6 Cool Character Ideas for Your Novel | Literature & Latte

Plot and character are the two main elements of a novel, but it’s most often character that readers remember. Fully realized characters come to life in the mind of readers, and readers identify with them and their difficulties. Readers hope and grieve with characters; they feel their joy and pain.

In Never Outline (How to Write a Mystery, ed. Lee Child and Laurie R. King), Lee Child says:

It’s very rare to remember a book for plot alone. Again, great characters with great voices enmeshed in a great plot make a book memorable. Absolutely. But the characters and the voices come first. They’re the necessary prior condition. Without them, the plot won’t even happen. Because the reader will stop reading.

With that in mind, here are 6 cool character development ideas for your novel.

Quirky characters

When you are searching for ideas for characters, think of quirky traits your characters may have. Characters can be memorable because of their behavioral quirks, and they can be described with a few deft sentences. Lee Child’s own character, Jack Reacher, stands out by his size – he is 6 feet five inches tall, unlike the 5’7″ Tom Cruise who played him in two films – and wanders around with no possessions. Child has described Reacher as a “knight-errant,” an archetypal character that has been in stories for millennia. He comes to a town, solves a mystery, then rides off into the sunset.

Sherlock Holmes is another good example of a quirky character. With his deerstalker hat, his pipe, his violin, and his cocaine habit, Holmes became one of the most memorable characters in literature.

When searching for character ideas, find quirks that are memorable, but avoid having too many quirks; that can make a character unbelievable.

Cool character names

The king of character names is Charles Dickens. In his 15 novels and his many stories and novellas, he created characters with memorable names that also described their personalities. Ebeneezer Scrooge is so memorable that his last name – scrooge – has become a common term for a miser. Inspector Bucket was a policeman in Bleak House. Canon Crisparkle, in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, is described thus:

“Mr Crisparkle, Minor Canon, early riser, musical, classical, cheerful, kind, good-natured, social, contented, and boy-like.”

Meanwhile, Krook was an alcoholic who ran a rag and bottle shop and lodging house in Bleak House.

Some of the bestcool character ideas come from names. You can use Scrivener’s Name Generator to find names that resonate to create characters for your novel.

People you know

If you’re looking for ideas for characters, think about people you know. It’s obviously not a good idea to make characters too close to your friends and family, but think of people you’ve known in your life – teachers, co-workers, or friends – that have interesting character traits. Maybe they walked in a certain way; held their head at a certain angle; or had a memorable expression. You can get character development ideas from an amalgam of different traits from multiple people.

Also, think of the different layers and perspectives that make up the personalities of your nearest and dearest, and how their behaviour moulds to fit their mood or a situation. Have they ever surprised you with their response to something when you were sure they’d take the other side? If so, use the power of hindsight to dig into whether they gave previous clues to their beliefs. Were these based on earlier experience, and how did they reach their new position? That journey built their character – and therefore could be helpful to you.

If you don’t fancy looking so close to home for inspiration, why not use strangers for inspiration?

– Public Figures 

Although you’re unlikely to gain a rounded view of actors, politicians and minor celebrities from their press, parts of their public persona can be used to inspire really memorable stories. Whether you’re using their traits to build exaggerated tales of star behaviour in your novel or you’re providing a similar character with a moving backstory (or fictional fate), there’s plenty of material to mine.

– Historical figures

While famous people in the modern day can be observed to see the nuances of their speech and behaviour, details of their background may be less accessible. The reverse is true of historical characters, whose life arc is likely to have been studied in detail, even though little is known of their personality bar what can be pieced together from letters from themselves or their contemporaries, or the impact of their choices on the wider world. Seeing what they overcame and how they rose to be memorable can be both fascinating and useful.

– Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram

Search for hobbies, locations or professions on Instagram or TikTok and you’ll be provided with a host of people to inspire you. What do they like and dislike? What are their related interests? All this detail will help you build a character. Or set your Pinterest search to portraits and you’ll be given an array of faces and emotions. Pick out your favourites and let your imagination run wild – before you know it, the sad girl in a cafe could be runaway orphan living on her wits while engaged in a fight for justice.

– Twitter and Bluesky

Why not build a character based on an unknown stranger? Looking to build a character with a certain profession? Search related tags and if someone commenting catches your eye, dig into their profile and posting history for some fascinating insights into their mannerisms and some possible related interests, all of which can be used to make your own creations more rounded and real.

– …and You?

It can be hard to stray from the influence of the person you know best – yourself – when creating characters. However, why not dig deep and give life to some of your darkest personality traits. If you’re prone to anxiety and self doubt, why not lend this introspection to your protagonist and make it the trait that helps them find resolution? Writing is the one place where you get to live your inner life to the full, so why not explore where it could take you?

Voice

Sometimes, ideas for characters can come from people’s voice; not the sound of their voice, but the way they speak. As Lee Child said above, “great characters with great voices […] make a book memorable.” Take character ideas from the way people speak: they could be people you know, as above, or you could get inspiration from movies and books. If you want to write a hard-boiled mystery, think of some of the great lines from The Maltese Falcon.

– We didn’t exactly believe your story, Miss Wonderly. We believed your 200 dollars. I mean, you paid us more than if you had been telling us the truth, and enough more to make it all right.

– All we’ve got is that maybe you love me and maybe I love you.

– The cheaper the crook, the gaudier the patter.

Sam Spade is a memorable character because of his disdain for people and his snarkiness, and the mystery genre is full of great characters with memorable voices.

Character development ideas

Good characters are believable, but good characters also grow. If you want character development ideas, think of the way characters change in the novels you have read, and use these ideas for characters in your own fiction. No person is two-dimensional; there is always more to people than you see on the surface. While character quirks may make a  believable character, you have to go beyond such simple ideas.

Real characters have goals and motivation, and they experience conflict. After all, the key to compelling fiction is conflict how characters react to it, and how they grow as a result of overcoming obstacles. So build your character ideas around what the characters seek to accomplish.

Archetypal characters

Another way to develop cool characters is to base them on archetypes. Best known through the work of psychiatrist Carl Jung, archetypal figures are characters that have appeared throughout history in stories, and that we have come to know in our subconscious. Jung’s archetypal characters include the great mother, the father, the child, the devil, the god, the wise old man, the wise old woman, the trickster, and the hero.

You can come up with many character ideas by examining these archetypes. Think of Frodo as the hero; Gandalf as the wise old man; and Gollum as the trickster. But archetypal characters go beyond Jung’s simple list: orphans, mentors, fools, and rebels are also common archetypes.

More Character Creation Ideas to Enhance Your Novel

Crafting memorable characters is a cornerstone of great storytelling. Here are some additional original character ideas to help you bring your novel to life.

Developing Character Backstories

One of the best ways to generate ideas for a character is by creating detailed character backstories. A well-crafted backstory can explain a character’s motivations, fears, and desires, making them more relatable and engaging.

Character Backstory Ideas

One interesting character idea is giving them a tragic past. A character who has experienced significant loss or trauma can create emotional depth and their past struggles might influence their current decisions and interactions with other characters.

Next, having a character with hidden talent is always an enticing surprise within writing. Characters with a secret skill or knowledge can add intrigue. How they acquired this talent and why they keep it hidden can form an exciting subplot too. And lastly, and arguably the most widely used: unresolved conflict. Characters who have ongoing conflicts from their past can provide tension and drive the story forward. This could be an old rivalry, a broken relationship, or a lingering guilt.

Here are some character backstory suggestions that you could use:

– your character witnesses a crime as a child and seeks justice

– their happy early life was shattered by events beyond their control

– their mentor turned out to be a criminal, destroying their trust

– they did one bad thing and are on a mission to rebuild their reputation

Fun Character Ideas for Added Depth

Introducing fun character ideas can lighten the mood of your novel and provide comic relief, making your story more enjoyable.

Eccentric habits can make a character both entertaining and memorable. Perhaps they collect strange objects, speak in riddles, or have an odd way of dressing. Adding a quirky pet can also infuse fun and tenderness into your story. Imagine a character with a pet raccoon they treat like a dog or a parrot that always says the wrong thing at the right time. Additionally, humorous traits, such as a witty sense of humour or a sarcastic outlook, can add a layer of fun. These unique perspectives can make the character stand out and become more relatable to readers.

Unique Character Ideas for Freshness

To create OC character personality ideas, think outside the box and combine unusual traits or backgrounds.

A character who blends traditions from different cultures can provide richness and diversity to your story, influencing their worldview, actions, and interactions. Assigning traditional roles in non-traditional ways can also add depth; for example, a frail elderly person might turn out to be a brilliant hacker, or a child prodigy could advise world leaders. Additionally, creating characters influenced by historical events or figures in a modern context can lead to unique motivations and perspectives, adding further complexity to your narrative.

Simple Character Ideas for Quick Development

Sometimes, simple character ideas are the most effective. They are easy to develop yet can profoundly impact your story.

Everyday heroes, who are ordinary people thrown into extraordinary situations, can be very relatable, with their growth and reactions providing a strong emotional connection for readers. A silent guardian, a character who works behind the scenes, quietly helping others without seeking recognition, can add a subtle yet powerful layer to your story. Additionally, a reluctant leader, someone who doesn’t seek leadership but is thrust into it by circumstances, can offer an interesting dynamic of internal conflict and growth.

Character Role Ideas to Drive Your Plot

Assigning clear roles can help define character role ideas and ensure each character has a purpose that drives the plot forward.

The Catalyst: This character sparks change in the story, pushing other characters out of their comfort zones and into action.

The Confidant: Someone who serves as a sounding board for the protagonist. Their role is to listen, advise, and provide insight that helps the protagonist grow.

The Foil: A character who contrasts with the protagonist, highlighting their traits and helping to define their personality and growth.

Ideas For Making Your Characters Unique:

• Give your character a unique way of processing an emotion such as anger or anxiety.
• Have your character prize a precious keepsake – why is this important to them?
• Provide them with an unusual hobby.
• Give them a deep seated fear (and a good back story for this)
• Add some strange personal beliefs or values – these can be a barrier to resolving the story simply.
• Create a weakness – what do they love, and what can’t they say ‘no’ to?

Resources to Mine for Character Ideas

You don’t have to look far to find people and things that can spark your imagination. From a snippet of conversation overhead on your morning commute to legends of historical figures or scandals involving modern celebrities, if you’re paying attention, most human behaviour can provide inspiration. All you need to do is train yourself to be an observer.

– Real Life 

Friends, family, or the couple eating without speaking in a romantic restaurant. Every action has a story behind it – and imagining why behaviour should have come to pass is up to you.

– Stories That Work For You

Think about your favourite fictional characters. Why are they so beloved? What makes them seem real, and why are you fascinated by them. Ask yourself whether you could incorporate something similar into your work. Sometimes it’s all in the details.

Integrating Character Ideas into Your Writing Process

Effectively using character-making ideas involves integrating them into your writing process. Here’s how you can do that:

Character Sketches: Use character sketches to flesh out your characters. Include physical descriptions, backstories, and OC personality traits. This can be especially helpful when using writing tools like Scrivener, which provides templates for such purposes.

Scene Definition in Literature: Apply your character ideas within the context of your scenes. Make sure each character’s actions and dialogue are consistent with their development and backstory.

Internal Monologues: Use internal monologues to reveal your characters’ thoughts and feelings. This can provide depth and insight into their motivations and conflicts.

Practical Tools for Character Creation

Leveraging tools designed for writers can streamline the process of character creation ideas. Scrivener, for instance, offers various features that can aid in this endeavour.

Name Generator: Scrivener’s name generator can help you find the perfect names for your characters, ensuring they resonate and feel authentic.

Character Sketch Templates: These templates allow you to keep all your character information organised, from backstory to personality traits.

Research Integration: Import and view your research alongside your manuscript, making it easier to develop characters based on accurate and detailed information.

Applying Character Ideas to Your Story

To effectively apply these unique character ideas, consider how they interact with your plot and setting. Ensure your characters evolve consistently with the plot, with their growth reflecting the challenges they face and the lessons they learn. Showcase diverse interactions to reveal different facets of their personality, creating more rounded characters. Use conflicts to drive character development, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses through how they resolve or fail to resolve these conflicts.

Bonus: Keep track of your characters

When writing characters, you need an app built to keep track of them. Scrivener has character sketches, documents in the Binder, which you can use to keep notes on your characters. You can write their descriptions, their backstory, and even add photos of people who you think your characters may resemble. Read How to Manage Your Characters in Scrivener to learn more about these features.

By incorporating these additional interesting character ideas, you can create a rich narrative of characters that captivate readers and enhance your storytelling. Remember, the key to memorable characters lies in their depth, growth, and the unique traits that make them stand out. Happy writing!