When you bake, do you gather and measure out all the ingredients in different bowls and containers before you begin the mixing process or do you grab each ingredient, and measure it as you mix? Do you measure precisely or estimate? What does the way you bake have to say about your personality? Do you have any habits, like laying out your clothes before taking your shower? What about in the shower? Do you start at the top and work down, the bottom and work up or wash a specific body part first?

All of these behaviors and habits are unique to you. They are what distinguish you from other people you know. When you are working to create real characters for your novel, it is essential to make note of their habits and behaviors as you write. Think about Sherlock Holmes. If you’re acquainted with the character, your mind immediately jumps to some of his habits and behaviors, because Doyle did a great job of developing his character. A well-crafted novel shows rather than tells. Consequently, rather than telling your reader that someone is meticulous, help your reader understand how that particular trait is found in your character by demonstrating meticulous behavior in action.

There are several objectives achieved through the use of habits and behaviors in character development. We’ll examine four.

1. Character Distinction

Imagine a world where everyone is exactly alike. Your mother and your sister have the exact same habits, your brother and your best friend behave in exactly the same ways, and there is absolutely no difference between you and your father in the way you conduct yourself throughout the day.

Wouldn’t that be boring?

Let’s say that your mother brushes her teeth vigorously with her mouth open, but your sister keeps her mouth closed and uses a slower, more methodical approach. Though something rather insignificant, it is distinctive.

Describing your character’s habits and behaviors helps create character distinction and makes them real.

2. Character Contrast

How does Dr. Watson differ from Sherlock Holmes? Among other general characteristics, they both work toward solving whatever mystery is afoot, they both use deduction, and they behave like proper English gentlemen in most situations, yet they are almost polar opposites when it comes to their habits and behaviors. Again, if you’re acquainted with Doyle’s two characters, you can already create a list of contrasting traits that distinguish them from each other but also establish the dynamic of their interactions. Think of your favorite literary duo and consider how their individual behaviors enhance their interactions. By showing how one character behaves in contrast to another, you not only create additional distinguishing characteristics, but you provide a foundation for conflict between two characters or establish the dynamic of meshing two different points of view that can work together toward a common goal.

3. Predictability

Though you certainly don’t want your plot to be too predictable. Predictability is not always bad when it comes to character development. Readers like to become comfortable with certain characters in your story. One way to help create that attachment is by establishing your character’s habits and behaviors. Think about one of your favorite characters from a novel or a series. How do you relate to them? More than likely, you can make a list of their habits and behaviors, because they, just like you, me, and pretty much every other human, are predictable in some specific ways. Behavioral predictability in character development also makes your characters real.

4. Surprise

Have you ever, for some unknown reason, behaved differently? Has someone you know broken an old habit or taken up a new one that doesn’t really fit their personality? Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! People change. The great part about well-developed habits and behaviors, especially in such a way as to make a character predictable, is that it intensifies the effect of a surprise element. Those well-known habits and behaviors in your characters can also be a great instrument for demonstrating how your character was changed by a certain event or circumstance.

Watching People

One of the best ways to improve your capacity to make your characters real through their habits and behaviors is to watch people. For example:

- That brunette with the long wavy hair. Is the way she draws several strands behind her right ear every few minutes endearing or annoying?

- The old man on the park bench constantly wiping his nose with his monogrammed handkerchief. Does he have a cold or is it a nervous tick he’s developed?

- The skater sitting across from you in the doctor’s office waiting room whose heel taps up and down rapidly without ceasing. What’s up with that?

- The old woman in the cafeteria takes each item off of her tray and sets it in its proper place, adjusting the exact position of each item in relation to all of the others on the table several times. Why does she do that?

Habits and Behaviors Are What Make People Real

People do odd things that make them unique and their patterns of behavior tell a story about who they are, where they came from, and their life circumstances. When you capture those things in the process of developing your characters, you bring them to life. The actions and behaviors your characters demonstrate help distinguish them, allows you to develop contrasting characters, makes them predictable and comfortable, and also allows you to surprise the reader when your character does something different. Behaviors and actions show your character rather than telling about him or her.