Creating a Relatable Hero: A Guide for Writers
Crafting a relatable hero is a vital aspect of storytelling that can deeply resonate with your audience. A hero that readers can identify with becomes more than just a character in a story; they become a reflection of the readers themselves, their struggles, and their triumphs.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to writing a hero that your audience can root for:
Understand Human Nature
To write a relatable hero, you must first understand what makes us human. Dive into the psychology of emotions, desires, and fears. Your hero should have a mix of strengths and weaknesses that mirror the human condition. They should have desires that drive their actions and fears that they must overcome.
Develop a Strong Backstory
A hero’s past shapes who they are. Create a backstory that is rich and believable, one that explains their motivations and why they are the way they are. This doesn’t have to be overly dramatic; even ordinary experiences can lead to extraordinary character development.
Give Them Flaws
Perfection is not relatable. Flaws make characters human and give them room to grow. These flaws should impact the story in meaningful ways, providing obstacles for the hero to overcome and opportunities for character development.
Make Their Struggle Universal
The hero’s journey should reflect universal struggles that your audience can relate to. Whether it’s the quest for love, the fight against injustice, or the struggle for self-acceptance, these themes speak to the core of the human experience.
Show Vulnerability
Allow your hero to be vulnerable. Moments of vulnerability can create deep connections with the audience as they empathise with the hero’s plight. It’s in these moments that the hero often finds their true strength.
Let Them Fail
Heroes must fail to learn and grow. These failures are relatable because everyone has experienced setbacks. How your hero deals with failure can endear them to the audience and make their eventual successes more satisfying.
Create Meaningful Relationships
Relationships are the cornerstone of a relatable hero. These can be friendships, family ties, or romantic connections. Through interactions with others, heroes reveal their values, beliefs, and humanity.
Evolve Their Character
A hero that doesn’t change throughout the story will quickly become uninteresting. Your hero should evolve, influenced by the events of the story and their interactions with other characters.
Reflect Real-Life Diversity
Your hero should reflect the diversity of the real world. This includes race, gender, sexuality, and more. A diverse character can offer a fresh perspective and connect with a broader audience.
Use a Distinct Voice
A hero’s voice should be as unique as their personality. It should reflect their background, experiences, and worldview. A distinct voice helps the hero stand out and become memorable.
By following these guidelines, you can create a hero that is not only compelling but also profoundly relatable. Remember, the goal is to craft a character that your audience can see parts of themselves in, someone they can cheer for, cry for, and, ultimately, learn from.
© Colin Lawson Books