I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it until I can no longer speak: creating strong characters is one of the most important elements of writing a successful thriller. When it comes down to it, people are motivated by three things: fear, hope, and love. To create full-fleshed out and believable characters, readers should be able to connect at least one of these emotions towards each main character.
So how do you develop rich, three-dimensional characters that feel like they’re real people? Like someone you might encounter on the street, whether you’d like to or not?
Using characters’ emotions to the story’s advantage.
The modern thriller is driven by action. The plot propels the book and the characters forward, sometimes at a dizzying pace. Too often you, the reader, don’t have a lot of time to relate to the main characters. You’re given just enough, a sketch really, so you know who to root for and who to despise. This kind of writing works. Obviusly. The best seller lists are filled with books using this method. And I’m not advocating for its demise. At least not fully. What I’d like is a little more time spent developing the characters.
This doesn’t have to stop the action or take you out of the story. If done right, it’ll enhance the book and make it more impactful and memorable. Because the major problem I have with current thrillers is that while they are exciting in the moment, they are easily forgettable once you’ve put them down. That’s why I try to make my stories as compelling and interesting as possible by using my characters’ emotions as a catalyst for action.
Never underestimate the power of the dark side.
In literature, there’s a trope we writers use to great effect where someone who is good will find themselves face-to-face with someone who they consider to be evil or misguided. This is used to show the reader who to root for, and it can become real tiring real fast if the writer is too heavy handed with the set up.
Many times the “good” character loses their first encounter with the “evil” character. This sets their resolve and sets up the road to the story’s climax. Of course, as a reader, it’s your job to determine if the “good” character is really all that good and if the “evil” character is totally unredeemable. I’d argue the best stories are those that blur the lines and whose characters are never purely good or evil.
The best characters are probably hiding something.
In every novel you read, there’s a chance the main character is keeping something from you. This could be because they do not want to tell you what their true motives are, or it could be because they don’t know what to say but feel obligated due to past experiences. It could also be because they want you to be on their side.
Whatever it is, it’s important for readers to understand this aspect of characters. Misdirection is a writer’s best friend when it comes to crafting a successful thriller. No matter what a character may say, their behavior should always be consistent with who they are as a person. Pay attention to what’s not said. To their mannerisms, actions and reactions. And remember, the best characters are probably hiding something. Even the good guys. Aren’t there things most people don’t know about you?
Is anyone ever really who they say they are?
What would a good mystery or thriller novel be without a little obfuscation? In fact, it’s one of the main ingredients of believable characters. After all, in real life no one is ever really who they say they are. Not completely. Think about how you act around your family. Is it the same as how you act amongst a group of friends? Do you use the same mannerisms and language at church as you do at a bar? What about in private? Would people be surprised by some of the things you do or think when no one is around?
Just as we live and breathe deception without even realizing it, so too must a thriller’s characters. Believe me when I tell you that writing rich, fleshed out characters with shades of grey is just as satisfying as reading about them. In fact, the more fully crafted a character, the more likely it is that they just take over while I’m writing.
That’s when I know I’ve done it right. And when I know you’re going to enjoy reading about them, even if, in the end, you despise them.
