How Can You Write Better and More Realistic Male Characters?

Fiction writing is a canvas on which authors can paint the diverse tapestry of human experience. When it comes to crafting male characters, the challenge can be even greater, as male traits and behaviors are often hyper-simplified in media and literature. This article aims to provide insights and strategies for writers to create more authentic and dynamic male characters.

Getting to Know Real Men

To create more realistic male characters, it is crucial to immerse yourself in the lives of a wide variety of men. Engage in social activities, interact with men from different backgrounds, and listen to their diverse views and experiences. Remember, about 50% of the human population identifies as male, making them a plentiful resource for observation and understanding.

Observing and engaging with men may help you uncover the nuances that make each individual unique, such as their personal journey, values, and motivations. This knowledge can enrich your fictional characters, making them more believable and relatable to readers.

Developing Complex Characters

Developing realistic male characters in fiction follows a similar path to developing any other character. Start by understanding their backstory, motivations, personality, and relationships. Each event in your character's life shapes who they are and influences their behavior, beliefs, and actions.

Consider the factors that influence men's viewpoints, such as culture, upbringing, societal expectations, and personal experiences. Some men may embrace traditional roles, while others may challenge them, leading to a rich exploration of character traits and motivations.

Out of the Echo Chamber

Creating a diverse cast of male characters requires stepping out of your comfort zone and engaging with a wider range of men. Avoid the echo chamber of similar ideas and views, as this can limit the representation of the overall male population. Encountering a variety of men will provide you with a broader understanding of the diversity within the gender and enable you to write more nuanced characters.

The society you live in offers a realistic picture of the diversities of men. From your community and interactions, you can gather inspiration for characters in your novel. Observe, listen, and learn from the voices around you to create a rich and authentic portrayal of male characters.

Tips for Writing Male Characters

Forget Gender for a Moment

It's essential to start by creating a character, rather than a gender-specific one. Ask yourself:

What does this character want?

What are the obstacles to getting what they want?

What does this character need?

What are the obstacles to getting what they need?

Are what they want and what they need the same thing?

Will they be getting what they want and/or need by the end, or won't they? Why?

Once you have a character and a plot, you can then add the gender element. You've chosen male, so continue with the following questions:

What culture do they live in? What's expected of them and their gender?

Are they expected to get married, be the financial caretakers, make the first move in a relationship, etc.?

What do they look like? Can they grow a beard? What age group do they fall into? How do they compare to the average man in terms of height and weight?

Assuming they started to go bald, at what age did they start?

Remember, everyone has hopes, dreams, expectations, and individual experiences that shape their lives and thoughts. Make them a person first and gender second. This approach will help you create more well-rounded and authentic male characters.

Conclusion

Writing realistic male characters requires a blend of observation, understanding, and creativity. By embracing the diversity of men in your life and society, you can create dynamic and relatable characters that resonate with readers. Remember, the process of character development is an ongoing one, and the more you immerse yourself in the lives and experiences of men, the more authentic your characters will become.