How to Properly Elevate a Character Without Forcing It

Story Marc
Apr 25
3 min read

One of the biggest mistakes amateur writers make is trying to push a character into a major role before they've been properly built up. Whether it's a protagonist, a villain, or a secondary character getting their time in the spotlight, many writers fall into the trap of thinking that simply giving a character a big moment will automatically make them compelling.

This is the equivalent of bad wrestling booking -- a company hands someone a title or a major win, assuming that alone will turn them into a star. But just like in wrestling, characters are not made by moments alone—they are built through the right conditions.

Here’s how to properly elevate a character so that when they reach their defining moment, it actually means something.

The 5 Conditions for Building a Major Character

If a character doesn’t meet most of these conditions, then forcing them into a big role will feel hollow.

1) Organic Momentum – Do Readers Actually Care?

If a character is meant to be a big deal, they need to have naturally captured reader interest first.
Readers should already be engaged with this character before they are handed major moments.
A great example: Jaime Lannister in A Song of Ice and Fire. He started as a villain, but his natural character growth made readers invested in his journey before his major redemption arc.
A bad example: Rey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The narrative insisted she was important and powerful, but she never organically gained the depth or struggles that made her rise feel earned.

2) Established Character Identity – Do Readers Know Who They Are?

A character needs a strong sense of identity before they can be elevated.
If a character is still undefined, giving them a major role or moment will feel empty.
A great example: Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings. We spend time seeing him as a rugged ranger before he steps into his role as king—his identity is built before his crowning moment.
A bad example: Captain Marvel (MCU) – Given top status without real struggles to define her identity first.

3) Strong Buildup – Have They Been Developed Properly?

A character needs consistent progression before reaching a major moment.
If they’ve been weak or undefined up to that point, suddenly pushing them feels forced.
A great example: Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. She goes through trials, struggles, and hardship before becoming a true leader.
A bad example: The Eternals (MCU) – Introduced as world-changing figures without proper buildup.

4) The Right Opponent or Challenge – Does Their Victory Mean Something?

A defining moment isn’t just about the character, It’s about what they overcome.
A great elevation moment requires a meaningful challenge.
A great example: Harry Potter defeating Voldemort. it was built up across seven books and carried immense weight.
A bad example: Arya Stark killing the Night King (Game of Thrones).

5) A Long-Term Plan – Do They Have Direction After Their Big Moment?

A great character arc doesn’t end at the big moment.
If a character’s push doesn’t have a long-term direction, it won’t matter.
A great example: Tony Stark in Iron Man, whose rise in the first film led to a deep, decade-long character arc.
A bad example: Finn in Star Wars since he's given hero moments with no follow-up.

When Should a Character NOT Be Pushed?

If a character is missing these elements, then pushing them will backfire.

❌ Readers aren’t actually invested in them yet.

❌ Their character identity is unclear or poorly defined.

❌ They haven’t been built up properly.

❌ Their victory doesn’t actually mean anything.

❌ They have no direction after their big moment.

This is where so many stories fail. They try to tell us a character is essential instead of making us believe it. Just like in wrestling, you don’t just give someone a big moment—you make them earn it in the eyes of the audience.

The Right Way to Elevate a Character

If you want to push a character to a major role, follow this process:

Build their momentum naturally. Let them gain organic interest before forcing them into a big moment.
Develop their identity. Make sure they have a clear personality, values, and struggles.
Give them consistent growth. Don’t suddenly make them strong or important — show the journey.
Make them earn their defining moment. Their victory should feel weighty and meaningful.
Ensure they have a future afterward. Their big win should be a stepping stone, not the end.

When done right, a well-earned elevation is powerful and unforgettable. When done wrong, it’s hollow and frustrating.

Want to create characters that truly resonate? Make sure they earn their place.