Characters are difficult things, let me tell you. By definition, a character is just a person in a literary work or movie. BUT, they are more than that. How many people have ever cried when their favorite character died, got outraged when the main hero was betrayed, or swooned at the sappy romances in teen novels. Well, that'd be pretty much everyone, I suppose. In my quest to write a novel or two I'm looking at characters, because they're kind of important. Characters are my favorite part of books. I love to read about them, to learn about who they are and what makes them tick. It's almost like 'collecting' each individual, I guess. So, I've researched what makes a character a character.
I read about creating a believable, relatable character online. From what I read, it seems to me that you have to start with a name. I'd disagree, personally, but that's one way to do it. I like to start off with this question: What gap am I filling with this character? If you start with this question, it's easier to develop your character.
For example:
Your scene is a bar. Your protagonist is about to get a big promotion, and has come to have a quick drink as a celebration before going to work. He's decked out in his suit, standing at the bar, chatting with the bartender. Boring. You need something to spice up this scene. What you need is a member of a rival gang. What? I never mentioned that your protagonist works for the Mafia? That's because… he doesn't. But, your new 'rival gang member' doesn't know that. He's about to attack your dude because he LOOKS like a Mafia thug in his slick suit.
Now you have a 'What.' He will attack your protagonist… let's call that guy Bob because it's tiring to continually write 'protagonist.' You also have your 'Why.' Now you need a 'When.' When will this fight take place? How about after your new character walks in and sees Bob talking to the bartender, who is the Godfather's lead informant? Excellent. 'How…' as in, how is this fight going to go down? Well, Bob's going to get his can kicked, obviously. It's a tragic event, and he won't get to be there for his promotion! His boss will be ticked! Oh NO… hahaha. All you need now is the most important part: the 'Who.' Not the band, but the last question (har har har). Well, we know he's a thug. He's suspicious. He's tough. Let's call him… Bruno. It fits his description. Creating a backstory should be easy from there.
So that's a small lesson on what I think it takes to make a character! Here's a pic of my favorite artist, who olds that position because of his wonderful characters: Brandon Sanderson.
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