Using SWOT Analysis to create fictional characters

SWOT Analysis is a simple business tool to help highlight an organisation’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. However, I have recently discovered it can be a helpful tool in the early stages of character creation. Let’s break these down.

Strengths: A character’s attributes that give them an advantage over others.

Weaknesses: A character’s attributes that give them a disadvantage relative to others.

Opportunities: Elements in the environment that the character could exploit to their advantage.

Threats: Elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the character.  

We can group these further into internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats). 

Identifying these four areas is an excellent starting point for making a memorable main character. Memorable characters are one of, if not the most crucial aspect of any novel. You can have the best plot in the world, but if your main character is flat and unlikeable, chances are, it won’t sell. Put it this way. Think of a book series you’ve read with a recurring main character. What do you remember more, the plots or the character? Also, the odd weak novel in a series won’t disappoint readers dedicated to the character so much. Why? Because they become invested in the character’s arc that plays through multiple books and will happily buy the next in the series even if the previous was below expectations.

Let’s see an example of a character SWOT analysis using a well-known book character, Frodo Baggins. 

Strengths: 

• A willingness to go ahead with what appears to be an impossible task

• Humility

• Resisting temptation

• Goodness

• Empathy

Weaknesses: 

• Self-doubt

• Lacks physical strength and stature

• Perceives the task set before him as a burden he must carry alone

• Withdrawal from others as the burden grows

Opportunities: 

• Allies who want to defeat Sauron.

• Help and loyalty from his friends

• Gifts given to him for his quest

• The Ring itself 

Threats: 

• The Ring

• Those who would take the Ring for themselves.

• Sauron’s allies

• The terrain he must cross to reach Mount Doom

In a few bullet points, we have captured the essence of Frodo’s character but also areas of conflict. In reality, nobody likes conflict, but in writing, it’s the fuel that keeps the story going. We can elaborate on all these things (I have a two-page list of questions I use to flesh out my main characters). But SWOT analysis is a strong starting point. Plus, it can apply to protagonists, antagonists, and the supporting cast. 

How is your character unique?

Staying with Frodo, the other thing which makes him stand out is he is the complete opposite of what most would expect a hero to look and act like. Another question to ask yourself is how does your character stand out? What makes them different from everyone’s expectations? It doesn’t mean there isn’t room for another hard-drinking, divorced detective plagued by demons from their past. But how can you take that trope and make it your own? 

In case you missed it.

Since settling into my new home, I have ventured outside to explore weird Cornwall, from its ancient monuments to its uncanny folklore.

The Royal Raven of Cornwall

A slain prince. Talking heads and magical cauldrons. Join me on a jaunt in Cornwall in search of Bran. 

Boscawen-ûn Stone Circle

Boscawen-ûn Stone Circle is mentioned as far back as the 6th century. Why was it so important?

Cheers!

Emma x