The Dilemma of Too Many Characters in Your Novel

by DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

The novel is finished. The writer inhales a breath of satisfaction. Now is the time to begin the editing process. But midway through, a dose of reality hits hard. The story has so many characters that it’s difficult to keep track of their names and the roles they play. 

While the problem may look bewildering, there is a solution, and the story will be stronger by implementing the following suggestions. 

List the POV characters and their role in the story

Make a determination:

• Is each character a protagonist or an antagonist?
• Why is the character necessary?
• If the character was eliminated, would the plot change?

List remaining characters

These characters are critical to the story. Or so we think. Below the POV characters, record these names and their role in the story.

Determine again:

• Is each character a protagonist or an antagonist?
• Why is the character necessary?
• If the character was eliminated, would the plot change?

Fix the problem

Here’s where the real work takes place. If the writer has been able to eliminate any characters, great. But let’s consider the worst scenario: the writer believes every character is essential to the story. 

• Examine each character’s name and role.
• Reflect on a character playing more than one role. 
• Choose which character can play at least two or more vital functions.

Below is an example of characters who can add higher stakes and increase unpredictable behavior by supporting varied interests.

Fred                

Police officer working a jewelry store robbery 

He is up for promotion and longs to prove his mettle

In love with Lynn and plans to propose 

Suspects Lynn may have a problem with painkillers but she denies it

Jack                

Police officer who is Fred’s partner and working the jewelry store robbery. 

Jack thinks Fred takes too many chances.

Doesn’t like Fred dating his sister Lynn.

Best friend of Brandon.

Lynn               

Fred’s girlfriend and Jack’s sister. 

In love with Fred

Has a prescription drug problem

Brandon supplies the drugs

Persuaded by Brandon to drive the getaway car from the robbery in exchange for keeping her secret.

Brandon         

Highly respected interior decorator

Ex- boyfriend of Lynn

Supplies Lynn’s drugs

Has a gambling problem

Robbed the jewelry store         

The four characters above serve multiple functions in the story. The wants, needs, goals, strengths, and weaknesses of the characters are muddied by their connections to the other characters.

Think time!

How can you reduce the number of characters in your story and add tension and conflict to the story line?

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If your novel has too many characters you can fix it with these steps from @DiAnnMills on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannmills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.