About Designing Relatable and Unique Characters

As a writer and illustrator working on a webcomic, I know that character design goes far beyond just how a character looks. It's about creating individuals who connect with readers on a deeper, more personal level. In this post, I'd like to share how I approach character design, focusing on the importance of authenticity and relatability in bringing characters to life.

When I think about designing characters, I always come back to the idea that a great story starts with authenticity. Every character in my webcomic is a part of me—a reflection of my experiences, quirks, and emotions. This drives me to create characters who feel real, ones that readers can relate to and see themselves in.

Ursula K. Le Guin, a writer I deeply admire, once said, “The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.” This quote perfectly captures my belief that characters should embody the complexities and uncertainties of real life. By giving my characters genuine emotions and flaws, I hope to build a connection with readers that goes beyond the pages of my comic.

Creating unique protagonists isn’t just about how they look; it’s about digging deep into who they are—their motivations, fears, and dreams. Each character plays a crucial role in the story while staying true to their own personality. I work hard to give my characters layers, making sure they have both strengths and vulnerabilities.

Le Guin also said, “The unread story is not a story; it is little black marks on wood pulp. The reader, reading it, makes it live: a live thing, a story.” This reminds me how important it is to create characters that evoke empathy and engagement. When readers can see themselves in a character’s struggles and successes, the story truly comes alive.

When I’m developing relatable characters, I often draw inspiration from real life, adding little touches that reflect the complexity of being human. Whether it’s a quick-witted comment, a hidden insecurity, or a moment of deep reflection, these details give my characters depth and make them feel authentic.

In the end, my thought on writing and designing unique character design is simply that the key to crafting memorable protagonists is embracing the many sides of humanity. By weaving together reality, vulnerability, and individuality, I aim to create characters that resonate with readers on a personal level. To light a candle is to cast a shadow. In the same way, creating a compelling character means exploring both their light and their dark sides, letting the world see them as they truly are.

Character design and storytelling aren’t just artistic exercises; they’re deep explorations of what it means to be human. Through my webcomic, I strive to tell stories that touch the hearts and minds of readers, one unique character at a time.

Let’s keep creating characters that reflect our own stories, bridging the gap between fiction and our shared human experience.

Berkay

P.S. If you’d like to support my work, visit my Buy Me a Coffee page. I need your support to keep working on my creative passion!