5 Tips For Character Development In Thrillers

In the world of thriller writing, characters aren't just part of the story - they are the story. The depth and complexity of your characters can make or break your novel. Personally, I spend a lot of time on character building. Whether it's appearance, personality traits, etc. I can spend hours working a single character. Here, I'll share some key tips and tricks I use for developing compelling characters in my thriller, although you can apply these in any genre of writing if it works well for you.

1. Give Them a Secret

Every intriguing character has a secret. In thrillers and mysteries, secrets add layers of suspense and complexity. Think about what your character is hiding and how it impacts their actions. The secret does not have to be life changing or straight forward, they can be simple and mundane. Things that we all hide from others in our every day lives.

2. Flawed Yet Relatable

Imperfection makes characters relatable. In real life, no one is perfect and it's not interesting to read about someone who has no flaws. Give your characters flaws that are realistic and contribute to the story's conflict. Whether it's a detective's personal demons or a victim's hidden past, these flaws should drive the narrative forward. You can even give them characteristics that are not usually a flaw, but in your story it might be. For example, someone who is stubborn may not fair very well against a villain who is controlling and dominant.

3. Motivations and Stakes

Understand and clearly define what motivates your characters. What are their goals? What are they willing to do to achieve their goals? High stakes heighten tension, making your story more gripping. This is key to a good thriller. However, it is important to find original ways to raise the stakes.

4. Dynamic Development

Characters should evolve throughout the story. Show how the events and challenges they face change them, for better or worse. This evolution keeps readers engaged and adds depth to your narrative. This is especially important when it comes to Thrillers, as the story typically evolves quickly. From twist to twist, your character should evolve and change.

5. Consistent Yet Unpredictable

While consistency in character behavior is key, adding an element of unpredictability can create compelling twists. Maybe your protagonist makes an unexpected choice, or a side character reveals an unforeseen side. It is important to balance consistency and unpredictability, so that your character remains interesting but realistic.

Great characters are a key element to a thriller novel. The more attached your readers are to your characters, the more they will be enticed to turn the page for the next twist. By focusing on these aspects of character development, you can ensure that your readers get attached to your characters and keep reading even when you make the readers wait for the answer to the last twist.

I would also suggest that you keep track of your character building by keeping notes or using a journal. There are many available on Amazon that are affordable, you can use the link below to browse different options: