In a post on Writers Helping Writers, Becca Puglisi says that figuring out what your character is hiding is one key to creating realistic, multi-dimensional characters. “Everyone hides,” she says. “We hide the goals we know are wrong for us, opinions that may turn others against us, or feelings and desires that make us feel vulnerable—basically anything with the potential for rejection or shame.”
Characters with secrets feel more real, especially if they have a good reason for keeping them, and can create intrigue and interest for the reader. But what are they hiding? Puglisi suggests 7 things to consider:
- Desires. “Forbidden or dangerous desires can add an element of risk, upping the stakes for the character and making things more interesting for readers,” Puglisi writes.
“These desires drive their actions and decisions in the story.” - Fears. While many fears are understandable, others may create shame or embarrassment. People hide fears that make them feel weak or lesser than. “Think about uncommon fears, such as being afraid of a certain people group, physical intimacy, or of leaving one’s house,” Puglisi notes. If you choose a fear that casts your character in a negative light, be sure there’s a strong motivating factor.
- Negative Past Events. “We each have defining moments from the past that we’re reluctant to share with others or even acknowledge ourselves,” Puglisi says. “What’s something that could have happened to your characters that they’ll go to great lengths to keep hidden?”
- Flaws and Insecurities. If you’ve done your character homework, your protagonist has flaws, but which ones does she keep hidden? Are they any he isn’t aware of? “Whether these weaknesses are real or only perceived, characters will try to downplay them,” Puglisi notes.
- Unhealthy Behaviors. Most of us have known someone who has hidden cigarette, alcohol, or substance use, but there are lots of unsavory behaviors to choose from. “Whether it’s a promiscuous lifestyle, a gambling addiction, or a compulsion to self-harm, they’ll expend a lot of energy to keep these behaviors hidden,” Puglisi writes.
- Uncomfortable Emotions. Even if your character is comfortable expressing their emotions, there may be others they keep hidden. These feelings may be tied to a negative event or be socially unacceptable. Consider a mother jealous of her child’s beauty. That’s not a feeling most people would like to admit. Characters will often mask these emotions by disguising them as something else, Puglisi says. Jealousy might be hidden as criticism or fear as anger.
- Opinions and Ideas. In today’s political climate, this is a no-brainer. To keep the peace with friends and family who may hold different social or political values, we often sacrifice our honesty. “If an opinion isn’t popular, your characters may keep it to themselves,” Puglisi notes. “Peer acceptance is important to everyone; that need, and the secrets that accompany it, is something that every reader will be able to relate to.”
