Mastering Character Creation: Bring Your (Brand) Story to Life!
Freddy Fibre and Barbara Broadband
Creating a compelling character is one of the most rewarding parts of storytelling. Whether you’re crafting heroes for a novel, a game, or you create a protagonist in a screenplay, memorable characters are the heart of any story.
Creating a character for a brand is a strategic decision aimed at making the brand more relatable, memorable and engaging. It helps with:
- Emotional Connection
- Differentiation
- Storytelling
- Memorability
- Consistency and Recognition
- Targeting Specific Audiences
1. The Basics
Every character needs a foundation. Answer these core questions:
- Name: What’s their full name?
- Age: How old are they?
- Appearance: How do they look? Include unique features that set them apart.
- Occupation/Role: What do they do and how does it define them?
2. The Backstory
A rich backstory gives characters depth and informs their actions. Consider:
- Origins: Where were they born? What’s their family like?
- Key Events: What experiences shaped them?
- Relationships: Who matters most to them? How do these bonds shape their decisions?
3. Define Their Motivation and Goals
Every character needs a driving force. Ask yourself:
- What do they want? (Goal)
- Why do they want it? (Motivation)
- What’s standing in their way? (Conflict) Characters with clear motivations feel more authentic and relatable.
4. Give Them Flaws and Strengths
Perfect characters are boring. Balance their abilities with weaknesses:
- Strengths:What are they good at?
- Flaws:What holds them back?
- Internal Conflict: How do their strengths and flaws clash?
5. Craft Their Personality
Use tools like the Big Five Personality Traits to explore their temperament. Think about:
- How do they react under pressure?
- What are their quirks, mannerisms, and habits?
- How do they speak?
6. Visualise Them in the World
Place your character in different settings. How do they interact with their environment?
- Do they feel out of place or right at home?
- How do they engage with other characters?
- What’s their relationship to the story’s theme?
and now... Iterate and Refine
Characters grow as your story evolves. Keep refining them all the time.
Final Tip: Let Them Surprise You!
The best characters often take on a life of their own. Don’t be afraid to follow where they lead, even if it deviates from your original plan. The unexpected twists will make your story even richer! What kind of character are you creating today?
An example:
With the help of Lightning Fibre, I have created Freddy Fibre and Barbara Broadband. We also created this character for an advert. You can read more about character creation here.
