Get Crafty: Characterization

Writing compelling, emotionally rich characters doesn’t start with the page—it starts in the brain of the author. And the deeper you go before you write, the more nuanced, layered, and real your characters will feel.

I like to tell my writers to imagine a toddler sitting on their shoulder while they develop their cast. A curious, unrelenting toddler who asks, “Why?” after every single sentence.

“She’s shy.”
Why?
“Because she has low self-esteem.”
Why?
“Because her dad used to yell at her whenever she asked questions.”
Why?
“Because his parents punished curiosity and praised obedience, and he never learned another way.”

This is how you dig deep. And even if you don’t include every detail on the page, knowing these emotional foundations will influence your characters’ voices, mannerisms, dialogue, choices—and yes, how they react to the plot.

In this post, we’ll explore:

• Why surface-level characterization isn’t enough

• How “why?” leads to stronger, more complex characters

• The difference between traits and root causes

• How deep backstory work informs behavior and voice

• Practical tools and questions to build rich character interiors

• How deep characterization strengthens plot and prevents contrivance

• Exercises you can use during planning or revision

Let’s get into it.