Using Psychology To Create Fictional Characters

Characters are the most important part of stories. What characters want, who they are and how they see the world is what drives narrative. There are many ways to create characters. One of the earliest resources I found as a beginner was the character sheet. Character sheets are helpful; they list out all the possible traits to consider when building your character such as their physical traits, their occupation and family history, to name a few. Whatever methods you’re already using, it may also help to consider how psychological elements could inform your character’s traits and goals. As a social worker, I discovered that certain psychological and behavioral theories could be used to not just understand people, but to create them as well (fictional characters, that is). Two psychological theories that I use to develop my characters are Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Erickson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Created by psychologist, Abraham Maslow, the hierarchy of needs is a theory of human motivation. According to Maslow, humans have 5 primary needs arranged from the most basic to most advanced. They are: physiological needs like food, water, and health; security like shelter and stability; social needs like love, belonging, and inclusion; ego such as self-esteem, power, recognition, and finally self-actualization which is a person’s need for development, creativity and originality. Maslow categorized the first four needs as “deficiency” needs. This means motivation decreases when these needs are met. The top need, “self-actualization” is a “growth” need. This means that a person is motivated by a desire to grow and thus motivation increases as these needs are met. Therefore, when a person’s basic needs are satisfied, they can focus on their need for self-actualization and grow as a person, but usually a person may fluctuate between these levels of motivation depending on what’s missing in their life.

So how does this apply to fictional characters? Well, if your characters are human (or based around human traits) then they’d most likely be motivated by any one of these needs. So think about what your character may want and what may be motivating them to get it. Do they want to buy a house? What do you think is motivating them? A need for shelter and security or a need for belonging and inclusion?

Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development

Erik Erickson was a developmental psychologist who theorized that there are 8 stages of human development. According to Erikson, from our infancy to when we become elders, we are faced with emotional crises that we need to resolve in order to grow psychologically and socially. Resolving these conflicts leads to the acquisition of virtues that lead to feelings of competence, but failure to master these stages, leads to feelings of shame and inadequacy. These stages are categorized by age groups as seen in the chart above.

So, what does this have to do with character development? Well, characters have strengths, flaws, wants (goals) and motivations. Consider how your character’s age group may inform these elements. Could their flaws be related to failing to master a virtue? Could a problem they’re facing be related in some way to a life crisis? Could their goals be motivated by a desire for identity, love, or trust or a lack thereof?

In Summary

When I’m creating my characters, I use these psychological theories to dig deeper. I look to see if my character’s problems, desires, strengths or weaknesses could be related in some way to their psychological or social development. After all, we are shaped by their life experiences. These experiences help shape our beliefs and perspectives about ourselves and the world around us. It’s the same for your characters. So, next time you’re writing a story, consider how these psychological methods could help you dig deeper into your characters.

How do you create and develop your characters? Tell me about it in the comments below!

Hi! Shantal here. I’m a writer and a storyteller. I created Shantal Writes to share my experiences with writing fiction. I also provide new writers with tips, tools, and writing advice. I hope you find something helpful while you’re here!