Creating Memorable Characters: My Best Original Character in Fiction

As a seasoned writer, one of the greatest joys is the creation and evolution of unique and compelling characters. These characters can take on a life of their own, and sometimes, they even become beloved companions despite the trials and hardships of storytelling. In my latest novel, Darker Skies, a new character emerged - Annabella Steenkamph, a devious and treacherous Steampunk airship pirate. This deep dive into character development will explore the making of my best original character, as well as the journey of another protagonist in my completed novel.

Annabella Steenkamph: The Pirate with a Heart

Annabella Steenkamph, the pirate featured in my Dark novels, almost haunted me as I crafted her character. She is not the protagonist or the primary antagonist, yet I found myself endlessly intrigued by her. Born as a main idea for a side character, Annabella is a character that captures the essence of deviousness and treachery. Her story is one of manipulation and ultimate resilience.

Description:

Steampunk airship pirate Double-crosses to pursue her own ends Underneath her tough exterior is a heart, though she hides it

Annabella has captured my imagination for a reason. Creating her was filled with contradiction and complexity, and I relished every moment of this process. So much so that the mere thought of wrapping up the novel and saying goodbye to her isn't something I relish. Perhaps in the future, a standalone series featuring Annabella might unfold.

Young Heiress with a Purpose

My best original character, born less than a side character, is a young heiress in a fictional city. This character debuted in my novel The Kids Who Never Came Back. At the outset, she appeared as a scared young girl taking on the grasshoppers of her town. However, the character developed into a formidable force over the years. Let me introduce her:

Heiress of one of the founding families of the city Refused her inherited status to seek adventure Twelve years old, facing challenges and living on the streets Geneticist and skilled chemist Works as a nurse, experimenting with peculiar local plants

Hailing from a city with a rich history, this young heiress has always known her goal. Despite her youth, she embarked on a journey to understand the world through hard choices and challenging her opponents. Her success in these endeavors is driven by her ambition, grit, and dominance. This character, like many I've created, is a reflection of the stories that surround us.

The Craft of Character Development

From the creation of Annabella to the young heiress, I've learned the intricacies of developing a compelling character. Here are a few key points that have made these characters shine:

Deep Backstory: Tailoring the character's past influences their present and future actions. Growth and Transformation: Characters should evolve as the story progresses, allowing for relatable development. Motivation and Goal: A clear motive and a well-defined objective guide the character's journey. Cause and Effect: Actions have consequences, which shape the plot and the character.

As a writer, there's no better feeling than seeing a character come to life, even after the novel is completed. These characters have become not only plot devices but also a part of my own personal narrative. They are a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of investing time and effort into character development.

Conclusion

The journey of creation for each character is unique, and the joy of seeing them resonate with readers is immeasurable. Annabella Steenkamph and the young heiress in The Kids Who Never Came Back are a reflection of the passion and dedication that goes into crafting a memorable and enduring character. Through careful planning and a deep understanding of their motivations and backgrounds, these characters have become not just parts of their respective novels but also esteemed members of my writing family.