Creating a character for your art can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re crafting an adorable animal, a brave superhero, or a quirky little human, a well-developed character will help bring your art to life. In this post, we’ll walk through the steps to create a compelling and relatable character. Let’s get started!

1. Start with the Basics: Who Are They?

Before you dive into the fun details, it’s important to know the basic traits of your character. Think about:

• Name: Choose a name that’s easy to pronounce and memorable for children. It could be playful, whimsical, or simple.
• Age: Consider how old your character is. Are they a child, a teenager, or maybe a grown-up? Age will influence how they think and act.
• Appearance: What does your character look like? Is it a human, animal, or something fantastical? Give a few details about their features—hair, clothes, or any distinctive traits. Children often love characters with a visual cue, like big ears or a colorful hat!

Example: “Lily the Little Dragon is 7 years old, with purple scales and big green eyes. She wears a bright yellow scarf that always seems to get in the way when she tries to fly!”

2. Define Their Personality

Next, think about your character’s personality. Is your character adventurous, shy, stubborn, or kind? Children connect deeply with characters who have strong, clear personalities. Make sure to:

• Give them strengths: What are they really good at? Maybe they have a magical power, a talent, or a special skill.
• Give them flaws: No one is perfect, and your character shouldn’t be either! A character’s flaws make them more relatable. Maybe your character is a little scared of the dark, or always loses their belongings.
• Add quirks: Quirky little habits can make your character stand out. Maybe they hum when they’re nervous or always wear mismatched socks.

Example: “Lily may be small for a dragon, but she’s incredibly brave and always wants to help others. She’s also a little clumsy, often tripping over her own tail.”

3. Create a Problem or Goal

Every great character faces a challenge or has a goal they want to achieve. This gives the story purpose and helps readers connect with the character as they follow along on their journey. Think about:

• What does your character want? It could be something simple like finding their way home or something bigger, like saving the world.
• What’s stopping them from getting it? The obstacle your character faces is key to keeping the story exciting. It could be an external enemy, a difficult task, or even their own doubts and fears.

Example: “Lily wants to prove that she’s a strong dragon, but she’s often too scared to fly at high altitudes. She’s determined to conquer her fear and become the bravest dragon ever.”

4. Give Them Supporting Friends

Every good character needs friends, sidekicks, or even rivals to help them grow. Think about the characters who will accompany your hero on their journey. Will they have:

• A loyal friend who helps them stay on track?
• A mentor or guide who teaches them valuable lessons?
• A villain or rival who challenges them in tough, fun ways?

Example: “Lily has a best friend named Mr. Squeaks, a mischievous mouse who always seems to get them into trouble, but never leaves her side. Together, they make a great team!”

5. Create a Setting for Their Adventures

Where does your character’s story take place? The setting is an important part of bringing your character to life, especially for children. Will they explore a magical forest, live in a bustling city, or travel through space? Create a world that feels vibrant and interesting, full of opportunities for your character to learn and grow.

Example: “Lily lives in a magical mountain range full of talking animals, hidden caves, and enchanted waterfalls. But her favorite place is the Dragon’s Nest, a cozy little cave high up on a cliff where she goes to think and rest.”

6. Add a Lesson or Message

Children’s stories often come with a lesson or moral, whether it’s about friendship, bravery, kindness, or perseverance. Think about the message you want your character to share with your readers. Make sure this lesson is woven naturally into your character’s journey.

Example: “Throughout the story, Lily learns that it’s okay to be afraid, and that asking for help is a sign of strength. She discovers that real courage comes from facing your fears, no matter how big they seem.”

7. Make Them Relatable

Even if your character is a talking animal or a magical creature, they should still reflect human experiences, emotions, and thoughts. Children should be able to relate to their feelings, struggles, and triumphs. Does your character get scared before a big event? Do they feel out of place sometimes? These emotions help children connect deeply with the character.

Example: “Lily sometimes feels like she isn’t as strong or as good as the other dragons, but she learns that her uniqueness is what makes her special and valuable.”

8. Develop Their Growth

Throughout the story, your character should evolve. This could be a change in how they see themselves, how they treat others, or how they approach a problem. Growth is essential in children’s stories because it shows young readers that they can grow, too.

Example: “At the beginning of the story, Lily is scared to fly, but by the end, after facing challenges and learning to trust herself, she’s soaring through the skies with confidence.”

Conclusion

Creating a children’s story character is about balancing fun, adventure, and meaningful lessons. Whether your character is a brave dragon, a curious child, or a clever animal, the most important thing is that they are relatable and memorable. By giving them a unique personality, a big goal, and a meaningful journey, you’ll create a character that children will love to read about again and again.

So, what’s your next character going to be like? Share your ideas, and let your imagination take flight!