How-ToVolume 1 // Page 5 of 20

Designing the Bestiary

Create compelling character profiles that readers remember long after the story ends.

A character without depth is a shadow. To create characters that readers obsess over, use the Codex's Character category. Every great character needs three things: a desire (what they want), a fear (what they run from), and a contradiction (why they are complex).

A warrior who wants peace. A healer who hates weakness. A villain who loves children.

The contradiction is the soul. When writing your character's Codex entry, answer: What does their voice sound like? What do they wear when no one is watching? What is the one thing they would never do — and then plan the moment they do it. Readers follow characters, not plots.

Build your bestiary with care, and your readers will feel the loss when characters die..

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