Magic As a Tool for Character Development

When we talk about magic in fiction, we tend to focus on the spectacle of the magic itself—the spells, the rituals, the spectacle, the skills. But magic isn't just about what characters can do; it’s also about who they are. When you embrace that, and tie your magic systems to your characters’ inner lives, then that magic becomes a powerful character development tool, enabling you to create deeper, more meaningful stories.

In my “Making Magic in Fiction” craft guide, we explored how to develop compelling magic systems in a variety of genres. Here, let’s look at how to leverage those magic systems as a tool for developing memorable, complex characters.

Magic as a Reflection of Inner Conflict

One of the strongest ways magic can drive character development is by reflecting the characters’ internal conflicts. As a character grows and changes throughout the story, so can their relationship with magic.

  • Does the character’s magic come from a place of fear, anger, or trauma?

  • Does mastering their magic mirror—or support—their personal growth?

Consider Matilda, by Roald Dahl. When Matilda wasn’t being intellectually fulfilled, she developed magic powers to fill that gap—and those ultimately helped her build the life she wanted. Or, (if you’ll forgive me using Frozen for a second post in a row), look at Elsa’s struggle to control her magic when she’s emotional. As she learns to accept herself and…let it go…she also learns to control her powers. A character’s evolving relationship to their powers might parallel their non-magical personal growth.

Magic as a Responsibility (or Burden)

“With great power comes great responsibility.” While neither Voltaire nor Uncle Ben was referring to magic here, great magical powers also come with great responsibility. And the weight of that responsibility can shape a character’s moral compass.

Consider a protagonist who has a rare and dangerous ability they’re reluctant to use. Or one who goes all in abusing their newfound powers for personal gain. These two characters have very different ethical perspectives, and we see them come to live through their relationship to their magic.

Magic as a Symbol of Growth or Transformation

In some stories, magic can reflect personal growth as well as a static internal state. As a character grows—overcoming internal challenges or learning to accept themselves—their abilities may evolve in step.

  • How does your character’s relationship to their magic change over the course of the story?

  • How do the magic and the personal growth influence one another in tandem?

When a character’s magical arc mirrors their real-world growth, the journey can begin to feel deeply personal—making it relatable to readers who (sadly) have no actual experience with magic.

Magic as a Catalyst for Relationships

Inevitably, on characters’ magic will impact others, as well, influencing the way they relate to each other. Two characters may bond over shared magic, they may butt heads over opposing perspectives on magic, or they may struggle with a power imbalance if one has magic and another doesn’t.

  • How does magic create conflict in some of your character’s relationships?

  • How does it foster deeper connections in others?

And, just like a character’s relationship with magic can evolve, so can their magic-influenced relationships with others.

Magic as Identity

Finally, magic can’t help but be a core part of a magical character’s identity, be it a blessing, a curse, or a massive secret.

Is your character the “chosen one”? A reluctant hero? Trying to stay hidden in a world that doesn’t know about or welcome magic? The way a character identifies with their magic is a powerful influence on how they move through the world—and it has potential to create serious tension between who they are and who they desire to be.

How Does Magic Inform Your Characters?

Magic is fun to play with in fiction, AND it has the power to deepen and define your story in ways that make it exponentially more relatable to readers. Intertwining your magic system with your characters’ development can make your novel more cohesive, compelling, and immersive for your readers.

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