Establish your characters using one of the 16 master archetypes. Tami Cowden tells you to ask why your characters do what they do. And by the way, yes, I do recommend her book.

You might also be interested in:

1. Quick Tip: Villain Archetype Villains have archetypes too! Don’t forget what Terry Odell said about villains… ...
2. Building Blocks of Fiction: Characterization and Plotting Presented By Tambra Kendall What: Learn how characterization and plotting weave together to make your story come alive. Knowing how to blend together characterization and plotting is essential. Being weak in either area can keep you from obtaining the contract you seek. This course will cover character development using GMC which in turn leads...
3. Quick Tip: Be persistent Be very, very persistent. If you have a story idea, or characters in your head that aren’t coming together the way that feels best, try again, in a different way, from another angle. ~ Dena Celeste ...