How to Write Relatable Characters

How to Write Relatable Characters – “I Married a Monster on a Hill”

Want to know how to write relatable characters? Take a page from “I Married a Monster on a Hill,” a series that focuses on crafting relatable, unforgettable characters. Here’s how you can do it too!

How to write relatable characters? Take it from “I Married a Monster on a Hill”

Dive into Backstories when writing relatable characters

Every character in “I Married a Monster on a Hill” has a rich backstory that adds depth and complexity to their personality. When you create your characters and write them relatable, think about their history. Where did they come from? What experiences shaped them? These details will make your characters feel real and grounded.

A black and white comic-style scene from 'I Married a Monster on a Hill,' featuring characters Bevvy and August. Bevvy, a retired knight, is shown with a content expression next to his partner, August, who appears happy with a heart symbol above her head. In the background, Bevvy is depicted in his knight armor, looking serious and composed. A text box in the foreground reads, 'I'm a retired knight and married the best partner a man could ask for.' The scene conveys a sense of fulfillment and love between the characters. Featured for the How to Write Relatable Characters lesson. — A comic panel showcasing Bevvy and August talking about the past from “I Married a Monster on a Hill”.

Understand Their Motivations when writing relatable characters

What drives your characters? In “I Married a Monster on a Hill,” each character has clear motivations that influence their actions and decisions. Spend time figuring out what your characters want and why they want it. This will help you write characters that act consistently and believably relatable.

Embrace Their Quirks

Quirks make characters memorable. The characters in “I Married a Monster on a Hill” are full of unique traits and habits that set them apart. Don’t be afraid to give your characters quirks, no matter how small or strange when writing relatable characters. These little details can make a big difference.

The Long Haul: Characters with History

Here’s a fun fact: the creators of “I Married a Monster on a Hill,” Katya Stec and Tatiana Stec, have been developing these characters for over 20 years. So writing relatable characters is fun for them. Many of them started as original characters (OCs) from their childhood. This long-term development has given each character incredible depth and history, making them feel like real people. Take a cue from them – don’t rush your character development. Let your characters grow and evolve over time.

A black and white comic-style scene from 'I Married a Monster on a Hill,' featuring two characters, Chappy and Drake, during a camping trip. Chappy is seen sitting outside a tent, looking relaxed with a content expression, while Drake is sitting inside the tent, appearing tired and exhausted. Above Chappy, a speech bubble reads, 'Which is so fun for me! I love hiking and camping too.' Next to Drake, a smaller speech bubble simply says, 'Tired.' The scene captures a lighthearted and humorous moment between the characters. Featured for the How to Write Relatable Characters lesson. — A comic panel showcasing Chappy and Drake camping from “I Married a Monster on a Hill”.

Show, Don’t Tell when writing relatable characters

When writing relatable characters, instead of just telling your readers about your characters’ traits, show them through actions and dialogue. In “I Married a Monster on a Hill,” characters reveal themselves through their interactions and choices, making their personalities come alive. Use this technique to create dynamic, engaging characters.

Actually Make Them Relatable when you Write

Relatable characters resonate with readers especially when you learn how to write them. The characters in “I Married a Monster on a Hill” deal with everyday issues and emotions, making them easy to connect with. Think about how your characters’ experiences and feelings can mirror those of your readers. This connection is key to creating characters that readers care about.

A black and white comic-style collage from 'I Married a Monster on a Hill,' featuring various emotional scenes with characters in distress and comfort. The images depict a character with long, dark hair in different moments of anguish and solace, including one panel where he is being comforted by another character. Below the collage, a caption reads, 'He saved me through really dark times.' The overall tone of the collage is reflective and poignant, emphasizing themes of support and resilience. Featured for the How to Write Relatable Characters lesson. — A comic panel showcasing Malcolm and his past with Hugh from “I Married a Monster on a Hill”.

Need a Check-list for the “How to Write Relatable Characters” Lesson?

Creating relatable, unforgettable characters isn’t easy, but it’s worth the effort. By diving into backstories, understanding motivations, embracing quirks, showing rather than telling, and making your characters relatable, you can write characters that truly stand out. And remember, sometimes the best characters are those that have been with you the longest.

How to Write Relatable Characters

Inspired by “I Married a Monster on a Hill”

Dive into Backstories

Think About Their History

Where did they come from?
What experiences shaped them?

Understand Their Motivations

Identify Motivations

What drives your characters?
What do they want and why?

Embrace Their Quirks

Add Quirks

Give your characters unique traits and habits.
Even small or strange quirks can make a big difference.

The Long Haul: Characters with History

Develop Over Time

Don’t rush character development.
Let your characters grow and evolve over time.

Show, Don’t Tell

Show Through Actions

Reveal character traits through actions and dialogue.
Use interactions and choices to bring personalities to life.

Actually Make Them Relatable

Make Relatable

Think about how your characters’ experiences and feelings mirror those of your readers.
Create characters that readers can connect with.

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A promotional image of Reginald's (from "I Married a Monster on a Hill") Willowgrove Writing Tips series. The image is covered in scrapbook paper and tape with characters surrounding him in the background.

About the “Willowgrove Writing Tips” Series

Welcome to the “Willowgrove Writing Tips” Series, inspired by “I Married a Monster on a Hill.” This collection of articles offers free writing advice inspired by Katya Stec and Tatiana Stec, who have over ten years of experience in the publishing industry. They’ve interviewed creators, editors, agents, publishers, and industry experts, and have been creating reaction and review content online for over a decade. Bookmark these pages for insights and tips to enhance your storytelling. Dive into Willowgrove Hills and learn how to create relatable, engaging stories.

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