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Step 1
First, make sure that you have a core goal or drive for every main character in your stories--this keeps your plot from being aimless, which is often a cause for writer's block when you finally dead-end. What does he or she want to accomplish? What would your character do to reach that goal? What are possible obstacles that stand in their way?
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Step 2
Know the "why" behind your characters' motivations. This could range from something from their childhood to an immediate and urgent situation that's thrown them off-guard.
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Step 3
One great way to create conflict within a story is to have two characters who have goals that clash with each other--they both want their own way but both can't have it. This can be a clear-cut hero/villain situation or simply a protagonist and antagonist that aren't necessarily completely good or bad.
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Step 4
If you get stuck in your story, refer back to the characters' motivations. This will usually spur an idea that will help you get things going again.
Comments
MidniteWriter said
on 4/9/2009 Great tips for fictional characters!
MrBB said
on 3/12/2009 This is a good tip for keeping characters "real".
insidestory said
on 2/1/2009 This makes alot of sense. Now I understand how writers set the future plots for a story. So as you read you already know the hidden agendas of most characters? I have always wanted to write, maybe I will. Thank you so much.