Craft Compelling “Sticky” Characters That Captivate Readers

Make your protagonists jump off the page through memorable traits and bold flaws

Photo by Dmitry Ratushny on Unsplash

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a story and being swept up in a world that’s not your own.

The characters we encounter can be the most memorable part of that experience, their stories lingering with us long after the final page is turned. But what makes some characters stick out more than others? How do authors craft protagonists that resonate with readers and keep them coming back for more?

Let’s explore the elements that make a protagonist truly memorable and the techniques you can use to develop compelling characters that will have readers raving about your work and protagonists that jump off the page.

Distinctive Traits, Flaws, Rootability, Driving Force

Characters that stick with readers tend to possess a mix of distinctive traits, bold flaws, and a strong driving force or motivation that readers can root for.

These traits and flaws should be unique to the character and help make them stand out in a sea of stories. For example, Katniss Everdeen’s selflessness, bravery, and stubbornness in The Hunger Games made her a…