Great characters have layers. They don’t reveal everything about themselves the moment they step onto the page. Instead, they hold back, forcing readers to piece together their true nature over time.
Why are they lying? What happened in their past? What will happen when the truth comes out? These questions drive the story forward.
Let’s talk about why characters who are too open can fall flat.
The Problem with Open-Book Characters
A character who shares everything up front removes the element of mystery. Readers don’t need to guess what they’re thinking or feeling because it’s all laid out for them. This can make your story predictable.
In real life, people don’t always say what they think. They hold back for different reasons—fear, shame, or even strategy. Your characters should do the same.
When a character hides something, every conversation becomes more layered. Readers start paying attention to what’s left unsaid, not just what’s on the surface. That’s where true engagement happens.
So, what kinds of secrets should a character have?
Secrets a Character Might Hide
The best secrets serve a purpose. They add conflict, drive character development, or lead to a major plot twist. Here are some common types of secrets that make stories more compelling:
Personal Shame or Trauma
A painful past experience can shape a character’s actions and fears. Maybe they let someone down, survived something terrible, or hurt someone they loved. They don’t want others to know because it’s too painful—or because they’re afraid of judgment.
Hidden Motivations
Sometimes, a character’s true goal isn’t what they tell the world. A detective solving a case might secretly be hunting their parent’s killer. A soldier might be fighting not for their country but to prove something to themselves.
When these hidden motivations come to light, they can change how readers see the character.
Buried Desires or Fears
A character might not even admit their secret to themselves. Maybe they pretend they don’t want love, success, or redemption when deep down, they do. Maybe they ignore a growing fear that’s slowly eating away at them.
Secret Identities or Pasts
This is a classic storytelling device. A superhero hiding their real name. A prince raised as a commoner. A character who abandoned their past life to start over. Readers love uncovering these hidden histories.
Moral Dilemmas
Sometimes, a character knows something they wish they didn’t. Maybe they have evidence that could ruin someone’s life, or they know the real reason behind a tragic event. Keeping this secret creates internal and external tension.
How to Reveal Character Secrets Effectively
A secret is only as good as its reveal. If you dump it all at once, it loses impact. If you keep it hidden too long, readers might lose interest. Here’s how to do it right:
Drop Subtle Hints
Let readers sense that something is off. Maybe a character hesitates before answering a question. Maybe they react too strongly to a casual comment.
And don’t say things outright. Instead of having a character say, “I used to be a thief,” show them instinctively checking exits, noticing security cameras, or slipping things into their pocket without thinking.
Small details can make readers suspicious without giving too much away. That seed will grow in their minds, making them pay more attention to a character’s actions and words.
Use Other Characters
Sometimes, another character can reveal the secret. Maybe an old friend brings up something the main character wants to forget. Maybe an enemy taunts them with something they’ve tried to bury. Let interactions hint at hidden truths.
Time the Reveal for Maximum Impact
The best secrets come out at the worst times. Reveal a character’s past betrayal just as they earn someone’s trust.
Let the truth come out when the stakes are highest. The more it changes things, the more powerful it will feel.
Make the Secret Matter
A secret should shape the story, not just exist for shock value. Ask yourself: How does this secret affect the character’s journey? How will it change the relationships in the story? If it doesn’t create conflict or development, it might not be worth keeping.
Make the Secret Evolve Over Time
A good secret isn’t static. As the story progresses, the weight of keeping it should increase. Ramping it up creates a sense of foreboding, as if your readers are watching someone race towards a cliff. Will they stop just in time or are they throwing themselves off it?
Maybe small lies start piling up. Maybe someone gets suspicious. Maybe the character starts questioning whether they should confess.
Use Unreliable Narration
If you’re writing in the first person or limited third person, let the character mislead the reader. They might justify their actions, downplay their past, or outright lie to themselves.
When the truth comes out, it hits harder because readers have been inside their head the whole time.
Use Symbolism and Metaphors
Sometimes, a secret can be hinted at through recurring images or metaphors. A character with a hidden past might always wear gloves, avoiding physical contact. A character with a dark secret might obsess over washing their hands, like Lady Macbeth. These subtle cues can deepen the mystery.
Make the Secret Personal to the Reader
Secrets resonate most when they tap into universal emotions. If a character’s secret mirrors something readers have felt in their own lives, it becomes more powerful.
Let the Character Almost Reveal It
Tease the reader with near-reveals. Maybe the character starts to confess but gets interrupted. Maybe they write a letter but never send it. These moments build anticipation and make the eventual reveal more satisfying.
Have Consequences
Once a secret is revealed, it should change things. Relationships should shift, stakes should rise, and characters should have to deal with the fallout. If the secret doesn’t create conflict or force growth, it might not be necessary.
Conclusion
Secrets make stories stronger. They add layers to characters, create tension, and keep readers engaged. If your character doesn’t have something to hide, ask yourself why. Are they too perfect? Too predictable?
Great storytelling isn’t just about what you reveal—it’s about when and how you reveal it. So, what is your character hiding? And when will you let the reader find out?
What secrets does your character have? Share your thoughts below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- How to Write Character Arcs: Adding Depth to Your Story’s Players
- How to Use Selective Perception to Create Realistic Characters
- Why Your Characters Should Take Their Time to Succeed
- How To Create Chemistry Between Your Characters
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
