One of the most important principles guiding my writing is my commitment not to vilify or glorify my characters. I am far more interested in exploring the gray areas of human behavior than in creating clear-cut heroes or villains.
Frank, the antagonist of Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, is an abusive alcoholic, and at first, that is how he is presented to the reader. As the story unfolds, however, we learn that Frank’s violence is fueled by his drinking, and that his drinking is rooted in the emotional damage caused by his mother’s poor parenting. Over time, his character becomes more complicated. Despite his destructive behavior, Frank also possesses admirable qualities. He instinctively sides with the underdog, and as a lawyer, he often made concessions for clients who could not afford to pay their legal fees. Understanding his humanity does not excuse his actions—but it does make him real.
This same complexity applies to my protagonists. Silvia, the central character of Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, is compassionate, driven, and deeply committed to healing the fractures within her family. Her mission is undeniably admirable. And yet, she sometimes relies on manipulation and dishonesty to achieve her goals. She can also be opportunistic, encouraging her brother Cosmo to leave his job and move with her to Portland—at least in part because she does not want to make the journey alone.
Donna is a loving mother who nevertheless keeps an emotional distance from her children. Vince is passionate about saving the world, but he cannot release the anger he harbors toward members of his own family. Cosmo and Angie both possess many positive qualities, yet they are unable to forgive each other for past wounds.
These are not black-and-white characters. They exist somewhere in between—and that is where real people live. There are no true heroes or villains in my stories, only flawed individuals doing the best they can with the tools they’ve been given.
Many readers have shared how deeply they care about the characters in my books. That emotional investment is essential. Readers must care about characters in order to care about the story itself. One of the ways I develop dimensional, believable characters is by spending time with them beyond the page. I might be out for a walk and imagine myself talking with Cosmo or Silvia. What would they say? What would they feel? How would they react?
I also place myself fully in my characters’ shoes, allowing me to empathize with them and understand their motivations on a deeper level. This process doesn’t just benefit the reader—it makes writing joyful for me. My characters often surprise me by doing things I never planned. I didn’t expect Silvia to become interested in teaching at an art school. I didn’t anticipate how conflicted Cosmo would feel about continuing his journey of self-discovery. Those moments feel almost divine, as though something larger is moving through the work.
I’ve read character descriptions that are precise and detailed, yet somehow lifeless. True essence isn’t revealed through exhaustive physical description, but through how a character moves through the world. How does he eat his food? How does she hold her body when she speaks? Does he smack while eating, or does he eat quickly and nervously, as though someone might take the food away at any moment? Does she gesture freely with her hands, or keep them folded neatly in her lap?
These subtleties are what bring characters to life. It is equally important to focus on the details that stand out. A few striking characteristics can reveal far more than a long list of neutral traits. Whether a character’s eyes are blue or brown matters far less than whether they sparkle with curiosity—or appear dulled by disappointment.
It is in these small, human details that characters become real, dimensional, and alive.
This post is from my blog series, “Tips for Writing Fiction.” Be sure to check out my Greco Family Trilogy books, which include Olive Branches Don’t Grow on Trees, Discovery of an Eagle, and The Bird that Sang in Color. These books are available from all major online book sellers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Apple Books.
