Improve Your

CREATIVE WRITING

Becoming a better writer

takes practice!
INTRODUCTION

How Do You Define

Characters?

What Is an Example of a
Character?

's g e t s t a r t e d !
Let
 8 Types of Characters to Include in Your
Story

1 PROTAGONIST

He/She must possess:

redeemable human foibles
2

potentially heroic qualities that emerge in

the climax
a character arc (becoming a different,
better, stronger person by the end)
Elizabeth bennet/ pride and prejudice

 8 Types of Characters to Include in Your

Story

2 ANTAGONIST

The antagonist must:

have a realistic and sympathetic backstory
exhibit power
force the protagonist to make difficult choices
cause the protagonist to grow

mr. darcy/ pride and prejudice

 8 Types of Characters to Include in Your

Story

3 SIDEKICK

The sidekick is a friend who supports the

protagonist, offering advice, adding depth to
the story.
Some switch back and forth, hindering him.
Others turn out to be the villain.

DR.WATSON/ SHERLOCK HOLMES

 8 Types of Characters to Include in Your

Story

4 ORBITAL CHARACTER

This character is usually an instigator,

causing trouble for the protagonist and
giving him plenty of opportunity to shine.
Sometimes he also turns out to be the
antagonist.

hermione granger/ harry potter

 8 Types of Characters to Include in Your

Story

5 LOVE INTEREST

The object of your protagonist’s deepest

affection often serves as a prize, but she
could also function as an obstacle to attaining
his goal.
Rendered well, the love interest reveals the
main character’s strengths and vulnerabilities.

peeta melark/ hunger games

 8 Types of Characters to Include in Your
Story

6 CONFIDANTE

The character in whom the protagonist trusts

the most is often a best friend, a love interest,
or a mentor. But sometimes he can be an
unlikely character.

CINNA/ HUNGER GAMES

 8 Types of Characters to Include in Your
Story

7 EXTRAS

These are background characters who come

and go, but they often lend meaning to the
story.
These are people your main character
encounters, like the repairman, a clerk, a teller,
a waiter, or someone he sits next to on a bus.

RADAGAST/ THE LORD OF THE RINGS

 8 Types of Characters to Include in Your

Story

8 FOIL

This is an opposite of the protagonist,

highlighting his strengths.
He exposes things about your protagonist you
want more sharply focused, while the
antagonist is his enemy.

EFFIE TRINKET/ HUNGER GAMES

 Practice, practice, practice!

If you have to write a story implementing only 3 different types of

characters which will you choose: Protagonist, antagonist, sidekick,
orbital character, love interest, confidante, extras and foil.
Explain your reasons?

 J
T H A N K
Y O U
FOR YOU
ATTENTION, KEEP
WRITING