Develop complex, multidimensional characters from "summary" of Plotting and Writing Suspense Fiction by Patricia Highsmith
To create truly compelling characters in your suspense fiction, it is crucial that you delve deep into their personalities and motivations. These characters should not be one-dimensional stereotypes, but rather complex individuals with a variety of traits and flaws. Think about what drives your characters, what fears and desires propel them forward, and how they interact with the world around them. One way to develop multidimensional characters is to give them a rich backstory that informs their present actions. Consider their upbringing, past relationships, and any significant events that have shaped who they are today. This will help you understand why they behave the way they do and make their actions more believable to the reader. Another important aspect of creating complex characters is to give them conflicting traits or motivations. No one is entirely good or entirely evil, and your characters should reflect this complexity. Perhaps your protagonist has a dark secret they are hiding, or your antagonist has a soft spot for a certain individual. These contradictions will make your characters more realistic and relatable to your audience. Furthermore, make sure to show different sides of your characters throughout the story. Allow them to grow and change in response to the events unfolding around them. This will keep your readers engaged and invested in the outcome of the story, as they follow the characters' development with keen interest.- Developing complex, multidimensional characters is essential for creating a suspenseful and engaging story. By giving your characters depth, nuance, and internal conflict, you can draw your readers in and keep them on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
