A fiction writer's guide to writing authentic Black characters
Many Black characters end up being one-dimensional, often reduced to stereotypes or sidekicks who exist only to support the main (usually white) character.
You’ve probably seen this before: the “sassy Black best friend,” the “angry Black woman,” or the “wise Black mentor” who magically guides the hero but doesn’t have a real story of their own.
This guide is meant to help fiction writers to overcome any tendencies to write Black characters (and other POC characters) as stereotypes, sidekicks, or plot devices without depth, agency or complexity.
Why do Black characters come across as inauthentic or flat?
This happens because, for a long time, media and books have reinforced these limited, inauthentic or flat roles because of systemic racism and how the media has historically portrayed Black people.
It can also come down to lazy storytelling – and if you don’t see diverse and complex Black characters regularly, it’s easy to fall into these old patterns without realising it.
But the good news is we can start changing that right now with the tips below.
If you’re working on creating a strong, multi-faceted Black character, writing them authentically – without reducing them to tropes or using them to advance white characters' storylines – has been done before. And it can be done consistently and well.
How to write better Black characters (with good examples)
1. Give characters agency, depth, and complexity
When planning or outlining your novel, allow your Black characters to drive their own stories and make decisions that impact the plot – not just as secondary supporting characters who help the main character.
Creating multi-dimensional personalities means giving the character strengths, flaws, desires, fears, and unique traits. Looking beyond their race is key to adding more depth and complexity.
Example: Viola Davis (as Annalise Keating) in How to Get Away with Murder is a complex, flawed, and morally ambiguous character who is very impactful to the show’s progression. She is not defined by her race but by her intelligence, decisions, and personal struggles.
Avoid making Black characters exist only to support or amplify white characters’ arcs. Assess your character if you find yourself using them as an advisor, sidekick, or helper of some kind.
Unless you’re doing it on purpose or satirically, if you’re making their entire existence about lifting someone else up, you might be getting into trope territory.
2. Acknowledge the reality of racism, but focus on their humanity
Acknowledge the reality of racism, but focus on your Black characters’ humanity.
Their struggles can come from both internal and external sources – meaning they may face societal issues like racism, colourism, or prejudice, but these challenges shouldn’t make up their entire story.
Example: Lupita Nyong’o (as Nakia) in Black Panther is a fierce warrior and an intelligent, compassionate woman. She contends with issues of belonging within her nation, but her race doesn’t solely define her. It’s acknowledged in subtle ways, while she gets to lead with her skills, relationships, and personal choices.
Avoid making racism the sole source of conflict or character development for your Black characters. If their entire arc revolves around racism holding them back, you could be limiting who they are and who they can be.
While it’s important to acknowledge those realities, they should also experience joy, love, humour, and growth – just like any other character.
3. Write characters who defy expectations and stereotypes
Write Black characters who defy expectations and challenge stereotypes. Make traditional tropes weak by creating characters who are unpredictable – just like real people.
They should have varied aspirations, flaws, and roles, rather than fitting into a single mould.
Example: Kat Graham (as Bonnie Bennett) in The Vampire Diaries starts off as a sweet, loyal friend, but evolves into a powerful witch who makes difficult moral choices.
Avoid using Black characters to serve a single function in your story. If they exist only to move the plot along for others, or to die for the sake of the main character’s growth, take a closer look at why they’re there.
Black characters should have their own arcs and goals – not just exist to support someone else’s.
4. Ensure Black characters’ culture and identity are respected
Respect Black characters’ culture and identity by incorporating it into their journey in a meaningful, authentic way. Their background can influence who they are, what they experience, and how they see the world, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that defines them. Focus on creating layered experiences that feel real and respectful.
Example: Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba) in Wicked brings an authentic sense of self to her character. Her culture is subtly present with her hair being in microbraids. It doesn’t become the focus of the story, and her personal strength and self-worth drive her arc. The character also shows how the colour of her skin plays a role in her daily life.
Avoid assuming all Black experiences are the same and that all Black people speak similarly – culture, background, and identity are deeply personal and diverse. Do some research if you’re unsure, whether that’s speaking to someone with first-hand experience or listening to or reading Black stories.
5. Be aware of the impact of representation
Be mindful of how you represent Black characters – your portrayal can have a lasting impact. Positive, nuanced representation helps challenge stereotypes and creates space for Black readers and viewers to see themselves in a wide range of roles.
Example: Brandy (as Cinderella) in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella gave young Black girls the chance to see themselves as princesses, heroes, and leaders. Casting a Black actress in a traditionally white role sent a powerful message about who gets to be the centre of the story.
Avoid tokenism. If your Black character exists just to check a diversity box and doesn’t have a real place in the narrative, it’ll show. Make sure they have clear backstories beyond their identity and motivations of their own.
What makes a good, character-driven Black character?
If you’re going to take anything away from this article, writing good, character-driven Black characters means:
Focusing on their humanity first, not just race.
Giving them agency in the plot, not just as supporting players.
Making sure their cultural identity is accurate and integrated in ways that are authentic to their journey.
Avoiding stereotypes and tropes where possible.
Respecting their complexity, flaws, and growth arcs as fully realised characters/people.
By following these principles, fiction writers can ensure that Black characters are represented authentically (without being sidelined) and contribute to stories that are more reflective of the very diverse world we live in.
Download our free PDF guide for writing well-rounded Black characters
Want to remember these tips and have helpful questions on hand while you write? Grab our free, two-page PDF guide below for quick reference.
