Creating memorable characters is essential in mystery writing, where each character contributes not only to the plot but also to the atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. In a genre that thrives on twists, surprises, and slow-burn revelations, well-developed characters captivate readers and keep them invested in both the story and the ultimate mystery resolution.
How To Create Memorable Characters in a Mystery Novel
Creating memorable characters is essential in mystery writing, where each character contributes not only to the plot but also to the atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. In a genre that thrives on twists, surprises, and slow-burn revelations, well-developed characters captivate readers and keep them invested in both the story and the ultimate mystery resolution. This blog will explore key techniques for creating compelling, memorable characters in a mystery book, including character backstories, motivations, unique flaws, dialogue, and how to maintain a dynamic character arc that serves the larger narrative
- Start with Rich, Complex Backstories
In mystery novels, characters with layered backstories are the ones who resonate most with readers. Think of your characters’ past experiences as “skeletons in the closet” that can create mystery and intrigue. A detective haunted by an unsolved case, a reclusive neighbor with a secret, or a charming yet manipulative suspect all add depth to the storyline. But it’s not only the leads who benefit from rich backgrounds; the supporting cast should also feel lived-in.
Example: Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot is memorable partly because of his backstory as a Belgian police officer. His past experiences and personal history inform his perspective, giving him a unique approach to solving crimes. Similarly, any backstory for your protagonist or supporting characters should connect to their goals, fears, or ethical boundaries. Even if every detail doesn’t make it onto the page, knowing your character’s background can help you write them more convincingly.
In my mystery novel, Paper Ghosts, you see the lead characters bringing their backgrounds and values into how they think and what they say. For example, Fenn is a charming ladies’ man who has commitment issues in his relationships with women (girlfriends). We see him evolve with an unlikely relationship that unfolds when he meets Zena while doing a story on sideshow acts in a travelling circus. Zena is a little person (a person of short stature who the world sees as a dwarf) who brings her own relationship issues to the story. They both struggle as their relationship grows where trust and past experiences clash.
- Define Motivations Clearly
Memorable characters, especially in mysteries, need clear motivations—whether it’s to solve a crime, cover up a secret, or pursue justice in a way that bends the rules. Each character in a mystery novel should have something they want desperately, even if that “something” isn’t immediately apparent to readers.
The detective’s motivation might be straightforward, like seeking justice. But what if that character’s drive is to solve cases to prove their worth, or to redeem a personal failure? Villains and suspects should also have motivations beyond simply “being bad.” A killer with a vendetta or a thief with a family to protect is far more compelling than a flatly “evil” character. Creating conflicting motivations adds richness, giving readers multiple reasons to suspect or sympathize with various players in the story.
Example: In Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, the characters are memorable because their motivations constantly shift, evolve, and defy reader expectations. Amy’s actions seem outrageous but are driven by a deep-seated sense of betrayal and a need for control, making her both terrifying and compelling. In Paper Ghosts we see a variety of motivations, both good and bad. Greed and power face off against ethics and finding justice.
- Develop Unique and Realistic Flaws
In mystery novels, flaws are essential because they give characters dimension and help disguise the truth. A well-constructed flaw not only makes characters more relatable but also serves as a potential plot device. Perhaps the detective is too trusting, or maybe the seemingly perfect character is hiding a tendency for reckless behavior.
Flaws can make readers question a character’s intentions or credibility, which is especially effective in mystery writing. When characters have limitations, readers have to work harder to discern who is trustworthy and who might be hiding something. Flaws also create emotional engagement, as readers may relate to the character’s struggles or admire their ability to rise above their weaknesses.
Example: Sherlock Holmes’ addiction to cocaine adds a flaw to his genius and creates complexity in his character. This flaw not only makes him human but also builds suspense, as readers worry if his vices might ever hinder his brilliant deductive skills.
Example: In Paper Ghosts, Fenn Cooper’s commitment issues are clear and interfere with any new woman who becomes his girlfriend. He has a “Fuck-it” list where he keeps score on his latest lady friend and her flaws as a reason to keep their relationship from moving forward.
- Craft Distinct Voices and Dialogue
In a mystery, every conversation is a potential clue—or red herring. Crafting distinct voices for your characters helps differentiate them and gives each character a unique space in the reader’s mind. Dialogue should not only move the plot forward but also reveal subtle hints about characters’ intentions, relationships, and personalities.
The way a character speaks can indicate their education, personality, emotional state, or even hint at secrets. A brusque response might signal impatience, defensiveness, or an effort to conceal something, while long, rambling dialogue could hint at insecurity or a guilty conscience. Crafting dialogue that reflects each character’s voice allows readers to engage more fully and provides opportunities for building suspense.
Example: In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Lisbeth Salander’s blunt, terse speech contrasts with the more verbose and methodical Blomkvist. Their dialogues not only showcase their personalities but also build a sense of tension and chemistry between them.
- Use Physical Descriptions Sparingly but Effectively
While mystery readers appreciate vivid descriptions, they don’t necessarily want every detail spelled out. Physical attributes should serve a purpose and often hint at a character’s background, current state, or role in the story. A character’s appearance can subtly suggest their role in the mystery—perhaps they have a scar from a long-forgotten incident or an expensive wardrobe that hints at a hidden fortune or illicit activities.
Descriptions can also serve as red herrings. For instance, a character who appears harmless might be more dangerous than they look, while an intimidating figure could turn out to be the innocent party. However, avoid overloading readers with physical details unless they are essential to understanding the character or solving the mystery.
Example: In Raymond Chandler’s The Big Sleep, Marlowe’s keen observations of other characters’ physical appearances help readers gather clues. The way someone dresses or holds themselves often reflects their social status, attitude, or intentions, adding a layer of mystery.
- Create a Dynamic Character Arc
Mystery novels thrive on change, and memorable characters should evolve throughout the story. A good character arc often involves shifting perspectives, whether it’s the detective’s growing obsession, a suspect’s crumbling alibi, or a bystander’s unexpected involvement in the crime. The arc can also revolve around the protagonist’s internal growth, such as overcoming a personal limitation, reconciling with a past failure, or grappling with moral dilemmas.
Dynamic characters are especially memorable in mysteries, as they bring a sense of realism and relatability to the story. When readers witness characters adapting to new information, adjusting their strategies, or reassessing their moral boundaries, they feel more invested in the outcome.
Example: In Gone Baby Gone by Dennis Lehane, detective Patrick Kenzie grapples with moral choices throughout the case, ultimately transforming from a character with clear-cut values to one conflicted by the very idea of justice. This transformation adds depth to his character and leaves readers contemplating the same moral questions.
- Weave in Misdirection and Unreliable Narration
Misdirection and unreliable characters can keep readers on their toes and heighten a mystery’s complexity. Characters who withhold information, lie, or deceive create doubt and suspense. When crafted well, unreliable characters—whether they’re narrators, detectives, or suspects—can make readers question everything they thought they knew about the story.
An unreliable character is especially effective when the reader discovers the truth gradually. For instance, a detective who is secretly involved in the crime or a protagonist who begins to doubt their own memory can add layers of tension to the mystery. By revealing only selective truths, unreliable characters create an atmosphere of suspense that keeps readers guessing.
Example: In The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie, the narrator’s unreliability twists the reader’s perception of the events, making the final reveal even more shocking. This technique not only elevates the story but makes the characters—and the novel as a whole—more memorable.
- Develop Relationships That Influence the Plot
Memorable characters do not exist in isolation; their relationships help define them and often serve as catalysts for the plot. In a mystery, these relationships are often fraught with tension, secrets, and hidden agendas. Exploring relationships—whether it’s a detective’s rapport with suspects, a friendship between two people hiding something from each other, or a complex romantic relationship—adds layers to the story and provides further avenues for suspense.
When characters have a stake in each other’s lives, their actions have greater meaning. For instance, a betrayal might reveal a hidden motive, or an unexpected alliance could foreshadow a critical plot twist. Relationships should be as dynamic as the characters themselves, evolving in response to the story’s developments and contributing to the mystery.
Example: In The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, the relationship between the therapist and his mute patient is a focal point that gradually reveals the psychological depth and tension underlying the story, ultimately leading to a shocking twist.
- Avoid Stereotypes and Clichés
Finally, memorable characters defy stereotypes and avoid clichés. Mystery characters can sometimes fall into familiar archetypes: the hard-boiled detective, the femme fatale, the reluctant hero. While these archetypes can be useful starting points, adding unique traits or unexpected backstories makes the characters more memorable. Consider what drives each character beyond the usual tropes.
By blending archetypal roles with fresh perspectives, writers create a sense of authenticity and prevent readers from easily predicting characters’ roles in the mystery. This approach not only deepens character development but also ensures that each character remains unpredictable and intriguing.
Example: In Tana French’s In the Woods, detective Rob Ryan is flawed, traumatized, and sometimes unreliable, subverting the traditional role of the stoic detective and creating a compelling, multidimensional character that stays with readers long after the book is closed.
Final Thoughts
Crafting memorable characters in a mystery novel requires a careful balance of backstory, motivation, flaw, and development. When characters are deeply realized, readers become emotionally invested, making each twist and revelation all the more impactful. By prioritizing depth over stereotypes and creating dynamic arcs that evolve with the plot, mystery writers can leave a lasting impression on readers, transforming their characters into unforgettable figures in the world of suspenseful storytelling.