It occurs to me that had I been a classically trained teacher, I would have structured my tips to build on one another. But I’m not, so they’re not. Last time I rambled on about how your main character should have agency in the story: their actions should have some bearing on the narrative especially at the climax. We’re not looking for passive observers here. 

But how do you determine their actions? What should they be?

And that is an excellent question. I like to think of my characters as individuals. Sure, some stories will emphasize their themes or action more. These characters will often times act irrationally or contradictory in order to drive home these other aspects of the narrative the author wishes to stress. Personally, I think the stronger your character and their behaviour, the better your story will be. 

Which isn’t to say no character should be irrational. There are irrational, contradictory people out in the world. You may even know some in your own life. You may even read some of their blogs!

So how do we square this issue?

For me, there is a single primary thing to know about your main character. No, it’s not their name. It’s not where they’re from or how much they make. The single most important thing for writing your main character is drilling down into the core of their being and finding out what they want. All of us are driven by wants. A lot of them are superficial. You may want the new iPhone or whatever doodad Apple is releasing today but that’s not a character want. That’s the behaviour which communicates that deeper want. 

What you really should be asking is why do you want that new Apple product? Is it because you’re an Apple loyalist and buy all their products. Unlikely. Maybe you just like its sleek design and need to upgrade every time its design gets sleeker (you don’t really). No, you want this new iPhone for what it means when you have it. 

That’s your want. 

Maybe you feel like having the new iPhone keeps you up-to-date on the latest technological changes and developments because you’re worried of falling behind in an ever changing world and left at a disadvantage compared to those around you. Maybe the new iPhone is an item which you feel others will look at with wonder and awe thus demonstrating that you’ve achieved the success you’ve always been told you would never obtain. Or maybe everyone else is getting the new iPhone and you’re worried if you don’t they’ll discover you for the phony that you feel you truly are. 

These are character wants. They’re driving motivators which will determine our hero’s actions whenever they come across a challenge. Whether it’s a drive of competition to prove yourself, a need to earn the respect and admiration of your peers or the crippling worries of self-doubt and inability bringing harm to those you love, these are core motivators that keep your character going. They’re what make them react to situations differently than others. They’re what shade their dialogue and interactions and give them that spice of life. 

So it’s important to ask yourself when you’re creating your story what is it that your character truly wants? And then, constantly reask yourself that question as you progress through your narrative? How does your hero agreeing to through the match challenge in the gladiator’s arena achieve their inner motivation? How does the princess betraying her father assuage her own concerns? How does the thief deciding to tag along with the captain of the guard on their rescue mission bring them closer to their dream?

Finally, it’s important to note that not everyone is going to be aware of what drives them. Most people probably don’t possess the introspection to be aware of their underlying motivations. This is where the incongruity between what they say they want and what they do comes in. Maybe your noble knight views their vows and role seriously but is constantly undermined by their inner worries and doubts. The important thing as a writer is that you’re consistent in knowing why your character is acting the way they do, even if that character doesn’t. Obviously, the knight betrayed her Queen because she was sent on a quest that was antithetical to her desire even if the knight thought she could put her own feelings on the matter aside. 

If you’re consistent and clear in your portrayal of your character, the readers will understand. 

You’re basically your hero’s therapist. And how well they listen to you determines the success of their therapy. 

So, when creating your main character and while writing your story ask yourself:

What is it that truly drives my character? What do they desperately need or fear?

Is my character continually seeking their desire or running from their fear especially when it is directly challenged?

Is there some situation or interaction I can include which will really highlight to the reader what my character truly wants or fears?