One of the keys to making our thriller novels and crime fiction page-turners is developing well-drawn, believable characters who dazzle on the page. One method is through psychological profiling, a tool commonly used in solving crimes to determine the characteristics and drive of perpetrators. You can create more well-rounded, intricate, compelling characters using basics like real-people mannerisms.Psychological Profiling BasicsPsychological profiling is the study of individuals' patterns, behaviors, motivations, and backgrounds related to their psychological habits. It is the method of law enforcement solving criminal cases in addition to not trusting friends, and it is used by psychologists to understand patients. You can also use these techniques to create characters with rich inner lives and believable motives on the page.Using Profiling Methods To Create CharactersConsider their background story, personality traits, behaviors and motivations when creating your character. Consider their upbringing, defining moments in life and how those situations have influenced them. This allows for characters that are a lot more well-rounded and relatable to the readers.Example: Ted BundyFamous for his charm and intelligence, Ted Bundy was a serial killer of some infamy. The fact that he flew entirely under the radar and could live a normal life despite carrying out such despicable acts makes him an exciting case. To create a character based on Bundy, focus on these elements:Charm: You were a charming chap and could easily manipulate people.Dual Personality: Illustrate the discrepancy between the face they show in public and their concealed dark side.History: Delve into troubled youth or trauma they might have encountered that turned them to the way of life.This method gets you an interesting and frightening monster of a character.<div style="display: flex; justify-content: center"><img src="https://letcheck.b-cdn.net/3109/clyfz8fi501aur28zd4ms3nwf.png" data-href="https://www.novelplots.com/product-detail/zero-day/2257" onclick="window.open('https://www.novelplots.com/product-detail/zero-day/2257', '_blank')" style="cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 448px; cursor: pointer; justify-content: center;" draggable="true"></div>Knowing What The Characters WantMotivations are what a character wants to do or how theocratic demagoguery incentivizes them, causing the story. This motivation tells you what makes your character tick and thus allows for the creation of more believable and relatable personalities. You might want to think about fundamental necessities, such as love, power, revenge, survival, and the like.Example: Bonnie and ClydeBonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were famous criminals during the Great Depression. It is a love story and a defiance of society. Consider basic human needs such as love, power, revenge, or survival:Love Partnership: Everyone likes a love story that tells of the wonderful bond and partnership between two characters who murder together and stay true to each other.Rebellion: Pick one central inspiration that would drive someone to rebel against conventional order/rules/institutions.Embed it in desperation: Make the audience understand how economic hardship and lack of escape from one's own dire poverty make people commit crimes.Understanding their motivations could help you write realistic characters regardless of the heinousness.<img src="https://letcheck.b-cdn.net/3109/writers-craft-6_redeem-page-1140x678-1725218461865.png" data-href="https://fictionformula--infostack.thrivecart.com/wc6" onclick="window.open('https://fictionformula--infostack.thrivecart.com/wc6', '_blank')" style="cursor: pointer; width: 100%; height: auto; cursor: pointer;" draggable="true">On Writing and Psychological ComplexityTo reflect the psychological complexity of your character, show his or her internal struggles and conflicts. How they think, and what they say and do to show their fears/longings/guiltiness.Example: John Wayne GacyWhile John Wayne Gacy was portrayed as a friendly and appropriate member of his community, he secretly killed multiple people. For example, an op for a character based on Gacy could:Dual Life: A respected, even beloved, public-facing life with a dark and secret backside.Internal Conflict: Feel guilty, are afraid of getting caught in or make apologies for their behaviorBackground: Provide a trauma narrative informing why they are acting out the way they do.This internal conflict is shown, which makes your character believable and gives readers insight into the oddities of human nature.Making Characters Morally GreyMorally grey characters are so captivating because they truly mirror real people with true depth. Many of these characters combine good qualities and others that undermine the former, making them two sided and engaging.Example: Robin HoodLegendary figures like Robin Hood rob the rich to help the poor. What he does is illegal, but his motive is well-intentioned. Similar character creation:Noble Intentions: Demonstrate that despite the criminal things your character may have done, he or she has a moral compass or grander mission.Conflict with Society: Show the conflict of laws and morality within them.Flaws and Strengths: Counter their positive traits with negative flaws to create a believable character.Characters like this push readers to question their beliefs on right or wrong.You can also model the profiles in real life and start creating characters.Real-life profiles bring the characters to life. Research actual criminals, heroes, or everyday people who met extraordinary circumstances. Use their traits, behaviors, and motivations in your characters.Example: Malala YousafzaiMalala Yousafzai, a young Pakistani girl shot in the head by the Taliban for advocating girls' education. A character inspired by Malala could be:Brave and Resilient: Demonstrate exceptional valor in the face of danger or adversity.Passionate: Doing something being motivated by a strong purpose.Youth and Risk: Draw attention to youth, guests with serious bodily harmIt gives more depth to the characters that are part of your story, which might intrigue and rope readers into reading your paper.ConclusionCreate richer, more believable characters using psychological profiling to inform how you write them. Their history and what drives them all play a part in creating full-fleshed personalities that are believable and engaging to read. Following these processes will help your thriller and crime fiction writing lift up whether you are taking motivation from actual-life characters or producing with new profiles.The thing is to always remember that what makes a character great is not only what they do but why. Exercise their thoughts, reveal plot points, and see how committed your readers are to them.

Unlock the secrets of psychological profiling to create complex, compelling characters for your thriller and crime fiction. Real-life examples included!

Psychological Profiling: Building Authentic Characters Based on Real Profiles

Explore expert tips, techniques, and insights on writing compelling fiction. From character development to plot twists, learn how to craft stories that captivate and engage readers on NovelPlots.com.

Psychological Profiling: Building Authentic Characters Based on Real Profiles

Psychological Profiling: Building Authentic Characters Based on Real Profiles

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