Creating Believable Characters Through Conflict

If you’ve been writing for a little while, you should understand by now that in order to create believable characters, you need to present them with conflicts to overcome. Why? Because no one likes to read about perfect characters (most of the time). I’m much more likely to be touched by a character that has as many flaws as I do, and can over come them. This may be why I find characters like Odd Thomas so much fun to read.

Pedar Hill has put together an article that discusses this concept down to the finest details. The main subject in this article is the implementation of character arcs. Here is how Pedar defines a character arc:

“…the rocky path of personal growth and development a character undergoes in a story, usually unwillingly, during which the character wrestles with and eventually overcomes some or all of a serious emotional fear, limitation, block or wound.”

In a nutshell, a character must overcome some internal obstacle and become a better person for it. Some examples of these obstacles (from Pedar’s article) include:

• lack of courage or inner doubts
• lack of ethics
• learning to love
• guilt
• trauma from the past
• errors in thinking, etc.

Pedar has so much more to say regarding this topic. His article is titled “Character Development Drives Conflict”. If you get a chance, you should read the entire piece as it is filled with helpful information.

Can you think of any great characters that are developed with this concept in mind? I myself am about to finish an audio book titled Cell (by Stephen King), where Clay Ridell (the main character) is put together so well that I could not help but cheer him on in his trials and tribulations. Needless to say, I have not been able to stop listening to it, and am about to finish it soon!

Comments

[1ConfusedWriter]

You know, of all of the Gunslinger characters, I think I enjoyed one that many probably wouldn't think of: "Oy". Remember him? As far as conflict is concerned, King did a wonderful job on Roland as well.

I was distraught when I finally finished the entire series of books. I'm thinking of getting the audio books for a second time around. Hopefully it will still be enjoyable!

Thanks for commenting.

Vic

[Jeff Kozlowski]

Very interesting and informative site that you have created. I have started a new Blog myself to try and help writers get the word out about their own writing. It's great to know that so many writers are out there trying to hep each other. Very enjoyable Blog!

[kalbzayn]

Sticking with the Stephen King theme, his ability to handle these character conflicts with multiple character really amazes me. Eddie and Jake in particular. It has been very fun for me to watch how they change from book to book building off of all the challenges Stephen King has thrown in front of them.