How to Write Inclusive Characters That Truly Resonate: A Guide for Writers

Writing diverse and inclusive characters is more than just ticking a box. It's about crafting fictional characters that reflect the real world in all its complexity—characters with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Whether you’re writing a novel or short story, incorporating diversity into your book characters is essential for creating authentic and meaningful stories.

But how do you ensure that your characters are not only diverse but also respectful and fully fleshed out? Let’s dive into some practical writing tips to help you build inclusive and compelling characters that your readers will remember.

Why Inclusive Characters Matter

Gone are the days when stories featured only one type of character—now, readers are looking for diverse narratives that reflect a wide range of human experiences. Inclusive writing means embracing different races, cultures, sexual orientations, and abilities. This not only broadens your audience but also adds depth to your character development.

Diversity in literature helps readers see themselves in stories. When done well, it creates empathy and fosters connections. But simply inserting diverse characters for the sake of it can feel shallow or even offensive. To create truly inclusive characters, writers need to go beyond stereotypes and dig into what makes their book characters unique.

Do Your Homework: Understand the Diversity You’re Writing About

One of the best writing tips when creating diverse characters is to do your research. Writing about characters from backgrounds or experiences different from your own requires sensitivity and understanding. Get curious, read stories, conduct interviews, and dive into the communities you want to write about. This will ensure that your character development feels authentic and thoughtful, rather than relying on clichés.

For example, if you’re writing a character with a disability, avoid turning them into a symbol of struggle or inspiration. Instead, focus on their personality and how their experiences shape them, just as you would for any other character.

Avoid Stereotypes, Embrace Complexity

Let’s be real—stereotypes are boring and don’t do your story justice. Reducing characters to overused tropes, like the “fiery Latina” or “wise old mentor,” limits their potential and can come across as lazy writing. Instead, focus on making your book characters complex and multidimensional.

Think about their internal conflicts, desires, and fears. Maybe your character is an immigrant who loves cooking but is also dealing with the pressure of balancing two cultures. Or perhaps your fictional character is LGBTQ+ and struggling with identity but also has a deep passion for art. Let their diverse backgrounds add richness to the story, not define them entirely.

Use Sensitivity Readers for Honest Feedback

If you’re concerned about whether you’re representing your diverse characters accurately and respectfully, consider hiring a sensitivity reader. These are individuals from the communities you’re writing about who can offer feedback on how your inclusive characters come across. Sensitivity readers can help you spot problematic elements and suggest ways to improve your portrayal.

How to Start Writing Inclusively Today

Ready to start writing more inclusively? Begin by examining your own biases and assumptions. As you develop your fictional characters, ask yourself if you’re relying on stereotypes or clichés. Focus on creating real, multidimensional people who happen to have diverse backgrounds.

Next, actively seek out stories and media created by people from different communities. This exposure can help broaden your understanding and inspire your own inclusive character development.

Write Inclusive Characters With Weaver Publishers

Writing inclusive and diverse characters might seem daunting, but it’s an essential part of creating rich, relatable stories. At Weaver Publishers, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you need help developing your characters or refining your plot, our book writing services can guide you through the entire process.