When you\u2019re trying to create characters that readers can empathize with, the first thing you need to do is some deep characterization<\/strong>. But when you dig really deeply into the creation of a character, you\u2019ll find yourself needing to ask questions about their point of view.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Things to Consider<\/span><\/h3>\r\n

\r\n
1. What does your character want more than anything else?<\/span><\/li>\r\n
2. How can you portray character traits in an unusual way?<\/span><\/li>\r\n
3. What things from your character\u2019s past are likely to interfere with your character getting what they want?<\/span><\/li>\r\n
4. What is your character most afraid of?<\/span><\/li>\r\n
5. In what ways does your character excel\u2014what are their special skills?<\/span><\/li>\r\n
6. What unique experiences has your character had that give them a different perspective on \u201cnormal\u201d life experiences?<\/span><\/li>\r\n
7. When did your character become the person they are at the start of your story?<\/span><\/li>\r\n
8. What type of person do you want your character to be at the end of your story?<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

   By taking the time to dig deeply into what makes your character tick and their personal history, you\u2019ll begin to form the tools for the creation of empathy.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

   Using a Unique Voice<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

   Deep characterization sets the stage for exploring your character\u2019s unique point of view (POV), specifically their voice. This isn\u2019t about first or third person\u2014it\u2019s about how your character\u2019s background, profession, upbringing, and personality shape their perspective<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

   Good writing reflects this through dialogue and thought, but great writing goes further. By infusing a character\u2019s experiences, history, and personality<\/strong> into their POV, you create a compelling voice. This voice helps readers connect deeply, laugh at unexpected moments, or feel emotions they\u2019ve never experienced\u2014all because they see the world through your character\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

   Fresh Perspective on Humanity<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

   Creating strong characters with distinct voices allows you to offer readers fresh perspectives on humanity. This is a powerful way to use empathy, but it comes with responsibility. Writing solely to evoke emotions, like exploring the mind of a psychopath without purpose, risks harming or alienating readers<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

   Infusing humanity into your characters should be done thoughtfully to avoid emotional manipulation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

   Readers also need a clear reason for their journey through your story.<\/strong> In some genres, like romance, the goal is obvious\u2014a happily-ever-after. However, if your characters endure intense hardships without justification, even a happy ending won\u2019t leave readers satisfied. Always balance empathy with purpose to create meaningful connections.<\/span><\/p>\r\n

   The Results of Writing With Empathy<\/h2>\r\n

   Writing with empathy is one of the best tools in a writer\u2019s arsenal to create powerful fiction that readers can connect with. If you take the time to really do it well, you\u2019re likely to make passionate readers who will be along for the ride with not only that book but other books you\u2019ve written. In other words, you\u2019ll make fans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n

   Empathetic writing<\/b> opens up new worlds, new perspectives, and new points of view. And that\u2019s the best experience a writer can hope to offer, after all.<\/span><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

   Empathy in writing is key to connecting readers to your story. Assuming readers will feel what you intend without creating that connection is a mistake.\u00a0 You can\u2019t simply tell someone to feel sad or happy and expect it to work. Similarly, portraying an emotion doesn\u2019t guarantee readers will relate. Sympathy and empathy differ: sympathy is<\/p>\n

   Read More<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":11247,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n