There’s something magical about the characters we meet in childhood stories. Whether it’s a grumpy bear who learns to share or a curious kid with big dreams, those fictional friends stick with us for life. As a writer, one of the most powerful tools you have is your ability to create characters that feel real—characters kids fall in love with, laugh with, and maybe even learn from.

So, how do you actually do that? How do you go beyond quirky names and cute illustrations to build characters that matter?

Let’s talk about it.

Start with Who They Are, Not What They Look Like

Before you worry about hair color or outfits, ask yourself: who is this character, deep down?

• What makes them excited to get out of bed in the morning?
• What do they worry about when things go quiet?
• What do they secretly wish for?

These aren’t just questions—they’re the starting points for building someone who feels real. A character doesn’t have to be human to be relatable. A raccoon who’s scared of the dark can be just as compelling as a shy first-grader. It’s all about heart.

Give Them Something They Want

Every character should want something—badly. It can be something huge, like finding their missing parent, or something simple, like getting invited to a birthday party. The goal is less important than the desire behind it.

When your character has a clear want, the story naturally builds around it. Kids follow along because they want to see how that character gets what they’re after—and what they learn along the way.

Let Them Be Messy

Perfect characters? Snooze-fest. Real ones? That’s where the magic is.

Let your character mess up. Let them cry or say the wrong thing or chicken out. Kids don’t want role models—they want friends. And friends aren’t perfect.

When a character makes a mistake and tries again, kids see themselves in the story. That connection is gold.

Relationships Matter

Characters don’t grow in a vacuum. Think about who your character spends time with. A grumpy mentor? A wild little sibling? A loyal pet who never speaks but knows everything?

These relationships are where your character reveals who they really are. Through friendship, conflict, teamwork, and misunderstanding, your story gains heart—and your character gains depth.

Give Them a Voice That’s Theirs

One of the easiest ways to make a character stand out? Let them talk like themselves.

Maybe your character is overly formal, or maybe they make up goofy words for everything. Maybe they tell really long stories, or maybe they barely talk at all but communicate everything through their actions.

Whatever it is—make it theirs. Unique voices are sticky. They make characters unforgettable.

Let Them Grow

By the end of the story, something about your character should have shifted. It doesn’t have to be dramatic. Maybe they’ve learned to say sorry. Maybe they finally asked for help. Maybe they stood up for themselves.

Growth is what makes a character feel real. It’s also what gives the story a lasting emotional punch—one that lingers even after the last page.