Creating Great Picture Book Characters

Copyright Andrea Petrlik

In a picture book, story is king—but character is queen, jester, and the beating heart of it all. Whether your star is a curious child or a clumsy alien, creating a strong central character is key to keeping young readers engaged, entertained, and coming back for more.

What Makes a Picture Book Character Great?

1. Clear Desires and Flaws

Even in stories under 800 words, a great character has wants. A hungry bear wants a cake. A shy child wants to be brave. A robot wants a hug. Keep it simple but specific. Young readers connect with characters whose desires mirror their own small-but-huge world.

At the same time, flaws make characters relatable and funny. A boastful parrot, a forgetful penguin, or a nervous snail gives your story room for change, mishaps, and ultimately, emotional payoff.

2. Distinct Voice and Behaviour

A strong character sounds and acts in a way that sets them apart. You may not have many words to describe them, but a well-chosen line of dialogue or a visual quirk can do wonders. Think of The Gruffalo—his terrible tusks, terrible claws—and how those repeated details build personality and humour.

Let your character’s voice shine through their actions too. A bossy broom might bark orders. A sleepy lion might do everything sloooowly. Character and rhythm go hand in hand.

Human vs. Non-Human Characters

Human characters offer easy identification. Children can see themselves in a curious girl, a grumpy toddler, or a big brother who messes up sometimes. It’s helpful to give them traits kids recognise: big emotions, funny logic, bold plans, and fears they can face.

Non-human characters—from animals to objects to imaginary beings—allow more playful exaggeration. A bad-tempered biscuit or a ballet-dancing moose lets children explore big ideas (jealousy, courage, fitting in) from a safe distance. Just remember: non-human characters still need very human feelings to connect.

Whether your hero is a hedgehog or a human, consistency matters. If the spoon is afraid of soup, don’t let it suddenly be fearless in chapter two. Ground your magic in internal logic.

The Magic of Sidekicks

Sidekicks can add contrast, comedy, and charm. They’re the foil, the helper, or the voice of reason—or chaos. Think of Piggie to Elephant Gerald, or the dozy dog in Oi Frog!

When designing sidekicks:

• Give them a different energy than your main character.

• Let them solve a problem or cause one.

• Make sure they’re more than a shadow—sidekicks need personality too.

They don’t have to talk. A silent, expressive cat or a squeaky balloon can do plenty with a glance or bounce.

Final Tip: Test for Read-Aloud Magic

Try reading your character’s lines aloud. Do they pop? Do they sound like them? In picture books, voice and rhythm are part of personality.

Great characters leave a lasting impression. They’re who children dress up as, laugh at, or whisper goodnight to. Make them memorable—and give them a story that lets them shine