Christian Writing 101 Step 2a: Design - Character Building

Character building is one of the most critical parts in creating a novel. The characters, especially when believable, carry the reader along, as if the reader were experiencing the difficulties, growth and discoveries the character made it through. It is expected that the reader will identify with the main character, or sometimes even one of the supporting characters or the antagonist.

If the character is one-dimensional, or unrealistic, the reader will quickly lose interest or their willing suspension of disbelief.

Protagonist

First, there is the Protagonist, or Main Character. (MC). Your novel could have a few of these, as several characters work together to achieve some common goal, sometimes separated by distance or some tragedy but united in goal. The Point Of View (POV) of the story is usually in the 'head' of the MC or MCs.

Antagonist

Then, there is the Antagonist. This is the person (or thing, or creature) that has a countering goal, who gets in the way of the protagonist, who makes life difficult. The Antagonist and the Protagonist usually have cross purposes. The criminal mastermind wants to make one last heist and get away clean, and retire on an island, while the detective is determined to stop him and bring him to justice.

The antagonist does not always have to be a person. In The Old Man and the Sea, the sea itself is the enemy. In Alive, the story of the Andes Survivors, the snow and the mountain were the enemies. Sometimes, time itself is an enemy. 

Supporting Cast

As in a movie, the protagonist and the antagonist both have supporting cast. The wise mentor that helps the detective gain focus. The dirty cop who helps the criminal mastermind get away, for a share of the 'take'.

Characteristics

Every person on earth has a body, a mind, and a spirit. Likewise, your characters, even your supporting cast, should reflect this. It is a good idea to fill out a questionnaire like the one below, for each character in your novel: the protagonist, the antagonist, and all supporting characters.

Character Sketch

Each character in a novel, or at least your protagonist and antagonist, should have a goal that is clearly defined by the middle of the book. The reader should eventually understand what is at stake for each by that time, also. (Stakes). The characters should have redeeming qualities, that make them likable, but at least one flaw that they either overcome by grit, or, more likely, that causes a failure in the middle of the book and must be overcome with external help, usually through supporting cast, or intervention even by God. (Deus Ex Machina).

I normally use Excel to flesh out my story. I'm linking a blank copy of that spreadsheet below. If you do not have/can't afford Microsoft Office, You can open them and edit a copy for yourself using Open Office. It's free and does a lot that Office does.
Blank Story Workbook

I won't spend a lot of time discussing the fleshing out of your characters beyond that; the questionnaire and workbook do a better job. But if you have any questions beyond that you can drop me an email at chris [dot] solaas [at] yahoo [dot] com.