Even in a Young Adult novel, the motivations don’t always need to be life-altering—sometimes they’re as simple as wanting to fit in or find a group where they belong. When readers see a character working towards something, they feel like they’re along for the journey, too.
Are you ready to create characters that readers can’t help but fall in love with? Whether you’re plotting your next Young Adult (YA) fantasy or crafting a contemporary romance, the key to writing characters that feel real—and so lovable—is all about the details, quirks, and vibes. Your characters are more than just names on a page. They need to feel real, like people you’d want to hang out with or even text about your day.
Give Them Quirks (Because Perfection is Boring!)
Real people aren’t perfect. They snort when they laugh, forget their keys, and might even be obsessed with pineapple on pizza. So why do so many characters have the same, flawless personalities? Don’t be afraid to give your characters weird habits or embarrassing traits—these little quirks make them feel human.
Think about your favourite characters. What makes them special? Maybe it’s their weird laugh, their obsession with old-school video games, or their habit of collecting weird postcards. These tiny details are what readers will remember and fall for!
Let Them Make Mistakes (And Learn from Them!)
A character who gets everything right? Yawn. Give your character room to make mistakes and grow. Maybe they say the wrong thing in a tense situation, or maybe they trust the wrong person. The key here is growth. When your character faces challenges, let them stumble, get back up, and learn something along the way.
For example, your main character could start out being selfish and only thinking about themselves. But over time, they realise how their actions affect others and slowly become more self-aware and empathetic. Flaws = relatability. Perfect characters = snooze fest.
Give Them Dreams and Desires
Characters that are just “along for the ride” aren’t going to keep your readers invested. Your characters need dreams, goals, and desires that push them to act. What do they want? What are they willing to do to get it? Are they trying to save their family’s bakery, become the best gamer, or finally get up the courage to ask out their crush?
Even in a YA novel, the motivations don’t always need to be life-altering—sometimes they’re as simple as wanting to fit in or find a group where they belong. When readers see a character working towards something, they feel like they’re along for the journey, too.
Make Them Vulnerable
Real people have vulnerabilities, and your characters need them too. Whether it’s emotional wounds, insecurities, or fears, showing a character’s vulnerability makes them more relatable and lovable. It’s all about giving them that raw, human side that readers can connect with.
Is your character afraid of being alone? Do they struggle with feeling like they’re never good enough? Let those vulnerabilities show up in the plot. When readers see a character opening up, it creates an emotional bond that makes them root for them even more. Vulnerability = authenticity.
Give Them Relationships That Matter
Characters who stand alone in their little bubble don’t resonate as well as characters with deep, meaningful relationships. Whether it’s with friends, family, or a romantic partner, relationships are what reveal the layers of your characters.
A character’s relationships can highlight their strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between. Is their best friend their ride-or-die, or do they have a complicated, on-again-off-again relationship? Maybe they’re super close with their sibling but can’t talk to their parents. Let those dynamics play out, and watch your characters grow through those bonds.
Let Them Have Fun!
Okay, so it’s not all about the drama. Characters need fun moments, too. A lovable character is one who can make you laugh, dance like no one’s watching, or get into hilarious situations. They don’t have to be “perfect” all the time. Think about those characters who leave you smiling—whether they’re quirky, sarcastic, or just downright funny.
Does your character have a weird sense of humour or a soft spot for dad jokes? Let them show it. Fun moments help balance out the heavy stuff and make your characters more rounded. Plus, readers love characters they can imagine hanging out with.
Make Them Have a Heartbeat
What’s that? Oh, just the most important thing of all—give your character a heartbeat. They need to feel like real people. This goes beyond just making them flawed or funny. It’s about how they respond to the world around them, how they react to challenges, and how they interact with others.
A character who feels like they could walk right out of the pages and into your life is one that will stay with readers long after they finish the book.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t be afraid to give your character quirky, funny, or embarrassing traits.
- Let them grow by making mistakes.
- Give them dreams, desires, and goals that push them forward.
- Show their vulnerability—everyone has one.
- Make sure their relationships reveal deeper layers of who they are.
- And let them have fun—because who doesn’t love a character with a great sense of humour?
There you have it! With these tips, you’re ready to create characters that feel real, lovable, and totally impossible to forget. Keep it fun, keep it human, and most importantly, keep it you.
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