Craft Compelling “Sticky” Characters That Captivate Readers

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of stepping into a story and being swept up in a world that’s not your own.

The characters we encounter can be the most memorable part of that experience, their stories lingering with us long after the final page is turned. But what makes some characters stick out more than others? How do authors craft protagonists that resonate with readers and keep them coming back for more?

Let's explore the elements that make a protagonist truly memorable and the techniques you can use to develop compelling characters that will have readers raving about your work and protagonists that jump off the page.

Distinctive Traits, Flaws, Rootability, Driving Force

Characters that stick with readers tend to possess a mix of distinctive traits, bold flaws, and a strong driving force or motivation that readers can root for.

These traits and flaws should be unique to the character and help make them stand out in a sea of stories. For example, Katniss Everdeen’s selflessness, bravery, and stubbornness in The Hunger Games made her a memorable protagonist with a “sticky” presence long after the series ended. Her flaws and struggles, such as her trust issues and difficulty forming relationships, also created stakes and made her story more compelling. And flaws drive the protagonist into the story problem where their weakness is challenged.

Their choices, reactions, and arcs drive the narrative forward. We’re invested in their journey.

Flaws Create Stakes

Perfect characters are boring.

Characters that have no flaws or challenges to face tend to be uninteresting and difficult to relate to. Readers want to see their protagonists struggle and grow throughout the story. Flaws can also create stakes, adding tension and making the reader worry for the protagonist’s well-being. Examples of flawed characters include Sherlock Holmes and his arrogance, Harry Potter and his recklessness, and Holden Caulfield (The Catcher in the Rye) and his cynicism. These characters faced challenges that felt real, which allowed readers to empathize with them.

So make your hero messy and give them issues to overcome.

Craft Dimension

Sticky protagonists should feel real, and a backstory can help create that dimension.

Give them desires beyond the main storyline goal, like hobbies, dreams, and regrets.

A well-crafted backstory, even if it’s not fully explained in the book, can add depth and richness to a character. This backstory can include details about the character’s childhood, family dynamics, or significant life events that shaped who they are today. By understanding the character’s past, readers can better understand their motivations and tendencies.

For example, understanding Tony Stark’s difficult relationship with his father helps explain his arrogance and self-destructive tendencies in the Marvel Universe.

Show their messy humanity through relationships and emotional responses.

Make Them Memorable

Distilling your protagonist down to their essence in your own mind through vivid descriptions can help make them memorable.

When an author knows their protagonist inside and out, it shows in the writing. Giving the character a distinctive physical trait, unique mannerisms, or memorable catchphrases can make them more memorable. What makes them pop compared to other characters? Keep referring back to these touchstones as you write to keep your hero sticky.

For example, Tyrion Lannister’s dwarfism, witty comebacks, and love for wine helped make him a fan favorite in Game of Thrones.

Tone of Voice

Also, the tone of voice that the protagonist speaks in can have a huge impact on how memorable they are.

A witty, fun, or compelling tone can make the character feel more real and relatable. Think of Katniss’ dry humor, Harry Potter’s adolescent wit, or Lisbeth Salander’s dark sarcasm. Or maybe your protagonist has a particular way of speaking or slang terms that they use. Your protagonist’s voice should be consistent throughout the story and give readers an idea of who they are as a person.

These tones of voice add dimension to the characters and make them more than just words on a page.

The final word

Crafting sticky characters takes time and effort, but it’s worth it if you want to create a story that readers will remember long after they put the book down.

By giving your protagonist unique traits and bold flaws, creating a compelling backstory, making them memorable, and showing their driving motivation, you can make a character that will stick with readers long after the last page turns. So the next time you sit down to create a character, remember these tips and let your imagination run wild.

Who knows, you may just create the next “sticky” protagonist that readers can’t get enough of.

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