5 Keys For Writing Great Character Introductions

Writing great character introductions is an important way to get our readers invested in our story and interested in our characters. We want to help readers see and love our characters as much as we do!

Character introductions seem like they should be easy. Just tell people the character’s name and a couple of basic descriptions and we should be good to go.

However, we’re missing out on a lot of potential if we leave it at that.

First impressions are important, after all!

We want to spark interest. We want to impress. We want to make the reader invested and care about the character.

While there are library shelves full of different styles and genres of writing, here are a few key overall concepts of writing great character introductions.

5 Keys For Writing Great Character Introductions

1. Main Characters Go First

Protagonists and major characters should get more time and be introduced at the start of the story. This signals to the reader they are important, establishes character motivations, and helps build an immediate bond.

Secondary characters can have less information given right off the bat- this frees up space for major characters and lets readers know they are less important

… And yes, the villain is considered a main character. Depending on the plot of your story they may not be introduced until later- but make sure that one way or another they get some time and a memorable introduction!

2. One at a Time

Try not to introduce too many characters at once!

If we introduce too many characters at once it can be confusing. Instead, try to limit it to 1-2 at a time if possible and find ways to make each character distinctive from the others.

3. Be Specific

Using specific details when introducing a character helps create vivid images and is more interesting than vague or cliche descriptions.

Details are also a great opportunity to show what is unique about a certain character. Is their hand-me-down coat torn and a size too big? Do they wear a favorite Bon Jovi t-shirt or a pressed green dress with pearl buttons? Is their brown hair cut too short like they did it with the razor themselves?

Specific descriptions can help us visualize a character and give us a glimpse of who they are.

4. Be Succinct

This goes along with being specific. We want to convey as much as possible about a character with only a few words.

Too much information at once is overwhelming and boring. We don’t have time to explain a character’s entire backstory as soon as we meet them or show every detail of their character.

Instead we want a succinct introduction that hints at the core qualities of the character. We want just enough– just enough information and details that the reader knows what’s important and can visualize the character themselves.

We can always introduce more information later.

5. Leverage Everything

There is a lot more beyond name, hair, and eye color that we can use in introducing a character.

We want to utilize all 5+ of our senses and also use the full situation to our advantage.

What is the character we’re introducing doing? Is there a hint of emotion, baggage, or backstory? Do other people seem to like them or be intimidated by them? How do they interact with others? Are they happy to be there? Do they fit in to their situation?

This is all about being intentional in where, how, and when we introduce our characters. These situations can provide a glimpse of our characters’ attitudes, personalities, and values.

Maybe you have the kind-but-forgetful man who locks himself out of his apartment after stepping outside to feed a stray dog. The confident transgender teen who is giving a presentation at school about Marsha P. Johnson.

These are “characterizing moments” that can showcase the core of who a character is.

Bonus: The Off Screen Intro

Sometimes a character can be introduced without even being “on screen.”

Maybe our first intro to them is hearing them talked about by other people. In this case, the character’s reputation is their introduction which can set certain expectations for their later arrival.

This can be a valuable option for characters who will be important later on in the story so they won’t be a confusing surprise for the reader. Or it can be a fun “twist” if the expectations don’t line up with reality.

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For further reading:

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What about you? Can you think of any really spectacular character introductions?