How to Craft Characters That Bring Your Script to Life

So… fun important fact about me: I wrote a 327-page novel, poured three years of my life into it, only to find myself with a manuscript that didn’t go anywhere. I had a lot happening—cool scenes, shocking twists and a story. I knew it wasn’t working but didn’t know why until I read this ONE BOOK.

Whether you’re writing for film, TV, or your next novel, Story Genius has been a game-changer in helping writers master character-driven storytelling. Here are the five biggest secrets I learned, all of which will completely change the way you think about creating your characters. And I know… because it worked for me!

Secret #1: Your Plot is Only as Strong as Your Character’s Inner Struggle

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a plot loop, the problem may not be with your plot at all—it’s your character. Story Genius reveals that every twist and turn of your story should be rooted in your character’s inner struggle. Why? Because your character’s internal conflicts drive the real drama of your story. Think about Walter White from Breaking Bad: without his deep-seated resentment and hunger for respect, there’s no plot, no moral descent, no story.

Want a story that’s character-first and unforgettable? Start with inner conflict.
[Grab your copy of Story Genius and watch your scenes come to life!]

Katniss is a great example of a character with a moral arc.

Secret #2: Backstory is Not a Boring Add-on—it’s the Heart of Your Character

We all dread the dreaded “info dump,” but Story Genius explains how to use backstory to flesh out a character’s motivation and emotional triggers.

You may think this is info you can just figure out as you go, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Your protagonist’s past dictates why they act as they do in the present, even when they’re not fully aware of it.

In fact, Cron shows you how to use backstory to subtly fuel the actions and choices that create plot twists, suspense, and genuine tension.

Make your characters feel real by understanding the baggage they carry.
[Ready to level up your backstory game? Check out Story Genius here.]

Inigo Montoya from the Princess Bride has a backstory, a third rail as the book says, this ignites his intention in every scene.

Secret #3: Characters Aren’t Goals or Archetypes—they’re Complex People

Sure, it’s easy to think of your protagonist as “the hero” or “the reluctant fighter.” But what makes characters memorable isn’t their archetype—it’s their complexity. In Story Genius, Cron gives you tools to create characters with layered motives, emotional contradictions, and values that inform every choice they make. This approach takes your characters beyond “types” and makes them unforgettable individuals.

If you’ve ever wondered why audiences are still talking about certain characters years later, it’s because those characters feel like people.

Yeah, plot is important, but knowing and loving a character is what keeps your reachers reading and your audience watching. And there’s nothing worse for a story than when a character strays from who they are (in fact, I think it’s the downfall for most shows that go south).

With Cron’s guidance, you’ll write layered, complex characters your audience will want to root for, no matter how flawed they are.

Make your character a person, not a trope.
[Get Story Genius and start crafting characters who leap off the page!]

In Gladiator, Maximus’ revenge story would fall flat if not for his deep love for his family.

Secret #4: Every Scene Must Matter to Your Character’s Journey

No more filler scenes or empty dialogue. With Story Genius, you’ll learn how to make every single scene pivotal by connecting it to your character’s journey.

Cron teaches you to keep your scenes alive by anchoring each one to your character’s drive, so that everything happening on the page or screen feels like a “must-watch.”

It’s the difference between a scene that’s nice to have and a scene that can’t be skipped.

If your scenes are dragging, it’s time to rework them from the inside out.
[See how Story Genius can keep your audience hooked!]

Sam is continually tested, but never loses his primary goal: to take care of his friend Frodo throughout.

Secret #5: Writing is a Step-by-Step Process, Not a Mad Dash

Writing is tough, but Cron’s method in Story Genius is like a roadmap that takes you from blank page to first draft without going in circles. Instead of facing 300+ pages of “something happening,” Story Genius breaks down the process into bite-sized actions.

You’re guided to start small, creating a solid story blueprint with compelling characters from the beginning, so you never lose sight of the end.

Learn to write stories that make sense from the ground up. Get Story Genius and streamline your writing process today!

Bonus Tips: Character Development Made Easy with Astrology (Yes, Really!)

Once you’ve got a handle on backstory and motivation, take things a step further by exploring how astrology can bring new layers to your characters.

I’ve found it to be an incredibly useful tool for adding depth and personality quirks. Curious about how this works? Check out my post on using astrology to create unforgettable characters…

Ready to change your approach and write the story you actually want to tell? Get your copy of Story Genius here and start transforming your storytelling today!

This is literally the book that took me from an amateur to a professional writer

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