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“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”
—Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
Writers of every genre all face the challenge of creating meaningful, memorable characters that are fully fleshed out and believable. It’s a feat of magic that, if done right, creates the kind of characters that readers connect with and may even glance something they recognize within themselves.
Get out your scalpels my writing friends, because today we’re going to dissect how to create a great character!
When a writer sets out to create a memorable character they assume the role of a mad scientist, taking pieces of a person’s physical, intellectual, and emotional self and mixing them together to create their version of the type of person they need for their plot. It’s a delicate procedure of hitting the right mark, without going over the top or leaving them flat and uninteresting. If done right, a writer can create an unbreakable link between their characters and the reader, regardless of whether it’s a human, animal, or even a monster!
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a great example of this. The plot’s profound exploration of human nature, ethics, and the consequences of scientific ambition makes for fertile ground for showing the complexities of her realistic and fantastical characters. The sympathy Shelley is able to elicit from the reader for her “Monster” makes the novel resonate with readers across all boundaries and offers rich lessons for writers looking to craft their own unforgettable personas.
Here’s a deep dive into how Shelley developed her characters and what we can learn from her approach.
1. Complex Protagonists
One of the most striking features of Frankenstein is its dual protagonists: Victor Frankenstein and his creation, often referred to as “the Monster.” Both characters are distinctly different, multi-dimensional, and able to elicit empathy despite their flaws.
Lesson: Embrace Complexity
When creating characters, avoid the temptation to make them purely good or evil. Victor is ambitious and passionate, but his hubris leads to tragedy. The Monster, on the other hand, starts as a blank slate, driven by a desire for companionship and understanding but ultimately succumbs to despair and violence. By portraying your characters with a mix of virtues and vices, you invite readers to explore the complexities that are ingrained inside each character.
2. Strong Drive
Shelley provides compelling motivations for her characters, which drive the narrative forward. Victor’s desire to have dominion over life and death through his creation stems from a blend of intellectual curiosity and personal loss. The Monster’s longing to find his humanity in the love and acceptance he expects to receive from others illustrates the fundamental human need for connection.
Lesson: Define Clear Motivations
When crafting your characters, think deeply about what drives them. Their goals should be relatable, allowing readers to understand their choices, even when those choices lead to tragic outcomes. Clear motivations can create a strong emotional bond between the reader and the character, which makes each individual journey more impactful.
3. Relationships that Shape Identity
The relationships between characters in Frankenstein are critical in shaping their identities and trajectories. Victor’s relationships with his family, friends, and the Monster highlight themes of isolation, responsibility, and the consequences of neglect. The Monster, a blank slate at his incarnation, responds to Victor’s mishandling of his care with a combination of confusion and sadness until he eventually becomes a dark force who turns to self-imposed isolation to save himself.
Lesson: Develop Interconnected Relationships
As you build your characters, consider how their relationships influence their development. Interactions with others can reveal vulnerabilities and strengths, adding depth to your characters. Show how relationships can uplift or destroy, creating a dynamic that enriches the narrative.
4. Thematic Depth
Shelley’s characters are not just vehicles for the plot; they embody the novel’s themes of ambition, isolation, and the quest for understanding. The struggles of both Victor and the Monster reflect broader questions about humanity’s place in the world.
Lesson: Infuse Characters with Thematic Significance
Think about how your characters can serve as representations of the themes you want to explore. Their experiences should resonate with the central ideas of your story, prompting readers to reflect on larger questions. When characters embody your themes, their journeys become more profound and thought-provoking.
5. Evolution Through Conflict
Both Victor and the Monster undergo significant transformations throughout the novel. Their encounters with conflict force them to confront their values, desires, and the repercussions of their actions.
Lesson: Allow Characters to Grow and Change
Conflict is essential for character development. Whether it’s internal struggles or external challenges, ensure your characters face obstacles that force them to grow. By the end of their journey, they should reflect on their experiences and provide a satisfying arc that resonates with the reader.
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein offers a masterclass in character creation. By embracing complexity, defining clear motivations, developing meaningful relationships, infusing thematic depth, and allowing for character evolution through conflict, you can craft characters that leave a lasting impression on your readers.
As you write, remember that characters are not just components of your story; they are the heart and soul that breathe life into your narrative. Take a page from Shelley’s playbook, and let your characters inspire, challenge, and engage your audience in a dialogue that transcends time and space.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating a literary icon, Mary Shelley!
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