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Writing Craft | Character Development

Character Evolution: When Your Mystery Protagonist Takes a New Direction

ByZara Altair March 15, 2024March 15, 2024

Learn how to navigate character changes in your draft with our comprehensive guide on keeping your mystery intriguing and coherent.

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man in leather jacket and sunglasses representing a detective character
Character Development

The Heart of Investigation: Five Strategies for Making Your Detective a Character Readers Will Care About

ByZara Altair November 15, 2023

Impress your readers with an unforgettable detective character in your mystery text – here’s how!

Read More The Heart of Investigation: Five Strategies for Making Your Detective a Character Readers Will Care AboutContinue

man standing with arms crossed to illustrate taking a stand
Character Development

Why Your Mystery Detective Needs to Take a Stand

ByZara Altair June 19, 2023June 19, 2023

Deepen your mystery with a detective who takes a stand. Explore the connection between a compelling protagonist and an unforgettable narrative.

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Elements of character SWOT analysis
Character Development | Writing Craft

A 4-Part Character Creation Tool for Your Mystery Detective

ByZara Altair November 1, 2022November 1, 2022

Itemize strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to create a manageable story idea for your protagonist.

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mystery detective with or without a character arc
Character Development

Your Detective’s Inside Story: To Character Arc or Not 

ByZara Altair September 6, 2022September 6, 2022

How to emotionally engage readers in your mystery without a character arc for your detective

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mystery sleuth examining a clue
Character Development

2 Great Ways to Introduce Your Mystery’s Detective So Your Reader Cares

ByZara Altair August 22, 2022August 22, 2022

Use your detective’s personality and skills to connect with your reader at the beginning of your mystery.

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man leaning back in vulnerable stance looking up at a threat
Character Development

How to Show Your Sleuth’s Vulnerabilities for Greater Reader Empathy

ByZara Altair January 3, 2022January 3, 2022

Four ways to display your mystery sleuth’s vulnerabilities to connect with your reader.

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sculpture of Hercules seen from the back displaying a well-muscled back.
Character Development | Uncategorized

The Mystery Protagonist’s Tools: The Secret of the Things in Their Life 

ByZara Altair November 9, 2021November 9, 2021

Match your protagonist’s tools to his personality and skills to make them believable and relatable for your reader.

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Grace Kelly in To Catch A Thief illustrating protagonist preference.
Character Development | Creating Characters

Your Mystery Sleuth Protagonist: Fleshing Out Humanity to Capture Reader Interest

ByZara Altair October 26, 2021

The importance of character small passions to get your reader to care about your entire story.

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man holding umbrella in a shower of sparks
Character Development

Does Your Mystery Sleuth Need a Character Arc?

ByZara Altair March 8, 2021

Your mystery detective may not need a character emotional arc, but you do need to build emotional connection with your reader.

A strong character background filled with details and scene writing that incorporates emotional dynamics are the key.

Read More Does Your Mystery Sleuth Need a Character Arc?Continue

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Recent Posts

  • Create Your Stand-out Detective: A Guide for Mystery Writers
  • The Sleuth’s Eye: How Self-Editing Improves Your Mystery Writing
  • From Idea to Icon: Create Your Standout Mystery Detective
  • Character Chemistry: How Supporting Characters Fuel Your Mystery Narrative
  • The Mystery Novel Ending: Wrap-Up After the Big Reveal

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