Writing older characters can be both an exciting and challenging experience for writers. Older characters often bring some great experience, wisdom, and unique perspectives, but they also come with their own set of complexities and challenges. If you’re interested in writing older characters but aren’t sure where to begin, here are 8 tips to guide you through the process.
Avoid stereotypes
The first and most important tip is to avoid falling into common stereotypes when writing older characters (just like you would with children). While stereotypes like “grumpy old man” or “sweet little grandmother” can be tempting to use, they can easily reduce your character to a one-dimensional trope.
Older people are just as diverse and multifaceted as younger ones, and their personalities, motivations, and behaviors are shaped by their unique experiences, not just their age.
Instead of relying on clichés, focus on creating a fully developed character with their own distinctive traits. Don’t assume that all older people are frail, forgetful, or set in their ways.
Some older characters might be physically strong, mentally sharp, or open to new ideas, while others may embrace nostalgia or resist change. Challenge yourself to think beyond the obvious and build a character who feels like a real person, not a stereotype.
Generational Differences
Generational differences can play a significant role in shaping an older character’s worldview, attitudes, and behavior. These differences are shaped by historical, cultural, and social experiences that occurred during their formative years.
For example, someone who grew up during the Great Depression may have a different approach to money and work than someone who grew up in the era of technology and globalization.
Incorporating these generational differences can add layers of depth to your character. Think about the events that shaped their generation and how those experiences might influence their actions or perspectives.
Are they more traditional or conservative, or have they evolved over time to embrace new ideas? Exploring generational differences can also provide opportunities for conflict or growth, particularly when older characters interact with younger generations who have different values or outlooks.
Give them depth
Older characters, just like any other characters, need to be a bit sharp to feel authentic. Don’t limit their complexity to their age alone. Consider their past experiences, relationships, siblings, family life and emotional landscape.
What have they lived through? What successes and regrets shape their lives ? Have they had moments of joy, sorrow, love, or loss that have influenced their personality and choices ?
To give your older character depth, think about how their age and life experience have made them who they are today. Are they wise because of the lessons they've learned over the years, or are they cynical and jaded from the hardships they’ve faced ?
Give them nuanced emotions, desires, and fears that reflect the complexity of growing older and getting life experiences.
A good backstory
A well-developed backstory is key to writing older characters who feel fully realized. The events that took place throughout their lives, from childhood to adulthood, have had a significant impact on shaping who they are today.
When crafting your older character’s backstory, think about their family dynamics, education, career, friendships, and key life moments. Just like you would with any other character.
Consider how their past influences the choices they make in the present. Perhaps they have unresolved issues from their youth that affect their behavior or relationships. Maybe their backstory includes moments of triumph, heartbreak, or reinvention that contribute to the person they’ve become.
Aging-Related Challenges
While not every older character will face the same physical or mental challenges, it’s important to acknowledge the realities of aging when writing them. Aging can come with a host of challenges, including physical limitations, health issues, memory loss, and emotional struggles like loneliness or a fear of losing independence.
However, it’s also important to remember that not all older characters will face these challenges in the same way, and not all will be defined by them.
Instead of reducing your character’s aging process to a series of setbacks, think about how they manage or adapt to these changes. Perhaps they’re fiercely independent, taking pride in their ability to navigate aging with grace and humor.
Maybe they struggle with accepting their changing bodies or are determined to stay active and engaged in the world around them. Incorporating aging-related challenges thoughtfully can add realism to your character and make their journey more meaningful.
Family Dynamics
Family dynamics are often central to the lives of older characters. As people age, their relationships with children, grandchildren, and extended family can evolve in important ways.
Older characters may find themselves in the role of caregiver, or they may struggle with becoming dependent on others. Family can be a source of joy, frustration, or tension, and exploring these relationships can provide insight into your character’s personality and motivations.
For example, an older character who feels overlooked or disconnected from their children might experience feelings of resentment or loneliness. On the other hand, a character who has a close-knit family may find strength and comfort in those bonds.
Family dynamics can also be a source of conflict—perhaps the character feels misunderstood or caught in the middle of generational divides. Explore how family shapes your older character's sense of identity and emotional well-being.
Growth and Development
A common misconception is that older characters are at the end of their growth journey, that they are now set in their ways and nothing will happen to them apart from death. Bit sad, isn’t it ?
In reality, people continue to grow and develop throughout their lives, regardless of age. Older characters can still experience personal growth, change, and self-discovery.
Maybe your older character is embarking on a new adventure, pursuing a new passion, or reflecting on their past mistakes in an effort to make amends. Perhaps they’re confronting new challenges or redefining their purpose after retirement or a major life event.
Allow them the opportunity to evolve throughout the story. Personal growth doesn’t stop with age, it can continue to unfold in fascinating and unexpected ways ! Find them !
A Bit of Humor
Finally, one of the best ways to make an older character feel real and relatable is by giving them a sense of humor. Humor doesn’t only come from younger characters, it’s an essential part of human nature, and older characters are no exception.
Many older people have a sharp wit, a sarcastic edge, or a lighthearted way of viewing life’s challenges, that comes from aging and caring less about what people think. Humor can also be a coping mechanism for dealing with the complexities of aging.
Giving your older character a sense of humor allows them to be more engaging and adds warmth to their personality. It also helps to break down stereotypes that older people are always serious, sad, or grumpy.
By letting your character laugh at themselves, make jokes, or find humor in unexpected situations, you’re adding another layer of depth that makes them feel authentic and real.
Writing older characters doesn’t have to be intimidating or limiting. By avoiding stereotypes, exploring generational differences, giving them depth and a strong backstory, and addressing the challenges of aging, you can create characters that are as complex, dynamic, and engaging as any younger protagonist.
Remember to allow for growth, introduce family dynamics, and, of course, infuse a bit of humor to make your older characters relatable and authentic.
BUNDLE - CHARACTER WORKBOOKS
