Murder Mystery Focus: Crafting Compelling Characters

Hello Readers!

We're back with another mystery-related blog. Mysteries are on our minds as our next novel (which is a murder mystery) gets ready for release. 

Today we're going to take a look at the people that populate those stories. In the realm of mystery novels, the significance of well-developed characters cannot be overstated. They serve as the beating heart of the narrative, guiding readers through the (hopefully) intricate web of clues, motives, and suspense. And it all starts with the investigator. 

A compelling detective protagonist becomes the reader's guide, inviting them to unravel the mystery alongside the investigator. They are the lens through which readers experience the story. Often, these detectives share certain key characteristics like a sharp intellect, keen observational skills, and an innate ability to connect disparate pieces of information. Think of Holmes' eccentricity, or Poirot's fastidiousness, or Miss Marple's astute understanding of human nature. In the noir genre, they are also "hard-boiled", heavy drinking, and dame-loving. Through the protagonist's personality, the writer can inject humor, complexity, and a bit of the unconventional into the journey. 

Equally crucial are the suspects, each with their own hidden agenda. A good suspect adds complex layers to the narrative. The best suspects possess a combination of secrets, motives, and opportunities that make them multi-dimensional and keep readers guessing and engaged. They are not just potential perpetrators, they are well-rounded characters with depth, challenging the detective and the reader with conflicting elements. Professor Moriarty, Holmes' archenemy, was described this way:

"He is a man of good birth and education, endowed by nature with a phenomenal mathematical faculty...but the man had hereditary tendencies of the most diabolical kind. A criminal strain ran in his blood, which, instead of being modified, was increased and rendered infinitely more dangerous by his extraordinary mental powers."

Yeah, he's good at Math.

Wow. We'd like to meet that suspect!

(In our minds, of course. Definitely NOT in real life.)

All that to say, a great suspect heightens the suspense, intrigue, and unpredictability, making a significant contribution to the overall puzzle. They are what transforms the mystery into a cerebral and emotional experience, captivating an audience until the final revelation. 

Well-rounded supporting characters breathe more life into the story--eliciting empathy, suspicion, and investment. The emotional connection readers form with these characters deepen the stakes of the story, making the resolution even more satisfying. Dr. John Watson has a loyalty and practicality that complement Holmes' brilliance. Agatha Christie's Captain Hastings offers a mix of charm and befuddlement that serve as a nice contrast to Poirot's persnickety personality. 

At the end of the day, it is the artful construction of characters that transforms a mystery novel into a rich, immersive experience, ensuring that readers are not only solving a crime but also navigating a captivating journey--alongside characters they actually care about.

Who are some of your all-time favorite mystery characters? And what is it about them that you love?

Until next time...

~2authors

PS- If you're in San Diego County, come check us out at Write On, Oceanside Saturday 11/18 starting at 10am!