People don’t fall in love with stories just because of the plot. They fall in love with the characters. Think about the last book you couldn’t put down. Was it the twisty storyline that hooked you, or was it the protagonist you rooted for, the villain you hated, or the other side character who made you laugh?

We remember who the main characters are long after we have forgotten the finer details of the plot. That’s because characters are the heart of every great story. They make us feel something. They push the story forward.

So, what separates forgettable character types from the ones that stay with us forever? You have to understand the types of characters that exist in storytelling to get the answer. Let’s Go!

Key Takeaways 

1. While many believe that a story is what captivates audiences, it is actually the characters that forge a connection, making the narrative memorable and engaging.
2. A strong protagonist is essential to a story, as their journey and development drive the narrative forward.
3. Antagonists Must Be More Than Just “Evil” – A great antagonist has clear motives. Whether they are pure villains or complex figures, they should challenge the protagonist in meaningful ways.
4. Side Characters Are Very Important – Different characters, such as helpers, mentors, and comic relief, add depth and balance to a story.
5. Fantasy Worlds Need Specialized Character Types – If you are writing fantasy, consider archetypes. These characters help build an immersive world with deeper storytelling.
6. Strong Dialogue Creates Memorable Characters – Each character should have a distinct way of speaking. If all your characters sound the same, your writing may need refinement.
7. Flaws and Motivations Make Characters Real – Perfect characters are boring. A well-balanced mix of strengths and flaws makes a character relatable.

The Core Characters Every Story Needs 

If you are wondering what is the importance of core characters – they basically are the ones who:

• Make things happen
• Keep the plot going
• Capture our attention

Without them, the story would fall flat. There will not be much of a story to tell.

Here’s a look at some of the key players you will often find:

Protagonists (Heroes/Lead Characters) 

Let’s start with the obvious—who are the main characters in any story? The protagonist, of course!

The protagonist or the hero is the character we follow. He is the one who changes the most and is usually the one readers love and root for. In some cases, like F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” Nick Carraway, the protagonist, isn’t the most interesting character, but he is the lens through which we see the world.

Common Types of Protagonists 

The Classic Hero 

If you have seen the movie “The Lord of the Rings,” there is a character named Frodo who represents the qualities of bravery and selflessness, yet he often faces self-doubt and fear. Despite his uncertainties, he accepts the big task of destroying the One Ring to save Middle-earth.

This type of character is an ordinary person who becomes great through hard work and strong morals. Classic heroes like Frodo inspire us with their bravery and strength. They show that even the most unlikely people can make a big impact.

The Anti-Hero  

Take the example of Tony Soprano from the TV series “The Sopranos.” He is a mafia boss and is involved in illegal and morally corrupt activities. He also has a soft side that shows how good of a family man he is who struggles with his mental health issues, like anxiety and depression.

Tony’s complexity and vulnerability make him an interesting character. Even though he has a lot of flaws and makes questionable choices, people still feel drawn to him and sometimes even feel sorry for him.

Such character types are known as anti-heroes, and they make us (the readers) rethink what is right and wrong and provide a deeper understanding of human nature.

The Tragic Hero 

Hamlet in William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” is a great portrayal of a tragic hero. The circumstances and his personal flaws are the cause of his destruction. Throughout the story, you can see he is indecisive and obsessed with avenging his father’s death. He also lives in constant existential crisis.

The journey of a tragic hero involves a lot of suffering and an unavoidable downfall, leading the audience to feel pity and fear. Hamlet’s story serves as a strong reminder of the sad results of human weakness and the unchangeable nature of fate.

If you’re struggling to create a character like this, you can seek help from the best professional editing services. They can assist not only with writing but also in improving dialogue, motivation, and character development.

Antagonists (Villains/Obstacle Creators) 

A protagonist can look good, and people will root for them only if the antagonist is strong. Now, antagonists can be anyone. It can be a wicked villain or the challenges of society. A good, tough, and wicked villain increases the stakes and makes the story more engaging.

Types of Antagonists 

The Pure Villain 

Do you remember Voldemort from Harry Potter? The evil wizard, who was clever and cruel, had no remorse for killing others, so much so that he committed the horrific sin of making hocruxes. His constant chase of power and immortality, which J.K Rowling combined with his complete lack of empathy. Such antagonists are hated and feared by all.

His backstory, while tragic, doesn’t get much sympathy because of the extreme malice he displays and how mercilessly he kills others. People like him are true villains who represent pure evil, making the hero’s fight against them even more interesting.

The Sympathetic Antagonist  

Erik Killmonger from Black Panther is a great example of this. Even though he seems like a bad guy, his actions come from real pain and a strong desire for revenge. When he tries to help people who have been oppressed, his intentions, even if they are extreme, make sense.

Having a complex villain is important for the story because it creates uncertainty and encourages the audience to question their own moral beliefs.

The Internal Struggle  

In “Fight Club,” the protagonist, Tyler Durden, known as the Narrator, battles his own alter ego. This character’s struggle within himself is what pushes the story forward, and his mental issues appear as external threats. Through this character, readers can think about themes like identity, masculinity, and disappointment in society. The enemies that reflect his inner battles show how complicated the human mind is and create thoughtful stories.

If your antagonist feels one-dimensional, hire affordable book editing services for feedback.

The Supporting Characters 

Every hero needs a sidekick—someone to challenge, support, or even betray them. Just like Dr. Watson in “Sherlock Holmes.”

Why do they matter? 

• They highlight the flaws of the main hero. 
• They make the story more interesting.
• They have the potential to steal the show. 

Important Supporting Characters 

Mentor  

If I ask you who your mentor is, what is the definition of a mentor? For some, it could be a senior colleague. For others, it could be a parent. Mentors are basically those people in our lives who can support you, give you advice, and guide you during tough times.

When writing a book, as a writer, you need to incorporate a supporting character to guide and support the protagonist on their journey. They will share wisdom, skills, or advice that will help the hero to cross hurdles and achieve success. For example, Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars is the support for Luke Skywalker’s transformation into a Jedi.

Mentors in the books usually have a strong understanding of the world and the main character’s abilities. If you’re finding it hard to write believable mentor characters, getting help from professional writing and editing services can offer useful feedback to improve your story. If you’re struggling with how to show your story’s mentors, consider asking for expert advice from writing and editing services.

The Love Interest 

Love interests aren’t just for romance novels—they’re important in many different types of stories. For example, Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice and the dynamic duo of Katniss and Peeta from “The Hunger Games” show how love interests create emotional tension and drive character development.

A well-written love interest can make relationships and the narrative authentic so that people who read it can feel more relatable. When crafting love interests, you should write in a way that their presence enriches the plot and the protagonist’s arc.

The Lancer 

This character type is the protagonist’s equal but opposite. It provides a counterbalance to the main hero. They often differ in personality, skills, or ideology.

A good example of this is Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk from “Star Trek.” Captain Kirk is passionate, impulsive, and charming, whereas Spock’s character is logical, reserved, and methodical in the story.

This dynamic between both characters creates a strong partnership that improves the story. Kirk’s bold and brave personality is different from Spock’s calm and careful way of thinking. You can also notice different viewpoints that show both their strengths and weaknesses.

Unique & Minor Characters

In a story, minor characters often have shorter roles. For example, a fruit seller might briefly provide directions to the main character. These minor characters can help connect the important events, explaining how everything began and what led to the main action.

Sometimes, they play a key role in moving the story forward. By sharing helpful hints or influencing the main character’s growth, these characters make the story feel more real and layered.

Types of These Characters 

The Comic Relief 

Didn’t you enjoy laughing at Tyrion Lannister’s witty remarks when he said, “I drink and I know things” in Game of Thrones? These characters lighten the mood with their wit and humor, providing much-needed breaks from all the tension going on in the story. However, they sometimes have a deeper purpose as well.

Such characters can offer unique perspectives, reveal important truths, or show hidden facets of other characters. They make the story a little less serious for a while, and readers get more connected to it.

The Skeptic 

A skeptic challenges the protagonist’s beliefs. For example, in “Breaking Bad,” Hank Schrader, a DEA agent, often doubts and underestimates his brother-in-law, Walter White. Hank starts to worry about Walter being involved in drug dealing, which creates a lot of conflicts and stress in the story. He doubts Walter’s actions and reasons, trying to get Walter to come up with new plans to stay out of trouble.

Initially portrayed as a straightforward law enforcement officer, Hank’s character further gets complicated as his personal and professional lives intertwine. Characters like Hank create more intellectual and emotional hurdles in the hero’s story. These hurdles further grow the character and build the plot. If you’re finding it difficult to make minor characters impactful, affordable writing editing services can assist in improving this aspect.

The Doppelgänger 

A doppelgänger is a complex and intriguing character type. They mirror or contrast the protagonist, revealing their flaws, desires, or inner conflicts. One classic example is Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. These two sides of the same person represent the duality of good and evil within a single soul.

Dr. Jekyll is a respectable, kind-hearted man, while Mr. Hyde expresses dark, primal urges. This split personality highlights the internal battle between virtue and vice that we all experience.

Doppelgängers aren’t always literal alter egos. Sometimes, they appear as other characters who reflect the protagonist’s hidden aspects. For instance, In Black Swan, Nina’s doppelgänger is Lily. Lily embodies Nina’s suppressed desires for freedom, sensuality, and rebellion. Through her interactions with Lily, Nina confronts her fears and repressed emotions, which ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of herself.

The Catalyst 

A catalyst sparks change in the story, which often sets the protagonist on their path but may not be present throughout. Think of the old man in “The Alchemist,” who tells Santiago about his personal legend. They are the inciting force that propels the protagonist into action, igniting their journey or transformation.

They may appear briefly but leave an impact that lasts longer than the main character.

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Character 

AI characters are not fully human but are self-aware and often ponder their existence. A great example is Ava from Ex Machina. She is a highly advanced AI in a humanoid robot form. As she engages with the protagonist, Caleb, she shows curiosity, intelligence, and a strong desire for freedom.

Ava’s journey raises important questions about what it means to be conscious, have freedom, and truly be “alive.” Her interactions with Caleb and her creator, Nathan, challenge us to think about the ethics of artificial intelligence.

The story looks into themes of identity, freedom, and morality. Ava’s struggle to understand her own existence reflects the big questions we all face as humans. AI characters like Ava add depth to the story.

They make us think about how technology affects our lives and the ethical challenges we encounter as we create more advanced artificial beings. Through Ava’s experiences, Ex Machina encourages viewers to reconsider their thoughts on consciousness, humanity, and the future of AI.

The Fallen Hero 

They start as a hero but descend into darkness due to their personal choices or circumstances. Michael Corleone from The Godfather exemplifies this idea. Michael begins as a war hero who wants to distance himself from his family’s criminal activities.

Still, circumstances force him to take on the mantle of leadership within the Corleone crime family. As he finds out more about organized crime, Michael becomes ruthless and manipulative, sacrificing his morality and personal relationships for power and control.

Basically, the entire idea of Fallen Hero’s arc is to show the complexities of human nature, where the pursuit of power and protection of family can lead people to make absolutely devastating choices.

Michael’s Journey into Darkness is a strong story that highlights themes of who we are, giving up something important, and how violence often repeats itself.

The Silent Guardian 

A Silent Guardian is someone who helps and protects others without wanting any credit or recognition. They play an important role behind the scenes. A good example of this is Samwise Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings. He is not the main hero, but his loyalty, courage, and support are essential for Frodo to succeed.

The selflessness and commitment of Silent Guardians show how important these everyday heroes are. Their quiet actions add depth to the story and highlight themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and real heroism.

The Unreliable Narrator 

The Unreliable Narrator tells a story that can be confusing because they have biases, lack knowledge, or maybe trying to trick the reader. For example, Patrick Bateman in American Psycho has serious mental issues and sees the world in a messed-up way, which makes his story hard to trust.

When readers encounter these unreliable narrators, they have to think carefully and figure out what really happens. This aspect of unreliable narrators adds depth to the story, making it more interesting and thought-provoking for readers.

Types of Fantasy Characters  

Writing fantasy? You’ll need more than just a hero and a villain. Let’s look at types of fantasy characters that build immersive worlds.

The Chosen One 

The trope is a classic part of storytelling. You must have seen it in characters from The Matrix to The Wheel of Time. Neo, the protagonist of The Matrix, is intended for greatness and is prophesied to be “The One” who will save humanity from the machines. Neo faces many problems and goes on a path of self-discovery.

In the story, he gains impressive skills, faces strong enemies, and becomes a hero. His journey includes danger, sacrifice, and personal growth. These elements show themes of destiny, bravery, and the struggle for freedom.

The Trickster 

This type of character is known for being clever, tricky, and full of surprises. Some of the classic examples of such characters are Loki from “Norse Mythology” and Puck from Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

If you ask what the main role of tricksters is, they basically shake things up. They create chaos and fun while always having a specific goal in mind. These characters, while uncertain, are vital to the story because of the insights they offer, the change they provoke, and the way they highlight the complexity of human nature.

How to Create Unforgettable Characters 

Writing compelling characters isn’t just about knowing the types of characters. You need to give them depth, history, and a unique voice.

Give Them Distinct Voices 

Creating unforgettable characters starts with giving each one a distinct voice. This means crafting dialogue that reflects their personality, background, and experiences. When characters all sound the same, the story falls flat. A novel where every character speaks with the same cadence and vocabulary—would be monotonous. Instead, check each character’s speech patterns, slang, and tone are sole.

For example, a seasoned detective might use sharp, clipped sentences, while a young, enthusiastic intern might speak in a more casual, energetic manner. Distinct voices not only make characters memorable but also help readers to differentiate them easily. If your characters lack unique voices, the best book editing services can put the missing things in it.

Balance Strengths and Flaws 

Perfect characters can be boring and unrealistic. To make your characters relatable and relevant to the audience, add flaws in their personality.

For example, Bruce Wayne in Batman is a strong and clever superhero who deals with his personal problems (trauma of his parents being killed) and feelings of loneliness. A character’s weaknesses make them more relatable and interesting to readers. It’s their flaws that help characters feel more real and captivating.

Make sure to include your characters’ strengths and weaknesses in the story. This helps readers understand how these traits affect what they do and the choices they make. By doing this, you can create more balanced characters and advance both their development and the plot.

A tip: Remember, readers love characters who mirror real human complexity. This means characters that are strong but not invincible. They should have flaws and vulnerabilities.

Make Their Motivations Clear 

A character’s motivation is the driving force behind their actions and decisions. One can add revenge, survival, love, or ambition as motivation to build a character’s role as engaging and believable. Consider Edmond Dantès in “The Count of Monte Cristo,” whose search for revenge drives the entire narrative.

In “The Road,” the father’s motivation to protect his son at all costs propels the story forward. Ensure that every action your character takes stems from their core motivation. This makes the plot coherent and allows readers to understand and empathize with the character’s struggles and desires.

Conclusion

Stories become popular on great character types. Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, knowing these types will help you craft a memorable narrative. While writing for your story, keep the character’s voice distinctive.

Don’t make the characters too good or too bad that they look like a made-up story. Whoever is your main character, villain or hero, makes their motivations straight so that the audience can understand why they are doing this.

Even the best writers need an extra pair of eyes. Do seek help after wiring it all. Every masterpiece starts with a draft, but it’s editing that turns it into a masterpiece.

FAQs  

How do I avoid making my characters feel one-dimensional? 

Make your characters interesting by giving them clear reasons for what they do, along with strengths and weaknesses. Show their relationships, problems, and how they grow. A flat character feels dull and lacks meaning.

What’s the difference between a protagonist and a main character? 

A protagonist is the main person in a story who drives the plot forward, while a main character is just an important person in the story. For instance, in The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway is the protagonist, but Gatsby is the main character.

Is it a rule to only add one protagonist to the story? 

No! Stories like Game of Thrones or The Lord of the Rings have multiple protagonists with their own arcs.

Describe dynamic vs. static characters. 

Dynamic characters change and grow, e.g., “Harry Potter.” Static characters stay the same, e.g., “Sherlock Holmes.”.

How do I make my villain more attractive? 

Make your villain interesting by giving them a background, reasons for their actions, and some good traits. A good villain thinks they are the hero of their own story, and that makes them more engaging for people.

Can a setting act as a character? 

Absolutely! In books like Wuthering Heights, the setting feels alive, influencing the characters’ moods and actions. A strong setting can shape the story’s tone and conflict.

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About Author

Hi My name is Micheal Adams, When I am not watching horror movies and helping my kids with homework or reading my favorite fantasy/supernatural novels – I’m writing to guide aspiring authors. I focus on exploring and simplifying both the technical aspects and the often-overlooked details of book writing and publishing so I can empower new writers to climb the Amazon bestseller list and connect with more readers.