How to Create Memorable Characters

Wants

These are the key drivers of your protagonist. They are what your character believes will bring them happiness or peace. It can be money, status, isolation (Elsa/Shrek) or something completely different. But it’s what your character chases and what propels the story forward.

Example: Simba wants to stay away from pride rock and pretend that his mistakes never happened.

Wants are closely linked to plot development. It’s what forces Simba to go into exile.

Needs

Needs are what lies under the surface. They are the truths that your character learns throughout your story. The business executive realizes that money and status will not bring them happiness and that all along, they just needed to spend time with their family. The teenager realizes that popularity in itself does not improve their lives and that they had great friends who loved them for who they are all along.

Example: Simba needs to return home, face who he really is, and save the pride lands.

Needs are closely linked to character arcs. It’s what turns Simba from a boy into a king

If your character only has wants, you will have a plot that moves forward, but without needs, there will be no character arc. Your character will feel flat.

Other Examples

Scrooge, in a Christmas Carol, wants to protect his wealth at all costs.

Scrooge needs to learn that there is more to life than wealth and that it’s human connection what will make him happy.

Shrek wants to be left alone in his swamp.

Shrek needs to be accepted for who he is.

Thor wants to be King of Asgard.

To be a good king, Thor needs to learn humility.

Finding the wants of your character

The wants are usually easier to establish as they are on the surface from the beginning. Questions to ask: What is the character’s immediate goal that drives their actions? What does the character think will bring them happiness or satisfaction? What is the character willing to risk or sacrifice to achieve this want?

Finding the needs of your character

The needs are related to the theme of your story (coming-of-age, friendship, love, etc.) Questions to ask What is the character’s underlying emotional or psychological requirement for well-being? What does the character need to learn or understand to achieve personal growth? What is the character missing in their life that, if fulfilled, would bring them inner peace?