Character Creation Meets Politics: 5 Novel-Writing Tips Inspired by Presidential Campaigns

In my next free subscriber only Monday Writing Motivation, I draw the parallels between creating compelling characters and vetting presidential candidates. Who knew that creating the next great American (or British or South African) novel could be so similar to selecting the leader of the free world? Here are some key, practical take-aways:

• Focus on the intangibles: While a character’s resume might look impressive on paper, it’s their hidden qualities that truly captivate readers.
• Celebrate contradictions: Characters become interesting when they possess seemingly conflicting traits, like being shy in public but open in private.
• Show them under pressure: Put your characters through challenging situations to reveal their true nature and allow readers to see how they respond.
• Dig deeper than demographics: Go beyond age, sex, and background to explore the psychological impacts of a character’s life experiences.
• Let readers speculate: Create opportunities for your audience to wonder about a character’s potential, keeping them engaged in the story.

It’s not surprising that, whether you’re judging a political candidate, or shaping a fictional protagonist, the key is to let them run the gauntlet of life’s challenges. So, the next time you’re stuck in your writing, just imagine your character engaged in a rousing argument with an antagonist – it might just be the inspiration you need to make them electable… er, relatable.

Happy writing

Richard

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