Welcome back to the Christian Story Lab! Last week, we explored the 1 thing our brains look for to determine a good story. 

As storytellers, we are in the business of creating and knowing our characters better than they know themselves. But if we want to tell excellent stories, we need to understand the layers that make up every character.

Today, let’s explore a topic that is relevant to writers, pastors, and parents alike: character development and the drama of the human condition. 

I'll say it at the top: Shrek was right about ogres and onions.

Characters in our stories—whether they're ogres, donkeys, humans, or kings—are like onions.

And so are the people sitting in our pews, those snuggled up on the couch watching our videos, and the little versions of us running around our homes in their diapers.

Here's the thing about onions (stay with me here): you'd never treat one like an apple, right?

You wouldn't just polish it on your shirt and take a big bite. (If you would, well... we might need to have a talk.)

Onions are different. They have layers that are best peeled back and handled with respect and care. This is true for onions. This is true for humans. And most importantly for us, this is true for characters.

3 layers of all characters:

• The Husk: Outward traits and characteristics—what the world sees.

• The Mannerisms: Actions and behaviors that reveal deeper truths.

• The Core Values: The driving forces behind decisions and personality.

Before we get too far, here is a helpful link:

How I Write podcast with David Perell should be in the weekly listen lineup for any serious writer.

His most recent interview with Richard Powers (a Pulitzer-Winning Stanford Professor) was the inspiration for this week's newsletter. Perhaps Richard's most impressive skill is his character development. The guy knows how to write a character that won't get out of your head. You can listen to the episode here. 

Understanding the 3 Layers

Let's break down the 3 layers in more detail because understanding these will evolve how you write characters and understand the people God has placed in your life.

Layer 1 - The Husk: What the World Sees First

The husk is our outermost layer—the face we showcase to the world.

When you're writing a character, this is where you start.

For example, a teen who dresses outrageously or a man who looks like a slob in dirty clothes and unshaven face—there are reasons for that.

• Outrageousness can signal rebellion, a desire to stand out, a need to annoy everyone.

• Slobbish appearance can signal depression, poverty, or just a lowly writer on deadline. (Not that I would know anything about that...)

Outward appearances often (not always, but often) point to inner realities.

If you stop at the husk, you've barely scratched the surface of who this character is. This is equally true when we first meet someone in real life. Don't stop at the outward impression.

Peel back a layer.

Layer 2 - The Mannerisms: Where Truth Begins to Show

The inner layer reveals itself through actions and behaviors—how your character moves through their world.

No two people are alike, which makes them fascinating and often the focal point of genre fiction. Characters and human mannerisms are shaped by a wide range of influences, including worldview, wealth, religion, trauma, politics, and family history (just to name a few).

Mannerisms aren't random—they're windows into the soul of your character. Mannerisms often hide and reveal what a person wants to preserve in the world (simultaneously).

Layer 3 - The Core Values: The Heart of Your Character

Now we reach the center—the core values that drive everything above.

This is where the real power of storytelling emerges. The most compelling drama comes when these core values clash within a character.

This interior "man versus himself” is a classic psychological novel.

Push your character against the wall: If your character saw someone drowning, what would they do? Wade in and attempt to save (even if they can’t swim)? Freeze? Run for help? Or live-tweet the whole thing? (Please don't be that character. Or that person.)

This is how powerful drama is born, whether in a story or in real life.

Why This Matters for Writers, Pastors, and Parents:

As writers, we're not just drafting stories—we're exploring the depths of human nature. When we understand these layers in our characters, we write stories that resonate with truth. Stories that might help a reader understand themselves better, or see God's grace in a new light.

For pastors, recognizing these layers helps them see past their church's surface behaviors to its core values and struggles underneath. That angry outburst in the church lobby might be rooted in a deep fear of change or a value for tradition that feels threatened.

And for parents, understanding these layers in your children can transform how you guide them. That teenage rebellion might actually be a healthy value for independence wrestling with a deep need for security and acceptance.

We don’t fully understand anyone just by what we see on the surface.

By peeling back the layers, we find what truly drives them, enabling us to write better stories, lead better lives, and help others grow.

YOUR TURN 📬

Hit reply and let me know…

What stories are you working on? I'd love to hear from you on any of the following:

• What's been inspiring your writing lately?

• What challenges are you facing in developing your characters?

• Where do you feel stuck in bringing your story to life?

These are the kinds of discussions we explore in The Lab every day. But maybe I can find a way to help readers of this newsletter, too.

Write on 🤙
Payton

P.S. Speaking of The Lab, it's currently at the lowest price it will ever be! Consider joining today if you're ready to build your craft, character, and community.

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