In a guest post on C.S. Lakin’s blog, Neil Chase offers advice for building the perfect murder mystery hero. “There are many important elements to a successful murder mystery, but the hero is arguably the most important,” Chase says. “This character needs to be someone that readers can root for and sympathize with.”
Of course, the most important quality for your mystery protagonist is the ability to solve mysteries, whether through deduction, emotional intelligence, dogged pursuit of the truth, or some combination.
Chase recommends a few steps to creating a great detective:
- Give your hero a backstory that explains why like to solve puzzles, mysteries, and crime.
- Demonstrate their intelligence from the start.
- Give them lots of obstacles to overcome.
- Show that they are willing to help, even at risk of their own safety.
- Give them a strong moral code and willingness to fight for the underdog.
Your hero may also be quick-witted, clever, resourceful, and detail-oriented. Positive qualities, such as courage, determination, and compassion, will make them more likable to your readers and personal struggles will make them more relatable.
Finally, you should demonstrate their motivation, whether this is justice, vengeance, or the thrill of the hunt. As a bonus, you should try to make them memorable. “From Columbo‘s disheveled appearance and ‘Just one more question…’ to Miss Marple‘s grandmotherly demeanor and a knack for gossip, to Kojak‘s bald tough-guy exterior and love for lollipops, to Jack Reacher‘s intimidating size and military skills, to Sherlock Holmes‘s superiority complex and violin, each one is immediately recognizable and memorable from page one,” Chase says.
