So you have the "unexpected" plot. What next? Well...

The characters!

Every compelling story requires remarkable and distinct characters.

Yes, it's no secret that amazing and bestselling books are the way they are without their tasteful characters. 

Now, I bet you are asking yourself, how can I make my characters unique and stay out of the crowd? I'm on the same journey. 

See, the first book I ever wrote was a fanfiction. However, I wanted to show people that it is far from the movies that I took. 

I tried changing the characters' names, but some worked and some did not so much. I know that I'm getting off track, but my point is your plot and story may be way different from the fandom or website, etc where you got that idea. 

Here's my example:

I love Belle from Beauty and the Beast and Willy Wonka from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I wanted to ship those two and write fanfiction but as I got older and wiser, I realized I had a different plot and a brand new story.  

So, what did I do?

I tried to change their names but as I said, it only worked For a few. However, I'm currently in the process of rewriting and editing. Which is why you don't see it on my profile. 

That's my example and experience. 

So what are some basic steps to develop and help you write your character? Great question. I'm glad you asked. 

1. Start with a character archetype

When creating a character, it's common to start with a collection of random ideas, traits, and plot points from a story outline. However, using a character archetype can help narrow your focus. Across the literature, mythology, and the human experience, there are twelve recognizable archetypes or personas: The Innocent, Everyman, Hero, Outlaw, Explorer, Creator, Ruler, Magician, Lover, Jester, Sage, and Caregiver.

They can also provide guidelines for behaviors, emotions, and actions.

Note: There are many character archetypes. 

2. Add specific characteristics

After establishing an initial archetype, it's possible to customize the characters and make them unique. It's important to consider the emotional bond between your audience and the character and strive for the intended result. Altering the age and gender of a character can produce distinct reactions from the reader.

3. Build the backstory

This one is pretty simple. 

Building a character's backstory involves several key steps to ensure that the character feels well-rounded and believable. Here's how you can approach it.   

1. Origins: Describe where your character was born and raised, including family dynamics, socio-economic status, and childhood events.

 2. Defining Moments: Identify key experiences that shaped your character, such as traumatic events, achievements, or pivotal turning points. 

 3. Relationships: Consider the character's connections with family, friends, mentors, and enemies. These relationships reveal their values and fears. 

 4. Goals and Motivations: Clarify what your character wants and their motivations, which often stem from past experiences or challenges. 

 5. Traits and Flaws: Reflect on your character's strengths and weaknesses, shaped by their backstory, such as ambition mixed with insecurity from a competitive environment.

 6. Conflicts: Introduce internal or external conflicts arising from their past, such as unresolved trauma or mistakes, adding depth to their development.

 7. Cultural Context: Consider how the time period, location, and cultural influences affect your character, adding realism to their experience. 

 8. Evolution: Think about how your character has changed over time and what lessons they've learned, creating opportunities for growth throughout the story. Weave these elements into a coherent narrative to deepen your character and inform their actions.

This is a basic outline but I'll go deeper in a later chapter this could give you a starting point. 

After your characters are fully developed or you feel confident enough to go to the next stage of the story's progression.

The World Building!