Creating characters the reader can relate to is a challenge for every writer. Plotting out the basics of the characters helps the writer to describe the him to the reader. Beyond conveying the height, weight, hair color and other vital statistics to the reader, it's important to describe any unique traits they could identify with in the reading.

To get to know the character better, the author can use a couple of techniques. One technique many authors use is interviewing. Using a set of standard questions, the author gains more indepth knowledge of his character. For example, asking about the childhood home, allows the author to find out more about the character's background. Some questions I typically ask are:

~ Describe your childhood home.
~ Tell me about your first pet.
~ Where did you meet your first love?
~ Describe your best friend. Why is he/she your best friend?
~ Describe your favorite place to visit.
~ What is your favorite drink?

Asking these questions and others like them allows the writer to gain a deeper understanding of his character as well as determine areas of concern and opportunity in his story. Knowing the character better helps the writer bring the story to life for the reader. Another technique often used by writers to is writing a monologue.

A monologue explores the character's feelings on a particular subject. In a romance story, it's often helpful to write a monologue on what the main character thinks of love. What is he/she looking for in a partner? Why is he/she still looking? How does he/she feel about love in general? Any of these topics have the potential to reveal the personality of the character.

Use these tools and others to get to know your characters. The better you know them, the more realistic they will appear to your reader. If the reader can identify with the characters, they are more likely to enjoy your tale.

About the Author:
Sonia Fischer is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Fiction Writing.