In flash fiction, there is barely room to tell a story… where would we find space to build a nuanced character?

It will be like carving sculptures on grains of rice—it’s small, delicate, and downright magical when done right. Unlike sprawling epics with space for elaborate backstories and lengthy monologues, flash fiction demands that every word works overtime.

So how do you create characters that feel real, nuanced, and alive in just a few words? Let’s dive in!

Give Them a Want (or a Fear)

Every compelling character is driven by something—a goal, a desire, or a secret terror. Think about your character’s “why.” Do they desperately want to win a pie-eating contest to prove something to their childhood nemesis? Or are they quietly terrified their singing parrot will spill all their secrets? Whatever it is, let this motivation seep into your story.

Quick Tip: Skip the “I want to prove myself” line. Instead, show them practicing, nervously wiping crumbs off their shirt, or eyeing the pie tray like it’s their nemesis reincarnated.

Use the Power of Suggestion

Flash fiction thrives on subtext. You don’t have space to spell out every detail of your character’s life—but you can hint at it. A line like, “She stared at the empty chair, still setting two plates for dinner,” tells us volumes about her loss without a wordy explanation.

The Show, Don’t Tell Hack: Think gestures, quirks, or a single vivid object—a worn locket, a dog-eared book, or a half-eaten bagel.

Dialogue That Sings

When characters speak in flash fiction, every word matters. A single line of dialogue should reveal personality, relationships, and stakes. Make it sharp, make it count.

Example:
Verbose Version:

“You forgot to water the plants again, didn’t you? It’s like you don’t care about anything I say or do, even though I’ve reminded you at least five times.”

Flash Version:

“Did you let the ficus die again?”

Flaws Are Fabulous

Perfect characters are boring. Give your characters quirks or imperfections—something readers can relate to. Maybe they always lose their glasses because they’re on their head, or they compulsively correct people’s grammar mid-conversation. Small flaws make big connections.

End on a Punchline—or a Gut Punch

Your character doesn’t need to be fully “resolved” by the end of a flash fiction story. In fact, it’s more interesting if they’re left dangling on the edge of discovery or failure. Let your reader imagine what happens next.

100-Word Example: Meet Marvin the Ficus Killer

Marvin stared at the crispy brown leaves of his wife’s beloved ficus. She’d be back in three days, and this was the fourth plant he’d killed in a month.

Maybe she wouldn’t notice, he thought, moving it to the guest room. But guilt gnawed at him. He dug through his neighbor’s trash and spotted the perfect replacement—alive and thriving. Marvin planted it in the same pot and dusted off his hands.

“Marv!” his wife called three days later. “The ficus is blooming! Finally!”

Marvin grinned. For the first time in their marriage, he’d kept a secret.

Your flash fiction characters don’t need pages of backstory—they need purpose, personality, and a splash of pizzazz. Whether you’re new to flash fiction or ready to refine your skills, creating unforgettable characters is key to your success. Start small, think big, and experiment with quirks and flaws.

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Mother of three adult humans. An idealistic, outspoken woman of scrupulous integrity, in love with words. A storyteller who enjoys crocheting tales. And a passionate bibliophile, of course.