How to Build a Superhero Character

Have you ever wanted to create a second Superman, Spider-Man or Batman? Building a superhero would be a fun way to have a story and character to put into work. Even if you only have a few ideas at first, you can build on them to create a masterpiece.

Table of Contents

Outline the characteristics of superheroes

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Choose your superhero’s abilities. Superheroes are identified by their special abilities, so it makes sense to think about the character’s abilities first, and then shape the character to match those characteristics. A lot of powers have already belonged to other characters, so try to find something unique. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Your superhero can possess many abilities, such as being able to fly and having unparalleled strength. This combination will make your character different from the superheroes that appeared before.
Some superheroes do not have supernatural powers. Their abilities rely on technology and skills, such as Batman or Black Widow. Their dedication is always respected, but it also makes them more vulnerable – and perhaps more enjoyable as well.

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Create a flaw or a tragic weakness for the character. A “deadly” weakness is a trait your superhero has always struggled with. An iron-clad hero can age horribly. By creating a “mortal grave” for the superhero, you will create more intense fighting scenes, and the reader will be even more fascinated with the character. ^{[2] X Research Source}

For example, Superman’s weakness is kryptonite, while Batman’s fatal weakness is his obsession with seeking justice after he sees his parents murdered. These shortcomings or weaknesses can be emotional, psychological, or physical.

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Develop character’s personality. Your superhero can have two distinct personalities: a real-life personality and a heroic personality. These two lives can lead to distinct personalities and traits. You create traits of each personality for your character. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Consider creating an alternate self (e.g. Superman and Clark Kent). This will create more dimension for the characters and they become more interesting to the reader. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Avoid imitating existing characters. It can be difficult to come up with abilities and characteristics that no one else has thought of, so you need to tweak them so that those traits don’t look like they were peeled off from another character.

For example, if you want your character to have Superman’s powers, give him a different name and a different background. That way your hero is different and unique.

Build the character’s background

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Think of a situation for the character. In the superhero world, these stories are often called origin stories. They often interpret the character’s life before becoming a hero, even describing how the character became a hero. This story will help the reader see a more “human” side of the character, making the reader more empathetic and connected. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Many superheroes have experienced tragedies that also motivate them to seek and enforce justice. For example, Bruce Wayne longs to serve justice because he witnessed his parents being killed.
Contradictions and inner conflicts can help shape characters and their stories. As you create your character’s background, think about the conflicts and problems they might face that have shaped them into the hero they are today.

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Think how superhero powers have evolved. The origin story of the character will indicate whether their ability is innate or later appeared. The details about how the character discovered or acquired supernatural powers will be an important part of the story of the character and the character himself.

Ponder some questions: When they learn they have supernatural powers, what will their initial reaction be? Are these abilities necessary for survival? Do they often use superpowers? Are they proud or ashamed of their abilities?
Create a journey for your character’s superpowers. Your character will not be really attractive if he has an immutable attitude towards his abilities. Some trial and error, even internal conflicts over how to use the power would be good ideas.

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Identify the relationship between character and community. Some superheroes are shunned or feared by the community. For example, before being seen as heroes, Batman and Spider-Man were initially viewed as a threat by the entire community. Determine how you should describe your character’s relationship to the community.

Anti-heroes like Deadpop are loved by many audiences, whether they are hated or feared in movies or comic books. This treatment can be an enjoyable experience in the story and character transitions.

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Create opponents or enemies for your character. Any superhero has to fight one or more villains. You deploy the villain in the same way as you build the superhero character. However, don’t reveal much about the villain in the first place. Take the time to gradually reveal their circumstances, true nature, and motivations to create more intrigue and mystery for the character.

The villain’s story can be tied to the superhero’s story, even if the character doesn’t even know it. They may discover the connection as the story unfolds. This can add a few layers to the story and characters.
Viewers love well-crafted villains and enjoy their life stories, whether to hate or understand their motives. Good examples of these characters are Joker and Loki. ^{[6] X Research Sources}
When building a villain, consider creating characteristics that are the opposite of those of the protagonist. For example, his supernatural powers could be the opposite of the hero’s superpowers. This will be the cause for the conflict of the two characters.

Sketch the image of the superhero

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Choose the gender and body shape of the superhero. Superheroes come in many shapes, sizes, and genders. Some are not even human. Identify the physical characteristics of the superhero. The supernatural powers you have chosen can help you determine your character’s physical appearance.

Consider questions: Should your character have a muscular body? Or is a soft and lanky body more reasonable? Are their abilities gender specific?

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Design a costume for your superhero. Make sure the colors, styles, and accessories all match the character’s abilities and personality. Think about your character’s primary weapon, and consider whether or not your superhero should have some weapon of their own making and using.

Think about the meaning of colors. For example, white often symbolizes purity, while black can make people think of darkness or evil. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

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Create a signature mark for your superhero. For example, a logo or a logo image will complete the superhero costume and make the audience unforgettable. Think of the big “S” on Superman’s chest or the skull print on the Punisher’s shirt. A catchphrase is also helpful, but make sure you come up with one that’s easy to remember, not wordy or cliché.

If it feels right to your character’s abilities, consider creating a signature pose, weapon, vehicle, or tool. Remember to name the objects and place them in a special place in the plot.

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Name the superhero. The name of the superhero, in essence, will be the “highlight” to attract viewers. Of course, the story and personality of the superhero will make people love the character, but the name of the main character is the point that is easy to remember and attracts viewers from the beginning.

Try different naming styles. You can name your character with a noun + noun to make a compound word, like Spider-Man, or use a noun + adjective to make a name like Superman or Black Widow. ^{[8] X Research Sources}
The name can refer to the superhero’s abilities, personality, or nature. The origin story and the abilities of the character you have come up with will help you find an expensive name.

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Decide if you should create a partner character alongside the superhero. Alternatively, you might consider describing your character as a member of a group. Think famous groups like the X-Men, the Justice League, and the Superhero Squad. The characters often stick together as a team, but each has its own story.

Build the partner/team characters in a similar way to the current superhero character building, then explain how they met and collaborated.
Answer the following questions: Do the associates help the character, or do they make a lot of mistakes? Have they ever been a character rival? Were they both traumatized by the same event?

Advice

A superhero with the same problems as normal people will make it easier to relate to and will be easier to write.
Try not to create a character that is too perfect or stereotyped. If you succeed great, but if not then they become a Mary Sue or Gary Stu.
You can create a character based on a real person.
If you have no idea when to name a character, try using a name generator or come up with unused words (such as Crystal, Emerald, Heart, etc.)
You can also give your character a communication weakness. Many superhero characters actually have social problems (Spider-Man, Batman, Superman, etc.) Don’t be afraid to attribute this weakness to the character.
Creating an anti-hero is also a good idea. The Suicide Squad, Deadpop, and a few similar characters are anti-heroes who were once villains but have changed.
Things that are too weird will end badly, but a character that breaks the mold like Deadpop is a good idea.
You can invite friends to create separate superhero characters, then show each other and assemble into a superhero team!

Warning

The term “superhero” is already a trademark, so you won’t be selling books for a profit if you use it in the title of your comic book.
Don’t give your character superpowers like Thor. Try to create a few abilities and weaknesses instead of having too many abilities without any downsides. A lot of superheroes are not gods (Though Thor is a god)

Steps

Outline the characteristics of superheroes

Build the character’s background

Sketch the image of the superhero

Advice

Warning

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