When I was a young I would come up with stories, and then put characters into them. And each of the characters would often feel like “a mere device”.

I think the breakthrough to having believable characters is to believe in them. Because sometimes you would be using characters you hadn’t created, but simply cared about. And I have learned that if you cared enough about your characters, what happenes to them will be interesting.

I’m not sure that’s much of an aphorism, but it’s important to care about them, about who they are and what they do. And (for me) for them to be people I would want to spend time with — I don’t really care whose side they are on, and they can be monstrous on the outside or, worse, on the inside, but you still have to want to spend time with them. If you met one of these characters socially would you talk to them, or make an excuse and flee?

One of the most important thing I learned is that if you are actually interested, and not faking it, people will tell you anything, and you will take pleasure in their company. So my suggestion for anyone is, talk to people, especially people you would normally avoid talking to. Find out their stories.