If you are like me, your story may have come from a dream.

But that may have been a scene, a plot twist, an idea.  There is no way you created a character. There simply wasn't time.

Characters take time to form.  They start off in your story as one thing and they evolve into something else.  At least they should. 

Build characters by giving them attributes, both physical and psychological and then show us.  Resist the urge to tell me your character is bold, show me. Do they hate beets (:>) I want to feel their dislike.

But be forewarned, don't include every detail ad naseum.  Colour in your character but don't over do it. 

Perhaps they have a favourite phrase or nervous habit. Hook your readers with these little shortcuts that can clue them in to what's going on. Make them unique to one character. Everyone can't run their hands through their hair as a sign of frustration.

My male lead, Sam, has a little crinkle in his forehead that forms when he is concerned or worried.  This physical attribute eventually lets me just use it to clue my readers in to his thoughts when a chapter is not from his point of view.

In the Sequel, he is the only person who calls the new character Victoria, Vicky, reminding readers of their close relationship.

Showcase their motivation, their flaws, their blindspots, their likes. Show the good and bad.

And of course, show their journey.  What in them changes over the course of your tale. How are they different when they utter their last line.

What is a distinguishing detail of your main character?