Developing Characters Through Interaction on the Page

Creating characters is an exciting part of writing, but watching them evolve through their interactions on the page is where the real magic happens. You can have vivid character ideas in your head, but until they’re on the page, their full potential often remains unrealized. This concept became clear to me recently when I started developing two characters: a brilliant computer jock and a doctor who’s a Russian emigrant. Their interactions transformed them from mere outlines into individuals with a complex history.

When I began writing their dialogue, the computer jock—sarcastic and quick-witted—immediately started making snide remarks about Russian technology and industrial capabilities. It wasn’t something I had planned, but as soon as he spoke, his tone and attitude toward the doctor crystallized. In return, the doctor didn’t let these jabs slide. She took offense, defending her heritage with a mix of exasperation and pride. This clash was more than just witty banter. As I let their words flow, it became clear that there was something deeper fueling the tension between them.

The revelation? They had dated in the past, and she had called off their relationship. This layer of backstory, completely unplanned, surfaced through their exchange. The revelation made their interactions richer, adding depth to their motivations and conflicts.

Developing characters through interaction is crucial for authentic storytelling. While you may have a strong sense of who your characters are before you write, it’s only when they’re placed in situations with other characters that their true complexities emerge. The jock and the doctor didn’t fully come to life until I let them talk to each other, snark at each other, and reveal their emotional baggage.

This process of discovery wouldn’t have happened if I had simply tried to plot everything out in my head. There’s a limit to how much you can know about your characters before you let them speak and act. By placing them in scenes, allowing them to interact, and following where the dialogue leads, you uncover dimensions of their personalities and histories that weren’t initially obvious.

Writing isn’t just about controlling the narrative from start to finish. Sometimes, the best discoveries come when you let go of that control. Dialogue can be a powerful tool for discovering who your characters really are. As they speak to one another, their personalities take shape and their histories become clearer. You might start with a surface-level idea, like the computer jock being critical of Russian technology. As you dive deeper, the underlying motivations for that criticism can reveal themselves.

In my case, it wasn’t just about a national rivalry or a technical debate. The computer jock’s jabs were rooted in personal hurt, stemming from his past rejection. His teasing became a defense mechanism to mask unresolved feelings. For the doctor, her reaction wasn’t merely professional pride; it was about setting boundaries with someone she once had an emotional connection with. These layers added nuance to their relationship and created opportunities for character growth.

Developing characters through interaction is one of the most rewarding aspects of writing. It’s where their personalities, motivations, and backstories are revealed—not through description, but through action and dialogue. The process of discovery, as your characters surprise even you, is what turns a good story into a great one. Authors such as George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones), Toni Morrison, and Stephen King use this same process to bring their characters to life.

So, if you’re struggling to flesh out a character, try putting them on the page with another character and let them talk. You might be surprised by what they have to say, and where their conversation takes your story.

Jayson Adams is a technology entrepreneur, artist, and the award-winning and best-selling author of two science fiction thrillers, Ares and Infernum. You can see more at www.jaysonadams.com.