Today, we're diving into one of the most exciting—and perhaps most challenging—parts of writing fiction: building unforgettable and impactful characters.

This is not just about the fundamentals. It is important to think about how characters can carry a narrative—how they can shape a story just as much as the plot itself. The best characters don’t just support the story—they are the story.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through a framework—something I call the EIEPF model—that breaks down five essential dimensions of character-building: their Exterior, Internal world, External world, Past, and Future. Alongside that, we’ll talk about the “X and Y axes” of narrative: the relationships, contexts, and tensions that pull your character in different directions and reveal who they really are.

By the end of this episode, I want you to not only understand what goes into creating a fully realized character—but to feel equipped to start crafting your own.

So, whether you’re working on a novel, a screenplay, or just toying with a story idea, stay with me, because this episode is about giving your characters the depth, nuance, and humanity they deserve.