Writing Diverse Characters: Dos, Don’ts, and How to Do It Right

In today’s world, representation matters more than ever. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or any form of storytelling, including diverse characters can enrich your work, making it more relatable and authentic to a wider audience. But with this comes the responsibility to portray those characters accurately and respectfully. Here’s a guide on the dos, don’ts, and how to do it right when writing diverse characters.

Writing diverse characters thoughtfully helps create stories that resonate with a broader audience, fosters empathy, and promotes understanding across different experiences. It’s not only about inclusion but also about expanding the narrative landscape to include voices and perspectives that have been overlooked.

Dos for Writing Diverse Characters

1. Do Your Research: Before you write about characters from a background different from your own, take the time to learn about their culture, history, and lived experiences. Read books, watch documentaries, listen to podcasts, and, if possible, talk to people from those communities. Authentic representation starts with understanding.
2. Do Focus on Individuality: Diversity isn’t just about race, gender, or sexuality. It encompasses a wide range of experiences, including socioeconomic background, religion, disability, and more. Remember that no group is a monolith. Characters should be as unique and complex as people are in real life.
3. Do Listen to Sensitivity Readers: Sensitivity readers can help you catch misrepresentations and provide insight into aspects of your characters’ experiences that you might not fully understand. Their feedback is invaluable for avoiding unintended harm.
4. Do Include Diverse Characters Naturally: Avoid tokenism by making diversity an organic part of your story. Diverse characters should have meaningful roles and arcs, not just be included to fulfill a diversity quota.
5. Do Check Your Biases: We all have biases shaped by our own experiences. Be mindful of them, and don’t let them dictate how you portray characters from different backgrounds. Self-awareness is key to responsible representation.

Don’ts for Writing Diverse Characters

1. Don’t Rely on Stereotypes: Stereotypes reduce characters to simplistic, often negative traits. Avoid clichés and caricatures, and strive to depict your characters as well-rounded individuals with depth and nuance.
2. Don’t Exoticize or Other: Present your characters as people first, not as exotic or mysterious entities. Avoid language and descriptions that highlight their differences in a way that feels alienating or sensational.
3. Don’t Use Diversity as a Plot Device: Characters’ identities shouldn’t exist solely to advance the plot, especially if it involves trauma or tragedy related to their background. Their experiences should be part of who they are, not a tool for dramatic effect.
4. Don’t Make Assumptions: Avoid assuming that all members of a group share the same thoughts, feelings, or experiences. Assumptions can lead to inaccuracies and reinforce harmful stereotypes.
5. Don’t Shy Away from Criticism: Even with the best intentions, mistakes happen. If you receive feedback that you’ve missed the mark, listen, learn, and be willing to make changes. Growth comes from being open to constructive criticism.