that reflects his rough upbringing on the American frontier. He uses colloquialisms like “boy,” “ain’t,” and “I reckon,” grounding him in the era and location. His dialogue often cuts straight to the point—blunt, no-nonsense, with the occasional dry wit or sarcasm.

But Arthur isn’t just about what he says—he’s about how he acts. He often sighs deeply, scratches his beard, or stares off into the distance before speaking, especially when he's conflicted. When angry or under pressure, he might clench his jaw, speak more sharply, or resort to physical intimidation. But as the story progresses and his heart begins to soften, his tone becomes gentler—especially with characters like John Marston or the women and children in the camp.

These small behaviors and speech patterns subtly communicate Arthur’s inner transformation.

Questions to ask when developing this part of your character:

Do they speak formally or casually? Do they use slang or made-up words?
How do they show emotion without saying a word?
What habits, gestures, or mannerisms set them apart?
Do their actions align with their personality—or do they contradict it?

These details make your character feel real. A reader should be able to hear their voice in their head and picture their movements without needing constant reminders. And when your character’s behavior begins to shift with their arc? That’s the magic.

Conflict and Growth Arc

This is where your character evolves. Conflict is the crucible that forges change—so what internal and external struggles force your character to grow? What do they believe at the start, and how are those beliefs challenged or broken by the story’s end?

Arthur Morgan Conflict and Growth Arc Example:

Arthur Morgan begins as a loyal, unquestioning enforcer of Dutch Van der Linde’s outlaw gang. He believes in the gang’s code: loyalty, freedom, and living by their own rules. He’s committed to this life—even if it means violence, crime, or sacrificing innocent people.

As the story progresses, he becomes more reflective, begins to see the pain he’s caused, and actively tries to do right by the people who matter most—like John Marston and his family. His goal shifts from survival to redemption. He stops blindly following orders and starts making decisions based on his evolving moral compass.

By the end, Arthur is no longer the same man he was. He accepts his fate with grace and sacrifices himself to help others escape the destructive cycle he once embraced. His story is tragic, powerful, and deeply human—because it shows us how even the most hardened people can change.

Questions to help guide this section of your own character:

What does your character believe at the beginning of the story?
What events challenge those beliefs?
What’s at stake emotionally, morally, or physically?
How does the character change by the end—and what (or who) drives that change?

Wrapping it All Up: Your Characters Deserve More than a Stat Sheet

At the end of the day, character development isn’t just a checkbox on your story planning to-do list—it’s the heartbeat of your narrative. Whether you’re writing a sprawling fantasy epic or a short story packed with emotional punch, your characters are the lens through which your readers experience the world. When you take the time to craft layered, flawed, and emotionally resonant individuals, your story naturally gains depth, direction, and meaning.

Strong characters don’t happen by accident. They are sculpted through intentional choices, rich backstories, and a willingness to throw them into the fire of conflict. And when they emerge changed—scarred, wiser, or maybe a little bit broken—that’s where the magic happens. That’s what readers remember.

If you’ve made it this far, then you’re already ahead of the game. You care about your characters, and that alone sets your story on the right path.

Want to bring your characters to life?

Download my free, fillable Character Building Template below—designed specifically for fantasy and fiction writers who want to go beyond surface-level traits and dig into the soul of their characters.