Crafting Relatable Characters in Supernatural Fiction
- alexandervayle
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Creating characters that resonate with readers is a crucial aspect of writing supernatural fiction. While the settings and plots may be fantastical, the characters must feel real and relatable. This blog post will explore effective strategies for developing characters that not only fit within the supernatural genre but also connect deeply with your audience.
Understanding Your Audience
Before diving into character creation, it's essential to understand your target audience. Supernatural fiction often attracts readers who enjoy a mix of fantasy, horror, and adventure. They seek stories that not only entertain but also evoke emotions and provoke thought.
Key Characteristics of Your Audience
Age Range: Typically, readers of supernatural fiction range from young adults to middle-aged individuals.
Interests: Many enjoy exploring themes of good versus evil, the unknown, and moral dilemmas.
Expectations: Readers expect characters who face extraordinary challenges while grappling with relatable human emotions.
By keeping these characteristics in mind, you can craft characters that resonate with your audience.
Building a Strong Backstory
A well-developed backstory is vital for creating relatable characters. It provides context for their actions, motivations, and emotional responses. Here are some tips for building a compelling backstory:
1. Define Their Origins
Where does your character come from? Consider their family background, culture, and environment. For example, a character raised in a small town may have different values and fears than one from a bustling city.
2. Highlight Key Life Events
Significant events shape a character's personality. Did they experience a loss, a betrayal, or a moment of triumph? These experiences can influence their decisions and relationships throughout the story.
3. Create Flaws and Strengths
No one is perfect. Give your characters flaws that make them relatable. Perhaps they struggle with trust issues due to past betrayals or have a tendency to be overly cautious. Balancing these flaws with strengths, such as resilience or loyalty, creates depth.
Crafting Unique Personalities
Once you have a backstory, it’s time to develop your character's personality. This is where you can infuse them with traits that make them memorable and relatable.
1. Use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can be a helpful tool for defining your character's personality. For instance, an INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) character might approach problems logically, while an ESFP (Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving) character may rely on their emotions and spontaneity.
2. Incorporate Quirks and Habits
Unique quirks can make characters feel more real. Perhaps your character has a habit of tapping their fingers when nervous or always carries a lucky charm. These small details can endear them to readers.
3. Develop Relationships
Relationships with other characters can reveal different facets of your protagonist's personality. How do they interact with friends, family, or adversaries? These dynamics can create tension and drive the plot forward.
Balancing the Supernatural with the Relatable
In supernatural fiction, the challenge lies in balancing fantastical elements with relatable human experiences. Here are some strategies to achieve this balance:
1. Ground the Supernatural in Reality
Even in a world filled with magic or monsters, grounding your characters in reality helps maintain relatability. For example, a character who can communicate with spirits might still struggle with everyday issues like job loss or relationship problems.
2. Explore Universal Themes
Themes such as love, loss, and redemption are universal. By weaving these themes into your supernatural narrative, you create a bridge between the fantastical and the familiar. For instance, a vampire seeking redemption for their past actions can resonate with readers on a personal level.
3. Use Humor and Emotion
Incorporating humor can lighten the mood and make characters more relatable. A character who uses sarcasm to cope with their supernatural abilities can provide comic relief while still facing serious challenges. Similarly, emotional moments, such as a character mourning a lost loved one, can evoke empathy from readers.
Creating Conflict and Growth
Conflict is essential for character development. It forces characters to confront their fears, make difficult choices, and ultimately grow. Here’s how to create meaningful conflict:
1. Internal Conflict
Internal conflict arises from a character's struggles with their own beliefs, desires, or fears. For example, a witch who must choose between using her powers for good or revenge can create a compelling narrative arc.
2. External Conflict
External conflict involves challenges from the outside world, such as antagonists, societal pressures, or supernatural forces. This type of conflict can push characters to their limits and reveal their true nature.
3. Character Arcs
A well-defined character arc shows how a character evolves throughout the story. Whether they become more confident, learn to trust others, or embrace their true identity, a satisfying arc keeps readers engaged.
Writing Authentic Dialogue
Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing character traits and advancing the plot. Here are some tips for writing authentic dialogue:
1. Listen to Real Conversations
Pay attention to how people speak in real life. Notice the rhythm, tone, and word choice. This can help you create dialogue that feels genuine.
2. Use Subtext
Characters often don’t say exactly what they mean. Incorporating subtext—what’s left unsaid—can add depth to conversations. For instance, a character might express concern for a friend while hiding their own fears.
3. Vary Speech Patterns
Each character should have a unique voice. Consider their background, personality, and emotional state when crafting their dialogue. A sarcastic character will speak differently than a serious one.
Testing Your Characters
Before finalizing your characters, it’s beneficial to test them in various scenarios. This can help you understand how they would react in different situations and ensure they remain consistent throughout the story.
1. Write Character Profiles
Create detailed profiles for each character, including their backstory, personality traits, and motivations. This can serve as a reference while writing.
2. Place Them in Different Scenarios
Put your characters in various situations to see how they respond. This can reveal inconsistencies or highlight areas for growth.
3. Seek Feedback
Share your characters with beta readers or writing groups. Their feedback can provide valuable insights into how relatable and engaging your characters are.
Conclusion
Crafting relatable characters in supernatural fiction requires a blend of creativity, empathy, and understanding of human nature. By developing strong backstories, unique personalities, and authentic dialogue, you can create characters that resonate with readers. Remember to balance the supernatural elements with relatable experiences and emotions.
As you embark on your writing journey, keep your audience in mind and strive to create characters that not only inhabit your fantastical worlds but also reflect the complexities of real life. Happy writing!
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