The Pros and Cons of Basing Characters on Real People

When you're writing a fictional story, regardless of the length or genre, you subconsciously - if not purposefully - turn to your real-life experiences for inspiration. It doesn't matter if you realize it or not, but all writers are shaped by the people they've met and the places they've been. But there are both pros and cons of basing characters on real people.

First, basing fictional characters on real people can open a writer to a defamation lawsuit. While this type of litigation is difficult to construct, it is still possible that someone you know or a public figure will take offense to their thinly disguised role in your story and pursue legal action. Even if their lawsuit is frivolous and without merit, they can tie you up in litigation for many years, wasting both your time and money.

It is also possible that basing characters on real people will offend someone you know and love. While they may not pursue legal action against you, an unattractive portrayal can result in the loss of a friend. Be careful about how closely you base fictional characters on real people so that you don't offend them.

The best way to base characters on real people is to strike a balance between reality and fiction. Sure, your Aunt Betty might have some interesting qualities, but how can you expound on those qualities to make her character truly interesting? They say that truth is stranger than fiction, but sometimes you have to "sensationalize" in order to create a book- or story-worthy character.

Basing characters on real people can limit your scope of creativity to those experiences you've had in real life. Even if you are a daredevil, a former politician and a rocket scientist, the people in your life can almost always use some "tweaking" before they make their debut appearances in your stories.