By Bill Cameron
As you develop your main characters, you’ll probably put a lot of effort into working out the skills they require, whether it’s a spy’s tradecraft, the roping and horsemanship of a rodeo rider, the knowledge of ingredients a pastry chef requires, the facility with numbers and reading trends of a stock broker, and so forth. For example, James Bond needs to be able to shoot, fight, drive fast, and adjust his tie whilst falling from an airplane. Whoever you’re writing about, you’ll develop a clear picture of what they can do (or need to learn) in order to address the story conflicts they’ll face.
Beyond the Role: Building a Well-Rounded Character
But people are all greater than the jobs they do or the role they play in your story. A rich, believable character has a life beyond the page, and that includes things they do for pleasure or to unwind. For instance, how does Bond spend his time when he’s not defusing nuclear missiles? Perhaps he knits or does découpage.
Unexpected Skills Add Depth, Fun, and Solve Problems
So ask yourself what your character gets up to when they’re not fighting aliens, romancing that cowboy or cowgirl, dodging zombies, or amateur sleuthing? Their unexpected skills or interests can not only reveal added character depths but may provide a surprise strategy for tackling a thorny plot problem.
The gift of an unexpected skill can make your character more enjoyable to write and more interesting and fun for your readers. I mean, just imagine what James Bond’s découpage projects must look like.
Upcoming classes you might enjoy
Nap-a-thon: a fundraiser for people who are tired. Which, statistically, is everyone.
Nap Ambassador sign ups close Sept 30.
Napping and fundraising happens Oct 1-31.
Come share a meal with other writers and talk shop—craft, process, money, motivation, publishing, rejection, weird writing habits, and whatever’s currently living rent-free in your brain.
Friday, Sept 18 | Noon–1:30 pm
Ages 18+
Get your novel out of your head and onto the page in this 6-month novel-writing cohort with Daryll Lynne Evans.
Begins October 5 | Ages 18+
A 12-week, 6-session critique class for writers ready to move their work forward—with kind, constructive feedback and a welcoming crew of fellow creatives.
Every other Tuesday. Fall Memoir/Creative Nonfiction cohort starts Oct 6, 2026 | Age 16+
A 4-week writing accountability and co-working group to help you make real, steady progress on your writing.
Wednesdays 3-4:30 pm | In person or online | Next cohort starts Oct 7, facilitated by Daryll Lynne Evans | Age 16+
Share your words in sweet community at our monthly open mic emceed by spoken word poet Jorah LaFleur.
Second Thursdays, September through June | Age 14+