Working on Character Development: How to Write Characters That Captivate Your Audience

and build solid structure. However, no story can thrive without well-developed characters. The good news is, you don’t have to start from scratch – there are universal truths about character creation that can help streamline the process.

Don’t Underestimate the Character’s Motivation

Every character should have a clear goal that drives them forward. A well-defined goal ensures the character acts believably and is actively involved in the plot. The goal can be external, such as completing a task (rescuing a loved one, finding answers), or internal, where the character battles personal struggles (fear, insecurity, ambition).

How to start: Ask yourself, “What does my character want most?” This question will help you define the character’s path. No matter what their motivation is, it must be strong and clear, providing the character with a reason to keep moving.

Reveal the Character’s Inner Conflict

While a character’s goal shows where they’re heading, their inner conflict portrays their personal struggle. The character’s journey shouldn’t be easy – they must face internal obstacles that complicate their decisions. This adds depth, making the character feel like a real person grappling with their own demons and insecurities.

How to start: Consider, “What inner problem is my character dealing with?” The conflict should be significant enough to influence their decisions and affect their progress toward their goal.

Define Their Personality Through Actions and Dialogue

Characterization goes beyond physical appearance or thoughts – it’s about how they behave and speak. Instead of directly describing character traits, let them unfold through actions and dialogue. For example, if your character is brave, show this through their behavior in crisis situations. If they are thoughtful and calm, their actions will reflect this. Dialogue is another powerful tool – each character should have a distinct voice that mirrors their personality. Make sure all characters don’t sound the same.

How to start: Think about how your character reacts in different scenarios. How do they behave under pressure? How do they interact with others? Ensure that their actions and dialogue align with their personality and evolve naturally throughout the story.

Give the Character a Clear Worldview

A character’s worldview shapes their decisions and actions. If they have a strong sense of what is right and wrong, they’ll make choices with more confidence. A character with a well-defined outlook always has something to say, and their actions carry more weight.

How to start: Write a brief paragraph about how your character sees the world. What values do they hold? What motivates them to act the way they do? This simple exercise will give you deeper insight into their personality and what drives them.

Learn from the Pros

Want to dive deeper into character development? We recommend The Hero Succeeds: The Character-Driven Guide to Writing Your TV Pilot by Kam Miller or screenwriting exercises from Arc Studio.

CME Content Academy, a project of TV Nova and TV Markiza, provides practical training alongside theoretical lectures at the Television Institute. The aim is to educate the next generation of TV professionals and enable them to work with these leading TV companies.

-Kristina Sverkunová