How to Write Authentic and Diverse Characters

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Across
  1. 6. The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. A character’s quirk or a recurring object in a story can carry deeper symbolic meaning.
  2. 9. Imperfect or having weaknesses. Flaws make characters relatable and human, as they mirror the struggles and imperfections found in real life.
  3. 11. Something that feels familiar or understandable to the audience. Relatable characters evoke empathy and connection from readers.
  4. 15. An exaggerated portrayal of a person, often used for comic or satirical effect. In writing, caricatures can make characters feel less real by overemphasizing certain traits.
  5. 16. Something that is large, uniform, and unchanging, often implying a lack of diversity or individuality. In storytelling, avoiding monolithic portrayals of groups or cultures helps create richer narratives.
  6. 17. The quality of being intricate, layered, and multifaceted. Characters with complexity have motivations, contradictions, and growth, making them feel real and compelling.
  7. 18. To strike a chord or evoke a strong emotional connection. A character or story resonates when it feels meaningful and relatable to the audience.
  8. 19. An oversimplified and often inaccurate idea or belief about a group of people. In writing, stereotypes flatten characters into predictable molds, making them less interesting and believable.
Down
  1. 1. Something so engaging and captivating that it draws you in completely, making you feel as though you’re part of the experience. A well-written story can create an immersive world for its readers.
  2. 2. The background or circumstances that surround an event, idea, or character in a story. Context helps readers understand the significance of actions or decisions.
  3. 3. A unique or peculiar characteristic or behavior that makes someone stand out. Quirks can range from charming habits to odd preferences, and they add depth and individuality to characters.
  4. 4. The ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy is a key tool for writers to create characters with depth and authenticity.
  5. 5. A situation or trait where two opposing qualities or statements coexist. Characters with contradictions, like bravery and vulnerability, feel more realistic and engaging.
  6. 6. The underlying meaning or message that isn’t explicitly stated but is implied through dialogue, actions, or context. Subtext gives depth to conversations and allows readers to uncover hidden emotions or intentions.
  7. 7. The conversations between characters in a story. Good dialogue reveals personality, drives the plot, and makes characters come to life.
  8. 8. A particular attitude or way of viewing something. A character’s perspective shapes their actions, dialogue, and how they navigate the world in a story.
  9. 10. Something that is constantly changing, growing, or evolving. Dynamic characters undergo development throughout a story, making them more engaging to follow.
  10. 12. Something or someone that is genuine, real, and not fake, often described as true to its nature or origin. In writing, an authentic character feels like a living, breathing person rather than a fabricated stereotype.
  11. 13. A universal symbol or typical example of a certain kind of character or story. Archetypes are useful but need to be nuanced to avoid becoming clichés.
  12. 14. A subtle or slight distinction, detail, or quality that adds depth and complexity to something, such as a character’s personality or a piece of dialogue. Nuances help stories feel more layered and realistic.