The Alchemy of Legends
Creating Characters Your Readers Will Never Forget
Forget Me Not
Why do some literary characters jump off the page, lingering in our hearts and minds, while others are completely forgettable?
In the legendary and magical worlds of fantasy and Romantasy, where epic quests are afoot, kingdoms rise and fall, and extraordinary battles are fought, it’s often the characters—not just the exciting plot—that endure in our hearts and minds long after we turn the last page. Some characters are legendary, resonating on a deep and emotional level with readers, while others are completely forgettable, fading into literary oblivion.
So, what sets these characters apart?
Great question, dear reader! This post will explore the alchemy of crafting characters your readers will never forget—so pick up your enchanted pen or settle onto your spellbound keyboard and take note of the elements of an unforgettable fantasy character!
Legendary vs. Forgetful
The characters who stay with us after turning the last page are made of magic—they possess a spellbinding blend of unique traits, moral dilemmas, and emotional depth that makes them stand out. It’s the “positive traits like courage, resilience, wit, and integrity [that] allow for...readers to root for and emotionally connect with [a protagonist],” (“Character Traits”).
Take Feyre from A Court of Thorns and Roses and Aelin from Throne of Glass, or Harry Potter and Snape from...well...Harry Potter, for instance. The extraordinary circumstances, struggles, and triumphs (or losses) of these characters feel deeply personal and complex, uplifting them to “Legendary” status.
In contrast, forgettable characters fall flat. They lack the complexity and intricacy that propels certain characters to the (figurative) Literary Hall of Fame.
The key lies in crafting characters with depth! It’s not only positive traits like integrity and resilience, but also a character’s personality, motivation, flaws, morality, and so much more that makes them feel real, even in a fantasy setting.
So, what’s the magic potion? Well, it’s a unique blend of things.
Complexity
Real people are nuanced and complex, so characters should be too! Don’t just focus on the good or the bad. A character with depth and authenticity should have a mix of both positive and negative qualities, making them relatable and genuine.
Motivation
All legendary characters have strong motivations—the driving force behind their actions and decisions! A complex, memorable character has strong “inner desires, goals, and reasons that drive [their] actions and decisions throughout a story,” (“What Is”). Without strong motivation, “readers won't care about what happens to your character” (“How to”) and will ultimately forget about them. We don’t want that to happen, so focus on your character’s “Why” when crafting them!
Personality
Personality is a big one! A character’s personality is more than “just a list of traits”—little quirks and mannerisms that make them unique— “it’s a complex web of interrelated characteristics that determines how a character thinks and operates, as well as how they perceive and interact with the world around them,” (Kieffer). So, how will craft your character’s unique personality to help them stand out?
Emotional Depth
Memorable characters are three-dimensional and refuse to fall flat! Let your characters feel a wide range of emotions, allowing your readers to connect with them on a deep and personal level!
Flaws
Whatever you do, you cannot forget to give your character flaws! No one—and I mean no one—is perfect, not even your all-time favorite character. A complex, intricate, emotionally resonant character will be chock-full of flaws, just like you and me. So, don’t be afraid to write an imperfect character, for they’re usually the ones who resonate most!
Evolution and Growth
Above all, legendary characters never remain static—they are constantly growing and evolving! At its core, a story is a journey—your character’s journey, or Character Arc. It’s how they grow and change, the adversity and obstacles they face, their challenges, triumphs, and downfalls. Epic characters are always growing!
How will your character transform throughout the story?
For more info on creating characters who are unforgettable, check out these AMAZING craft books:
Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Weiland
The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs by John S. Warner
The Art of Character by David Corbett
The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
GMC: Goals, Motivation, and Conflict by Debra Dixon
✨This list is NOT exhaustive—there is so much more that goes into crafting a memorable character. So, while I hope this list gives you a good starting point, I encourage you to dig a little deeper into character creation when crafting your next fantasy character! ✨
Final Thoughts
Legendary characters require a delicate balance of depth, evolution, and emotional resonance. They stand out because they feel real—just as real as you or me. They’re flawed yet extraordinary, driven yet vulnerable, staying with us long after we close the book!
Whether you’re writing an epic high fantasy or an intimate Romantasy, keep in mind that the characters are the heart and soul of the story. Treat them well, explore their depths, and let them shine!
✨ Looking for more resources to help you write the next great fantasy novel? Check out Of Stardust and Soulmates’ resources page, where you’ll find everything from the best craft books and writing software to fantasy generators and writing prompts! ✨
And don’t forget to check out Ally’s Epic Scores playlist on Spotify and the Of Stardust and Soulmates Pinterest page for more fantasy inspo!
Works Cited
“Character Traits.” Prowritingaid.com, 23 Aug. 2024, prowritingaid.com/inspiration-decks/character-traits. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
“How to Create Powerful and Believable Character Motivations | StoryFlint.” Www.storyflint.com, www.storyflint.com/blog/character-motivations. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
Kieffer, Kristen. “My Favorite Method for Building Characters’ Personalities.” Well-Storied., 26 May 2020, www.well-storied.com/blog/character-personalities. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.
“What Is Character Motivation? - Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts.” VADA, 17 Nov. 2023, vadastudios.com/2023/11/17/what-is-character-motivation/. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.