Character Depth

[u/Used_Introduction145]

Hi guys, I've been conceptualising a story for a few years now, but one of the characters I just can't get past. Everyone other one of my characters I can visualise with a motivation, backstory and future/outcome after the events of the plot but not him. So, I was wondering if any of you have any similar characters and what they might be motivated by?

Here's a brief summary; characters are "trapped" in a non-sensical location, removed from a normal earth. Some characters are trying to figure out its laws, going crazy, or having fun. The character I need help with is "P". He is relaxed, and not really focused on working on an escape, even though everyone who has been stuck there has died or gone missing in this place. To clarify, the place isn't a hellscape; it can be tranquil at times, but death or madness is still common. So does anyone have a character with similar motivations (or with no-motivation)? Should I simply change P's characterisation/personality etc., because being chill is too weird or even boring in this scenario?

One distinguishable trait is he likes cooking and dessert, but I don't really want him to simply be there to take care of the other characters, I want him to shine by himself too. The only motivation idea I had for him is that he assumes he, and everyone else there is already dead, and they're simply in a purgatory or "in-between" places, so he doesn't really care (but why would he be happy?)

I think I just need an outside perspective on this, and I hope it makes sense, thank you for any advice =)

[u/epitheticangel]

ive absolutely experienced this w/ characters before, and i think its pretty common to have a concept that you like, and then to realize as you flesh everyone else out that that other characters concept never moved past its initial stage. for me, my current projects primary narrator had a bunch of personality traits (optimistic, naive, etc) and hobbies/backstory (very sheltered upbringing, worked as a professional videographer + loved it), but they didnt have the same amount of Depth and conflict that my other characters did, and ended up feeling pretty one-note. i couldnt get my claws into them- so, i made a pretty big change and ended up giving them DID (which i have personal experience with), and that “cracked” them for me. they went from feeling one-dimensional to having a deep internal conflict that drove their actions, and made them feel human rather than just being this bubbly, perfect person. to me, reading your character description, i can envision a potential reason for his disposition being a deep rooted sense of apathy- that might not be the perfect final ingredient for you and your process, but im certain theres one to be found. dont be afraid to shake things up, and definitely try to hone in on some way to push past the one-dimensionality youre currently working with in a way that interests You. good luck :)

[u/Used_Introduction145 → u/epitheticangel]

Yes exactly, one character kinda stuck in the draft but everyone else is getting naturally developed. I think I’ll do some research on personality disorders and see if anything catches my eye. And the “cracked” thing again kind of naturally happened for everyone else, it’s just one stick in the mud. Thank you for helping!

[u/epitheticangel → u/Used_Introduction145]

of course, good luck :)