One of the most important aspects of writing a novel is creating characters that are engaging and memorable. In this lesson, we will explore the key elements that make up a compelling character and how you can develop them effectively in your own writing.

First and foremost, a compelling character should be multi-dimensional and have a clear motivation or goal. Think about what drives your character and how their actions and decisions are influenced by this motivation. Additionally, give your character a backstory that helps to explain their beliefs, fears, and personality traits.

Lastly, make sure to create characters that are relatable to your readers. This can be achieved by giving your character flaws and vulnerabilities, as well as strengths and values. By making your characters realistic and human, you will be able to draw your readers in and keep them invested in the story.

You’ll want to give examples of characters with flaws, fears, values, and desires that reflect real human emotions — especially the ones readers recognize in themselves.

Here are some short, relatable character examples you can use in your course:

Relatable Character Examples:

1. The Girl Who Tries to Be Perfect

She’s the overachiever who always gets straight A’s, volunteers for everything, and smiles even when she’s exhausted. But she secretly has anxiety attacks in the school bathroom because she’s terrified of people knowing his secrets from past.

Relatable because: So many readers know the pressure of perfection and the fear of failure.

2. The Boy Who Hates Being Home

He jokes around and plays cool at school, but he drags his feet going home because it’s loud, messy, and no one listens to him. He dreams of escaping, but he doesn’t say it out loud.
Maybe he's running from abuse.

Relatable because: Many teens (and adults) know what it’s like to feel invisible at home.

3. The Friend Who Wants to Be More

She’s always “just the best friend.” She gives advice, listens to everyone’s problems, but no one ever asks how she feels. She secretly wishes someone would finally choose her first. She's used to being second-best, so when someone finally chooses her, she clings to it… even if it means betraying the only friend who’s ever really been there for her.

Relatable because: Feeling overlooked or unappreciated is universal.

4. The Quiet Kid Who Notices Everything

He doesn’t say much, but he watches everyone... how they talk, how they move, what they hide. He writes it all down in a secret journal. No one knows he’s in love with someone who doesn’t even know his name.

Relatable because: Readers connect with loneliness, quiet longing, and observing more than they say.

5. The Girl Who Wants to Be Bad

She’s always done the right thing, followed the rules, stayed out of trouble. But deep down, she wonders what it would feel like to mess up on purpose. To break something. To choose herself over being good. Then she gets herself into some crime she can't get out of.

Relatable because: Everyone has moments of wanting to rebel or be free.

You don’t need your characters to be perfect or heroic. You just need them to feel real. Let them want things. Let them hurt. Let them try and fail. That’s what makes readers care.