How We Build Characters That Kids Love

A great story needs great characters. They’re the ones who pull you in, make you laugh, keep you turning the page, and sometimes even stay with you long after the book ends. At Genius Reading, we spend a lot of time making sure our characters aren’t just fun — they’re unforgettable.

So, how do we do it? Well, it starts with one simple question: Who is this character, really? Not just what they look like or what clothes they wear. But what makes them tick. What do they care about? What are they afraid of? What do they want?

We treat each character like a real person. Reggie Raccoon isn’t just a raccoon with red glasses — he’s a curious little guy who wants to understand the world around him and help his friends. Bryson Fars isn’t just a gamer — he’s a kid with big dreams and real challenges.

We take inspiration from the kids around us, from our own childhoods, and even from movies or books we love. We mix personality traits, flaws, and strengths until the character feels like someone we know. And when we write dialogue, we try to hear their voices in our heads.

Another big part of character building is growth. Kids love characters who change. Who make mistakes, learn from them, and come out stronger on the other side. Whether it’s learning about money, facing a fear, or standing up for a friend — our characters evolve.

We also think visually. What does this character look like? What would they wear? Would they carry something in their backpack? Sometimes we sketch them out or describe them in detail to bring them to life.

And finally, we ask ourselves, “Would a kid want to be friends with this character?” If the answer is yes, we know we’re on the right track.