How to Create Compelling Characters for Your Novel

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

In this engaging creative writing lesson, host Justin introduces aspiring writers to the art of character creation, moving beyond two-dimensional caricatures to develop complex, believable figures. Through a humorous skit involving his own "perfect" alter-ego, Julius, Justin demonstrates the pitfalls of writing flat characters—such as the generic villain "Ante Agoniste" and the sycophantic robot sidekick "Mila"—and explains why characters need flaws, fears, and motivations to resonate with readers. The video explores two primary tools for character development: Character Archetypes and the Character Interview. Students learn how archetypes (like the Reluctant Hero or Wise Mentor) serve as useful starting points that can be expanded into unique personalities. The lesson then models an "interview" process where writers ask their characters deep questions to uncover their hidden depths, demonstrating how this technique transforms a superficial idea into a fully realized persona. Ideal for English Language Arts and creative writing units, this resource provides concrete strategies for planning a novel. It covers essential terminology like protagonist, antagonist, and archetype while offering practical activities like creating Character Sheets. Teachers can use this video to guide students through the pre-writing phase of narrative assignments, helping them organize their ideas and ensure their stories are driven by compelling human experiences.