Beyond the Stereotype: Writing Diverse and Authentic Characters

Representation in fiction matters. Readers want to see characters who reflect the richness and diversity of the real world, but creating authentic characters means going beyond surface-level traits. Stereotypes flatten characters, making them predictable and one-dimensional, while authentic diversity adds depth, complexity, and emotional resonance.

So how do you write diverse characters in a way that feels real, respectful, and compelling? Here we look at techniques for crafting characters that break free from clichés and truly reflect the vast range of human experiences.

Why Authentic Representation Matters

Diverse characters aren’t just about checking a box—they make stories richer, more relatable, and more immersive. Thoughtful representation helps readers connect with different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives while avoiding harmful or misleading portrayals.

Common Pitfalls of Stereotypical Writing

• Tokenism: Including a diverse character for the sake of diversity without giving them depth or significance.
• One-Dimensional Traits: Reducing a character to a single identity marker (e.g., “the sassy Black friend,” “the wise old Asian mentor”).
• Overgeneralization: Treating an entire culture, race, or identity as monolithic instead of recognizing individual differences.
• Exoticism: Making a character’s cultural background seem mystical, strange, or overly romanticized.

To create truly compelling characters, writers need to move beyond these traps and embrace complexity.

Building Authentic Characters: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating diverse and authentic characters requires research, empathy, and attention to detail. Here’s how to do it well.

Start with Personality, Not Just Identity

A character’s identity—race, gender, sexuality, disability, cultural background—should be a part of who they are, but it shouldn’t be their entire personality. Instead of defining a character solely by their background, ask:

• What are their dreams, fears, and flaws?
• What motivates them?
• How do they interact with others?
• What are their quirks, habits, and personal struggles?

Example:

Instead of writing “Maria is a Latina woman who loves dancing,” consider:
“Maria is a fiercely independent entrepreneur with a passion for salsa dancing, but she struggles with letting others help her.”

This approach ensures that identity is part of the character but not their sole defining feature.

Research and Consult Real Perspectives

To write authentically, research is essential. If your character belongs to a background different from your own, don’t rely on assumptions—seek out real stories and perspectives.

Ways to Research:

• Read books, essays, and firsthand accounts by people from that background.
• Watch interviews, documentaries, or podcasts featuring authentic voices.
• Consult sensitivity readers who can offer feedback on cultural or identity-based elements.

Example:

If writing about a character with autism, read personal essays from autistic individuals rather than relying on media portrayals, which often reinforce stereotypes.

Avoid the “Single Story” Trap

No group is a monolith. Within any community, people have diverse experiences, opinions, and personalities. Avoid writing a character as if they represent an entire group.

Example:

Instead of portraying all Muslim characters as deeply religious or all LGBTQ+ characters as struggling with acceptance, recognize the wide range of individual experiences.

Show, Don’t Tell

Instead of explicitly stating a character’s identity, reveal it naturally through their actions, dialogue, and interactions.

Weak Example:

“As an Asian American, James always felt pressure to succeed.”

Stronger Example:

“James hesitated before answering. His parents had worked so hard to give him opportunities, and he didn’t want to disappoint them. ‘I’ll apply to med school,’ he said, even though his heart wasn’t in it.”

The second example conveys cultural expectations without directly stating them.

Let Characters Exist Beyond Their Identity

Diverse characters should have goals, struggles, and relationships that aren’t solely tied to their identity. While their background may shape their worldview, it shouldn’t be the only thing that defines their storyline.

Example:

A Black woman protagonist can be a detective solving a mystery, not just a character experiencing racial discrimination.

Give Supporting Characters Depth

Sometimes diversity exists in the background—side characters who fit stereotypes while the main character gets complexity. Avoid this by ensuring that all characters, not just the protagonist, feel real and well-developed.

Be Mindful of Language and Representation

The way characters are described matters. Avoid reducing them to clichés or using offensive descriptors.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Exoticizing: Describing dark skin as “chocolate” or eyes as “almond-shaped” can feel fetishizing.
• Overusing Accents and Dialects: If using dialect, do so respectfully and avoid making it the sole defining trait of a character.
• Trauma as the Only Story: While real struggles should be acknowledged, diverse characters deserve joy, humor, and everyday moments too.

Examples of Well-Written Diverse Characters

Some novels have successfully created authentic, multi-dimensional characters:

• Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You – A deeply personal exploration of identity, family expectations, and cultural complexity.
• Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give – A powerful look at race, activism, and identity without reducing the protagonist to a stereotype.
• Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles – A beautifully layered LGBTQ+ love story that goes beyond token representation.

Writing with Respect and Nuance

Writing diverse and authentic characters requires thoughtfulness, research, and a willingness to challenge clichés. The key is to create characters who feel like real people—complex, flawed, and full of depth.

By moving beyond stereotypes and embracing the individuality of each character, you’ll craft stories that resonate with readers and reflect the true diversity of the world.

So, the next time you create a character outside of your own lived experience, ask yourself: Am I writing a person, or am I writing a stereotype? The answer will make all the difference.