Revealing Character Traits Through Story Events

By Tierre-Lee Curtis

A good story is complex with depth and is comprised of multidimensional characters paired with eye-opening events. The harmony of these elements rests in their relationship with one another, sort of like the tide and the moon. When an important event takes place, it affects the character’s trajectory. Likewise, depending on the character’s intentions and history, the events change as a result of their presence. This tidal shift will either envelop the reader as it ebbs and flows, or it will drown them in missed allegorical opportunities. That’s where I come in, let me show you how to get the most from your story by revealing character traits through your story’s events.

There are many ways you can subtly and effectively reveal character insight within your story (as explored in How to Give Your Character a Unique Voice Through Dialogue). Perhaps the most underappreciated is through their involvement with story events. You can tell a lot by a character’s dialogue or appearance and more about their values and essence by their reaction and interaction with plot happenings.

Gerry Lane isn’t the protagonist of World War Z (2006 film adaptation) because he is played by Brad Pitt. He’s the protagonist because of his resilience and bravery in the face of horror and adversity. When presented with end-of-the-world-like events, his character’s nature is to respond with compassion and selflessness.

Jake “the Muss” Heke isn’t the antagonistic patriarch of Once Were Warriors (written by Alan Duff, 1990) because he swears or is fist-happy. He is the antagonist because he represents the embodiment of rage and selfish cruelty regardless of his environment or context. Whether it is family, friends, enemies, or all of the above, Jake responds with violence to either preserve or enforce his rule. His character’s nature is one ruled by fear and anger.

Neither of these characters’ true essence can be understood through their appearance or vernacular. Their relationship to the story’s events, reactions, and interactions shows the reader their true nature as individuals. Though the events of their stories play a large role in shaping their character, it is the traits revealed through these events that provide the reader with the biggest insight into the story’s true message.