Fleshing out characters can be something of a challenge. That’s why we’re going to ask you a few questions to get you thinking about the ins and outs of your characters. To start, we’re going to talk about your protagonist, the Action Hero. Like James Bond, he’s the main star of the adventure, the one your readers will follow cover-to-cover as he (or she) fights to survive the journey. He needs depth and personality, and it’s up to you to give them to him.
What is his back story?
Everyone has a history. It’s where we come from, how we grew up, and why we are the way we are. Did he have a difficult childhood? Was he wealthy, poor, or somewhere in the middle? Did he have friends or mentors? Consider how his back story plays into your plot and how he handles what he’s dealt. Think about what specific events, if any, shaped him into who he is today, and then really think about how you’re going to introduce those events into the story. Will you use flashback? Will he tell his story to another character? Will something from his past be revealed through documents or people? Perhaps his history will be a mystery—and part of the puzzle the reader is responsible for deciphering.
What kind of person is he now?
Personality is a huge key to characters; otherwise, they would all seem bland and identical. Is he kind and loving? Is he bookish and nerdy or outdoorsy and adventurous? What does he do for a living? What are his hobbies? Is he constantly surrounded by people, or is he a social hermit? Often, writers of action-adventure forego answering these types of questions in favor of instant action and constant movement, but doing so does the character a disservice and makes him flat—and harder for the reader to relate to. Every reader loves to see a little bit of him- or herself in a protagonist; it makes the character more human.
Does he have a tragic flaw?
Nobody is perfect, and sometimes it can get in our way as we try to succeed in life. Does he have a temper? Is he arrogant? Does his jealousy get the best of him? Can he compensate for his flaws enough to save the day? While they’re still imperfect and human, not every hero needs to have a tragic flaw. On the other hand, giving your hero a trait like this to fight or overcome on his journey can give you more material to work with when it comes to your plot. Take, for instance, the hero Hercules in Greek mythology. His massive strength led to the demise of his family. His guilt led him on the quest of the 12 Labors. His flaw caused his journey, and he worked to overcome it. Adding a trait like a tragic flaw can add color and depth to your character and material to your storyline.
Is there a love interest?
Not every hero has to save a damsel in distress. That being said, love and romance can serve as great inspiration for a hero. Is he haunted by a romance in his past? Is he fighting to save the one he loves? Maybe he meets a woman in his quest and falls for her gemstone eyes. Is she a distraction or an asset? Diving straight into the action, adventure, and glory is great, but adding a romantic interest can provide texture to your novel, while offering another avenue for readers to connect with it. Some authors choose to forgo romance altogether; they write characters who prefer the solitary life in which they can focus on the task at hand. To write love, or not to write love? The choice, among many others, is yours.
While all of this may seem formulaic, your answers will individualize your hero. Remember that how you answer these questions and create your character should not be arbitrary; your responses should build layers and complexity—even if they don’t end up in the story, they’ll give you a better grasp of your hero, which will allow you to handle him more deftly as you write in actions, decisions, and emotions. Now is your chance to create a character worth remembering: your Action Hero awaits.
Stay tuned for more from “On Writing Action-Adventure” help: tips and tricks for tackling your heroine, coming soon!
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