What age should your characters be?

What Age Should Your Characters Be?

When it comes to writing a story, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the age of your main character. This may seem like a simple question, but it can have a significant impact on the tone, plot, and overall success of your story. In this article, we’ll explore the different age ranges and genres, and provide guidance on how to choose the right age for your characters.

The Importance of Age

The age of your character can affect everything from their motivations and actions to their relationships and conflicts. For example, a young adult character may be more impulsive and reckless, while an older character may be more wise and experienced. The age of your character can also influence the type of story you tell and the themes you explore.

Age Ranges and Genres

There are several age ranges and genres to consider when choosing the age of your character. Here are some of the most common:

• Children’s Fiction: This genre is typically aimed at readers under the age of 12 and features characters who are typically around 8-12 years old.
• Young Adult Fiction: This genre is aimed at readers between the ages of 12-18 and features characters who are typically around 14-18 years old.
• New Adult Fiction: This genre is aimed at readers in their early twenties and features characters who are typically around 20-25 years old.
• Adult Fiction: This genre is aimed at readers over the age of 18 and features characters who are typically around 25-60 years old.

Why Choose a Specific Age?

So, why choose a specific age for your character? There are several reasons:

• Authenticity: Choosing an age that is authentic to your character can help to create a more believable and relatable story.
• Tone: The age of your character can affect the tone of your story. For example, a younger character may create a more lighthearted and playful tone, while an older character may create a more serious and introspective tone.
• Plot: The age of your character can also affect the plot of your story. For example, a younger character may be more likely to get into trouble and have to deal with the consequences, while an older character may be more likely to have a greater sense of responsibility and have to make difficult decisions.

How to Choose the Right Age

So, how do you choose the right age for your character? Here are some tips:

• Know Your Audience: Consider who your target audience is and what age range they are likely to be. This can help you to choose an age that is relatable and appealing to your readers.
• Consider the Story: Think about the story you want to tell and what age range is best suited to that story. For example, if you’re writing a story about a character who is struggling with adolescence, a younger age range may be more appropriate.
• Research: Research the age range you’re interested in and read books and stories that feature characters of that age. This can help you to get a better sense of what works and what doesn’t.

Conclusion

Choosing the right age for your character is an important decision that can affect the tone, plot, and overall success of your story. By considering the age range and genre, authenticity, tone, and plot, and knowing your audience, you can make an informed decision and create a character that readers will love.

Table: Age Ranges and Genres

H3: Choosing the Right Age for Your Character

• Know Your Audience: Consider who your target audience is and what age range they are likely to be.
• Consider the Story: Think about the story you want to tell and what age range is best suited to that story.
• Research: Research the age range you’re interested in and read books and stories that feature characters of that age.

I hope this article has been helpful in answering the question of what age should your characters be. Remember to consider the age range and genre, authenticity, tone, and plot, and know your audience when choosing the right age for your character.