All comics need a character who makes sense of the story and makes it interesting. In the end, a dynamic and entertaining protagonist is what allows you to sell a book. To start with, throw out some ideas and some drafts already. Develop a general idea of the character you are trying to create and the world they live in, then focus on the physical appearance. Make a few designs, until you find the style you prefer. Finally, it creates its personality. What are its most recognizable qualities? What does he want and what does he need? By the time you're done, you should have developed an ever-evolving character that will grab the attention of readers.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Brainstorming and First Drafts
Step 1. Seek inspiration
If you want to create a comic, you should do some research on existing materials. Find inspiration from your favorite comic, in print or on the web. Read some of the strips that impressed you the most and ask yourself what makes the characters engaging and interesting.
- Read comics in local newspapers. Explore the world of comics online. Pay attention to the characters and how they are developed. What method does the writer use to create unique personalities and voices for each character? Why are they interesting? How did their stories develop over the course of the comic?
- Pay attention to the drawings. In more serious comics, the drawings are quite realistic. In those with a more cheerful tone, on the other hand, the characters often have a surreal aspect. They can have bodies with the wrong proportions and expressions lacking in detail.
Step 2. Consider the type of comic you are creating
Comics are a huge field. There are comic strips, like those you can find in the newspapers, but also works with a much more serious tone. Many web comics have long and complex stories, with equally deep characters.
- If you're looking for a simple format, try the talking animal route and imitate comics like Garfield. Comics of this type usually have a few plates and end with a joke.
- However, if you prefer you can try something more serious. Web comics like Questionable Content can perhaps give you more inspiration. Although comedy is part of the aforementioned series, in some cases the stories are of a more sober character and not all strips contain a punchline. You can also try reading graphic novels. Although these are works other than comics, they have some characteristics in common.
Step 3. Draw some first drafts of your character's appearance
Once you have a general idea of the type of comic you want to create, start drawing. You don't have to trace the final version of the protagonist already, but just take a pen and paper and create some versions of the subject that you would like to develop. Sketches help you better understand your drawing style and get an idea of what the protagonist will look like.
- If you are creating the main character, remember that it should be pleasing to the eye, because readers will see it all the time. Draw some sketches of the head and body. Try to find a style you like.
- However, remember that you will draw this character countless times. If you're new to drawing, stick to a pretty simple style. Try to identify the basic shapes that are hidden behind the protagonist. For example, its head will be oval in shape, while its chest is a flattened cylinder.
- By drawing the main character you can also get a better idea of his personality. For example, the clothes she wears can reflect her character.
- Don't worry about creating the perfect design just yet. You are only in the preliminary stages of the project. You will find the final version of the character later.
Step 4. Write a list of generic personality traits
Use it to find ideas about your character's character. Who is? What does he like? Take some time to think before drawing the final version of the protagonist.
- Think about the comic genre. If you have decided to create comic strips, you can do without a character with a very developed personality. Think Garfield - he's lazy and sarcastic and doesn't have many traits beyond those.
- If you are working in a more complex genre, consider your character more thoroughly. Write a list of its positive characteristics and its flaws. Identify some of his hopes and dreams.
- If you are writing a comic that falls into a particular genre, such as a fantasy story, define your character by exploiting the archetypes of that world. These are classic characters and ideas that continually return to fictional works. For example, your protagonist could be a classic mentor; in this case he will be wise, patient and calm.
Part 2 of 3: Working on the Physical Appearance of the Character
Step 1. Decide what tools you are going to use for drawing
Each artist prefers different mediums. Before you start working on your comic, make sure you know what techniques you will be using. You should choose tools that you know how to use efficiently, because those you know little about will slow you down a lot and could lead you to abandon your character.
- If you are skilled in the use of technology, you can use electronic tools. For example, programs like Photoshop can help you make the creative process a lot easier if you're able to draw on a screen.
- If you prefer traditional methods, consider what kind of paper, pen, and pencils you will be using. Go to a local stationery store and see what items are available. Try holding a type of pencil in your hand that you use to draw, to see if it's comfortable.
Step 2. Draw a simple body and face
Once you've decided on the tools of the trade, start with the basics. Draw a simple outline of your character's body. You need to get an idea of its proportions before moving on to the details. You should also draw a close-up portrait of the protagonist's face. Since you will be using facial expressions to convey emotions, you need to make sure you establish the character's face structure once and for all.
- Remember the basic shapes. This will serve as a starting point for drawing the character's figure. Don't worry too much about shading or filling the design, just try to create a simple outline at this stage. Once you've drawn the basic shape, fill it in lightly. For example, add muscle in your arms, or add a scar on your chest.
- Spend time drawing the character's face. Focus on its main features. What is the basic shape of his face? Is it heart-shaped, oval or round? Does the protagonist have physical characteristics that distinguish him, such as big eyes or a dimple on the chin?
Step 3. Experiment with different physical traits
Redraw the character's face and body many times. Many designers draw many versions of their characters before deciding on the final one. Change the shape and redraw the protagonist until you find the version you prefer.
- Use the eraser. If you don't like the look of your character's legs, erase and draw them again.
- You can also add or delete some elements of your character. For example, you may have imagined your protagonist bald, but when you saw him on the paper he didn't convince you. Try adding some hair.
- Draw all the versions you need, until you find the one you like. It can take a long time, so be patient. Don't settle for a design that doesn't suit you. Keep keeping simplicity in mind. Even if you really appreciate a particular detail of your character, you shouldn't keep any elements that would be too difficult to draw repeatedly.
Step 4. Practice drawing your character with different expressions
The protagonist of your comic will have to take on many different expressions. Practice with all the ones that come to your mind, so that it is able to convey all the emotions.
- Decide how many expressions to create. If you're creating a simple comic, you won't need a lot of them and you may be happy, sad, angry, etc. However, if you have chosen a more complex format instead, you need a lot of expressions. In addition to the simplest, include faces that are irritated, blank, confused, pouting, and more.
- Once finished, draw your character with all the expressions you have thought of. Use the eraser to change the details you don't like. For example, the protagonist's eyebrows may be closer when he is confused.
Step 5. Decide on the final version
After experimenting a lot, try to draw the final look of the character. You can later use this drawing as a reference when you start writing the comic. Mixing together all the elements of your liking from the previous stage, draw the final version of the protagonist.
- Draw slowly at this stage and with more detail than in the previous steps. Your drawing must be a reliable reference when you start writing the comic. Remember to prioritize simplicity. If some elements are very difficult to draw, you should cut them from the final version.
- Ask a friend to look at the final version of the drawing and give you his honest opinion. If you have an illustration-savvy friend, ask him. If you get constructive criticism, use it to redesign your character.
Part 3 of 3: Creating Personality
Step 1. Name the character
To begin with, you need to give it a name. Pick one that your readers like and maybe reveal their personality.
- If you're writing a comic with an animal protagonist, picking a name is simple enough. You can find one that sounds like a silly pet pet name. Conversely, if the main character is a person, finding the right name can be difficult, particularly if the tone of your comic is serious.
- Consider the implications of the name, particularly if they are very significant names. For example, "Christian" has a religious connotation, so avoid using it if you don't want to include a similar element in your comic.
- There are no precise rules for choosing the name. You can find a name with a meaning or just one that is easy to remember. To decide, it may be useful to think about the historical period in which the comic is set. For example, if your story takes place in the 1940s, modern names like Kevin or Sharon may be out of place.
Step 2. Write a list of your character's most important qualities
Once you have chosen the name, you need to think about the personality of the protagonist. Think about what kind of person they are and compose a complete list of their character traits.
- In a simple comic, the protagonist's personality doesn't have to be complex. It could be defined by some particular traits and characteristics. If, on the other hand, your story is more developed, you need to give a more in-depth personality to the main character.
- Write down the general personality characteristics of the protagonist, focusing on the most important ones first. If a friend of the character were to describe him, what would he say? Start from this idea and go into detail. How does he behave in relation to others? Is he kind and generous or does he have a tendency to hide emotions? How do you react to conflicts? Is he wise and calm in the face of adversity, or does he have a habit of running away from challenges?
Step 3. Decide on your character's past
The protagonist of your story should have a background, especially if your comic is complex. Think about where he was before the story's events began.
- Even if you're working on a complex story, you don't need to think of a necessarily too elaborate background. Just think about the basics. Where was your character born? What was your childhood like? What are the main events in your life that shaped your personality?
- Focus your attention on how the character's past affects his current personality and choices. Background is important, because the protagonist will inevitably be influenced by his past as he progresses through the story. When writing the background, try to consider what impact the character's unique experiences have on his or her life.
Step 4. Think about your character's wants and needs
Interesting protagonists have aspirations and needs that motivate most of their actions. Think about what your character really wants.
- In a simple comic, your character will want simple things. For example, Garfield just wants to eat and sleep. In a more complex story, the aspirations of the characters can be more abstract. Your protagonist, for example, may be looking for his reason to live.
- You should also focus on needs. There are many universal needs common to all characters, such as the need for food, shelter, love and compassion. Depending on the situation your protagonist is in, he or she may have unique needs. For example, a character abandoned as a child may have a heightened need for security as an adult.
Advice
- Don't worry if your character isn't perfect the first time you try to create it. It will develop over time as you write the comic.
- Make sure you draw light drafts at the beginning, so you can easily erase them if you make a mistake.
