I was tasked with writing a post between 700-1000 words for a writing & publishing blog, in an educational but fun tone, using well-known book/movie examples.

Think about the last great book you read. Why did you like it? It had an interesting setting, an exciting plot, an AWESOME main character…

That’s right—you loved the protagonist. It’s because people make emotional connections with characters—not plot points—that they are the front and center of any good story. For readers to go on the journey alongside them, they have to care and relate. So let’s dive right in and learn how to create a protagonist that readers will be rooting for to the very end.

Step one—work on your protagonist’s character arc. Dynamic characters are more real and relatable because readers can see themselves in that character’s struggles and triumphs.

Think about Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. They hold our attention because they go on a journey of change. As they pursue the goal of happily ever after, their misbeliefs and flaws hinder them from achieving that desire. Only when they acknowledge their errors and recognize the truth do they find what they’re looking for. When we understand their arcs, their personalities fall into place. They have strengths (high standards, kindness, courage) and weaknesses (pride and prejudice) that correspond to their story.

By understanding your protagonist's arc, you will be better able to express their backstory, motivations, goals, character flaws, and transformation. Don't skip this step! It paves the way for many other details and makes a story meaningful to read.

Now that your protagonist is dynamic, you’ll have to make sure they’re sympathetic as well. People want to understand and connect with a character on a deeper level, rather than just watch the plot happen to them.

One of the best ways to forge this deep connection is by giving your protagonist internal conflict. Ultimately, it’s not a character's external situation, traits, or superpower that a reader relates to. If that were the case, hardly anyone would enjoy fantasy!

However, as the popularity of Avatar: The Last Airbender illustrates, that’s not the case. Take Aang for instance: the fate of the world may rest on his shoulders and he might have all four elemental powers, but he's still a normal kid with struggles of his own. He's conflicted as he tries to reconcile his age with his responsibility, his values to his duty, his identity as a 12-year-old air nomad to his identity as the Avatar. Because internal conflict tends to deal with universal themes and emotions experienced by all people, it's a powerful tool for making your protagonist feel real.

Some people think that a plain and simplistic protagonist will make it easier for readers to put themselves in that character’s shoes. Let such thoughts be banished from your mind! As we just saw, it’s a character’s inner journey that allows people to relate to them. Since that’s the case, you can focus on making your protagonist interesting and round. Try to be as specific as possible with external characterization. It adds realism to their personality.

A great example of this is Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. She’s an 11-year-old orphan who hates her red hair and wishes she had dimples in her elbows. She would rather be called Cordelia than plain old Anne. She’s loyal, stubborn, quick to lose her temper, and slow to forgive. She’s got a flair for the dramatic, an eye for beauty, and an overactive imagination. The best part of it all is that none of these details are arbitrary, but are a product of her backstory and crucial to her character arc.

After you’ve figured out your protagonist’s unique traits, you’ll have to show all this to the reader. The best way is to have your protagonist interact with other characters. Different relationships bring out different sides of a person. Think of Little Women. One reason it’s so appealing is that it explores the relationships Jo March has with her sisters, family, and neighbors. Beth brings out Jo’s tender side. Amy brings out her impatience. And of course, Laurie brings out the playful mischievous tomboy in Jo that we all adore.

Relationships are also a great tool you can use to grow your protagonist. In Sherlock, Sherlock’s character arc is about him growing from a cold and sociopathic recluse to someone who cares. And the element most instrumental to his arc is Watson, who accepts him, stays by him, and models friendship for him.

Character voice refers to how a character sees the world. Usually, this is expressed through narration, internal monologue, and dialogue, but can also include mannerisms and actions.

If writing from a first-person point of view, you have a great opportunity to explore your protagonist’s voice and make it one-of-a-kind. Or, if you’re writing in third-person, don’t let that stop you from being creative with their way of speaking, reacting, or even thinking.

Back to Anne Shirley again—one reason she’s so entertaining and memorable is because of her long dramatic monologues and ornate vocabulary. Although the books are written in third-person, there is no lack of unique voice to Anne. So use your imagination, and of course, do your research.

Writing compelling protagonists is part science, part art. With careful observation and constant practice, you’ll soon become a master. Until then (and even after), use these five tips to deepen and strengthen the characterization of your protagonists. And who knows? Perhaps one of your creations will someday become a household name.