Raymond Hunter’s command over mature adult satirical sci-fi comedy is evident from his latest release, Planet Saviors. However, the expert writer’s skills in crafting memorable fictional characters are what separates him from the crowd. This blog explores some of the most invaluable insights the author provides for creating compelling characters in sci-fi and making your book more relatable.
7 Best Tips for Crafting Memorable Fictional Characters in Sci-Fi
Here are the seven best tips to remember when planning character development for your sci-fi novel.
1. Begin with a Solid Foundation
The first step in creating memorable fictional characters is to establish a solid foundation for each of them. Start by defining their core traits, such as their personality, background, and motivations. These foundational elements will serve as the building blocks upon which you’ll construct the character’s journey throughout your sci-fi story.
To truly make your characters come alive, consider basing them, at least in part, on real people you know. By doing so, you can infuse your characters with authentic qualities and behaviors, making them relatable to your readers.
2. Develop Complex Personalities
One-dimensional characters rarely leave a lasting impression. To create truly memorable fictional characters, they must have depth and complexity. Think about their strengths, weaknesses, and flaws. How do these traits shape their decisions and actions within your sci-fi narrative?
One effective technique is to create characters with conflicting traits or motivations. For example, a brilliant scientist struggling with personal insecurities can make for a compelling and relatable protagonist. Explore the complexities of their inner worlds, and readers will be drawn into their journey.
3. Craft Unique Backstories
The backstory of a character is a treasure trove of opportunities for adding depth and richness to their personality. Consider the world-building aspects of your science fiction universe and how they have influenced your character’s past. Explore their experiences, traumas, or significant life events that have shaped who they are today.
Drawing inspiration from real people can help you create more authentic backstories. Think about the real individuals you know and how their past experiences have shaped their personalities. This can serve as a valuable reference when crafting your character’s history.
For instance, Hunter’s latest book, Planet Saviors, depicts Stella as the protagonist. Her backstory is rooted in her paradise-like society, which is on the brink of extinction. Hence, Stella’s unique background shapes her character’s motivations and actions throughout the story.
4. Establish Clear Motivations
What drives your fictional characters? What are their goals, desires, and fears? Understanding their motivations is essential for creating engaging and relatable characters. Readers should be able to empathize with their struggles and aspirations.
Base your character’s motivations on real emotions and desires that you’ve observed in people around you. Whether it’s the pursuit of love, power, justice, or survival, anchoring your character’s drive in real human experiences will make them resonate with your audience.
5. Give Them Quirks and Flaws
Imperfections make characters more interesting and relatable. Real people are full of quirks, flaws, and idiosyncrasies, and your fictional characters should be no different. These quirks can add authenticity to your characters and make them stand out in readers’ minds.
Observing the peculiarities of individuals you know can be a great source of inspiration. Maybe you’ve noticed a friend’s habit of collecting vintage comic books or a colleague’s tendency to speak in riddles. Incorporate these quirks into your characters to make them feel more genuine.
6. Create Relationships and Interactions
Fictional characters do not exist in isolation; they thrive in their relationships with others. To craft memorable characters, pay attention to the dynamics between them and how these relationships evolve throughout your sci-fi story.
Think about the relationships in your own life. The dynamics between family members, friends, or colleagues can provide valuable insights into how characters interact with each other. Use these observations to shape the connections in your sci-fi universe.
Let’s take Stella’s example again. Her interactions with Earthlings, particularly her romantic involvement with John, play a central role in the story’s dynamics. Furthermore, these relationships and interactions create depth and conflict, driving the narrative forward.
7. Allow for Growth and Change
As your characters navigate the challenges of your sci-fi narrative, they should undergo growth and transformation. Just like real people, fictional characters should evolve as they face obstacles and make choices. This evolution adds depth and relatability to your characters.
Consider the personal growth you’ve witnessed in the people around you. How have their experiences and decisions shaped them over time? Apply these observations to your fictional characters, allowing them to evolve in a way that resonates with your readers.
Final Thoughts
Crafting memorable fictional characters in science fiction is a rewarding and essential aspect of storytelling. By drawing inspiration from real people you know, you can infuse authenticity into your characters, making them relatable and unforgettable.
Remember to develop complex personalities, unique backstories, clear motivations, and quirks that set your characters apart. Let their relationships and growth drive your narrative, and you’ll create sci-fi characters that leave a lasting impression on your readers. Happy writing!Raymond Hunter’s Planet Saviors, a mature adult satirical sci-fi comedy, is a school for writers exploring the sci-fi genre. Order your copy today and delve into the unique journey of Stella’s struggles to save her planet.
