Mastering the Art of Writing Unrelatable Characters: Techniques and Insights

Introduction

Writing an unrelatable character might seem challenging, but it is a skill that every writer should possess. Whether crafting a villain, a supporting character, or an antagonist that challenges the hero, understanding how to create a character that stands out can add layers to your story and engage readers in a unique way. In this article, we will explore the techniques and insights behind writing a character you cannot relate to, drawing from the perspectives of an ENTP or INTP personality type and the principles of personality and industrial psychology.

Understanding Unrelatability in Characters

Unrelatability in a character does not mean that the character is boring or uninteresting. Rather, it refers to a character who is sufficiently different from the writer and the reader to foster a sense of intrigue or conflict. This can be achieved by infusing the character with traits that resonate with real-life individuals but in a way that diverges from the common understanding or expectations. Here is how to go about it:

Reliance on Traits and Memories

If you know someone who possesses certain traits that you wish to infuse into your character, you can draw directly from those memories to build the character. For instance, if you have a friend who is exceptionally organized, you can create a character who is similarly methodical but in a way that is not directly reflective of your friend's behavior. The key is to be mindful of the trait and use it to shape a unique character rather than a carbon copy of the original person.

Creating an In-Name Character

Another approach is to create a character based on a person's name or background but with a character that has a significantly different nature. This method allows you to honor the influence of the individual without directly replicating their personality. The character might share the same name or background but have a completely separate identity, making them less relatable than familiar.

Utilizing Psychology Literature

Psychology literature can be a rich resource for developing complex and unrelatable characters. Understanding different personality archetypes and the intricacies of human behavior can provide a framework for your creative work. As an ENTP/INTP, I often draw inspiration from psychological research to create characters with diverse and distinct traits. For example, if I know my character will be a brilliant but detached thinker, I can refer to studies on INTPs or other introverted, analytical personality types to refine the character's mindset and actions.

Case Study: Drawing from Memory and Psychology

Let's consider a specific example. Imagine a character named Alex, a forensic analyst with a unique blend of intellect and caution. Alex is inspired by a team member I once had who was a master of detail but struggled with social interactions. By reading about INTP personality traits, I could understand that Alex might be highly logical and analytical but experience a disconnect in human interactions. This allows me to create a character that readers can connect with on an intellectual level but who remains enigmatic in personal relationships.

Strategic Use of Unrelatability

Incorporating unrelatable characters can add depth and complexity to your story. A character who is clearly different from the norm can serve as a catalyst for growth or challenge in the protagonist. Moreover, unrelatable characters can also serve as foils, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the main character through contrast.

Conclusion

Writing unrelatable characters should not be seen as a barrier but rather an opportunity for growth and innovation. By drawing from psychological insights and memories, you can create characters that are unique, engaging, and impactful. Embrace the challenge, and let your creativity flourish in the realm of the unrelatable.

Key Points Recap:

Use traits from real-life individuals to create unique characters. Create characters with a distinctly different nature based on the same name or background. Utilize psychology literature to develop complex and relatable traits.