As we delve deeper into our storytelling journey, we must pay close attention to the lifeblood of every story – the characters. After all, it’s through their eyes that the audience experiences the tale!

Creating Dynamic Characters

Characters breathe life into your story. They’re the instruments through which your brand message is conveyed.

A well-developed character connects with the audience on a personal level, making them more invested in the narrative.

Creating complex, relatable characters is crucial for engaging and maintaining audience interest.

Character Archetypes

Understanding character archetypes can help guide your character creation process.

1. The Hero: The central figure in the story. This is the character that the audience roots for.
2. The Mentor: This character provides guidance and aids the hero in their journey.
3. The Ally: A supportive character who accompanies the hero throughout their journey.
4. The Herald: This character brings the call to adventure to the hero, often setting the story in motion.
5. The Trickster: Known for adding fun and comic relief to the story. They often challenge the status quo and can cause trouble for the hero.
6. The Shapeshifter: This character keeps the audience guessing. Their loyalties, intentions, or even their identity may be unclear.
7. The Shadow: Represents the obstacles or antagonist that the hero must overcome.
8. The Outcast: A character banished from a social group. They often represent themes of non-conformity and differentness.
9. The Gatekeeper: This character tests the hero before they can face their greatest challenge. They often block an entrance or border of some kind.
10. The Jester: Similar to the Trickster, they’re known for their humor and wit and are often free spirits who don’t conform to the rules of society.
11. The Sage: A wise character who provides crucial insights or guidance to the hero.
12. The Love Interest: The romantic partner for the hero, often adding emotional depth and complexity to the hero’s journey.
13. The Everyman: This character represents the average, ordinary individual. They are relatable to the audience and their journey often reflects universal experiences.

Building Your Character

When creating your character, consider these elements:

1. Backstory – What’s their past? What motivates them?
2. Goals – What do they want to achieve?
3. Conflicts – What stands in their way?
4. Growth – How do they change throughout the story?

Let’s Apply it!

Characters are a vital part of your brand’s narrative on social media. They make your story relatable and engaging.

When creating content, consider how your brand might fit into one of these archetypes. Maybe your brand is the mentor, providing valuable guidance to your audience (the hero).

Engage your audience further by having them participate in the narrative. Social media allows for interactive storytelling – use this to your advantage!

Do you want to learn more about the power of storytelling in copywriting? Check our first post of this series, The Hero’s Journey!