Striking the right balance between too few and too many characters can be challenging. In this video, I delve into the ideal number of named characters for a novel, explore factors that could influence your decision, and take a closer look at the characters in my Josie Prescott Antiques mysteries.
I also provide a handy guideline for determining when to name a character or leave them nameless.
Keep pushing forward—you’ve got this, and I believe in you!
Hello, Jane Cleland here.
“How many named characters should I have in a novel?”
First of all, it depends on the genre. If you’re writing a family saga, an epic novel that crosses generations and continents, you’re going to have perhaps a hundred, I should think. That’s a lot, right? That’s a lot of characters. But I know that it’s happened.
On the other hand, if you’re writing a more contained novel, a traditional mystery, for example, I’d be surprised if there was more than 15 or 20. Take a look at my Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries:
• Josie
• Her husband, Ty
• Her best friend, Zoe
• Four employees (part of an ensemble cast)
• The detective
• Her sidekick, the newspaper reporter who helps her
• The victim
• Three suspects
• A couple of other people important to subplots or storytelling aspects (like her business growing)
That brings us to around 15 characters, which sounds right.
So it depends on the genre. Don’t name a waitress in a diner where they only stop in once and have a cup of coffee. That’s the rule. How important is the character? Are they gonna come back more than once? Is there going to be an established or developing relationship? These people need names.
I know you can do it. Best of luck with it. If this tip had value, would you like it? Share it? Would you subscribe to the channel? I’d be so grateful. Thank you.
*Transcripts are software-generated. To report any transcription errors, please use my contact form!
