Join Helen Corvis and Steaphan Kay in this enlightening episode where we look into the psychology behind creating memorable and authentic characters. In "What Makes Your Characters Tick?", we explore the intricate hopes, dreams, fears, and motivations that drive character development in storytelling. Helen kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the importance of structuring characters' psychological profiles upfront to enhance story craft. She warns against falling into the trap of creating a Mary Sue or Gary Stu – essentially author self-inserts devoid of depth or challenge. Steaphan introduces us to various tools and frameworks that can aid authors in fleshing out their characters, including insights from H. Claire Taylor's work on enneagrams and personality systems. The conversation also covers using Myers-Briggs types for character creation, with both hosts sharing how these methods have influenced his own writing projects. The episode is peppered with references to literary giants such as Agatha Christie and Mark Twain, providing listeners with practical examples of how understanding what forms a person's sense of identity can lead to compelling narrative arcs. Whether you're struggling with character development or looking for new ways to enrich your storytelling arsenal, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making your characters resonate authentically with readers. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with tips, anecdotes, and much more! Please Like & Follow us wherever you listen to this podcast and on social. Helen (BlueSky) Steaphan (IndieAuthors.Social | X | Facebook | Newsletter)  Co-Authored Serial Fiction: In the Arms of the Void   Related Content For This Episode: Enneagram & Fiction Masterclass Other Content: For readers at steaphankay.com/blog For authors at steaphankay.com/authors For art lovers at deviantart.com/authorsteaphankay