Crafting Compelling Characters

Creating engaging characters is essential in mystery writing, as readers need to connect with the sleuths they follow. Authors highlighted the importance of character development, sharing that it's not just about intricate plots but about building personalities readers can love and invest in. For example, Louise Penny bases her character Chief Inspector Armand Gamache on qualities she admires in real people, creating a happy yet aware detective who navigates the harsh realities of crime. Similarly, Richard Osman emphasizes that the characters in his books, set in a retirement village, need to be relatable, reminding writers that the emotional journey is just as crucial as plot twists.