"SURPRISE, SURPRISE!"
How to Introduce New Characters Without Confusing Readers One of the major challenges writers face is introducing new characters into a story without making them feel like they appeared out of nowhere. If a character suddenly pops up midway—or worse, at the end—readers might feel blindsided, questioning where this person came from and why they matter. So, how do you introduce new characters in a way that feels natural, seamless, and avoids confusion? The key principle to remember is foreshadowing . Foreshadowing: Plant the Seeds Early The best way to keep readers from scratching their heads at a last-minute character is to hint at their existence before they officially appear subtly. That doesn’t mean you need to give them a full-blown introduction pages ahead, but dropping breadcrumbs can make their arrival feel intentional. Ways to Foreshadow a New Character: 1. Mention Them in...