By Kris Maze

Writing Young Adult (YA) fiction can be a tricky for writers trying to craft authentic characters. This post examines what makes characters in popular YA novels today resonate with young people. If you are writing or planning to write for teens, this deep dive and multiple post series into YA fiction trends can help you craft your own novel.

Capturing the essence of adolescence to the written page is tough. It has to pass the sniff-test of authenticity for readers of all ages, especially the readers who are teens themselves. Teens who are guaranteed to be your toughest critics and your greatest fans. Writing your novel in a way that isn’t pandering or pontificating is hard, because teens have a very sensitive filter towards adults telling their stories. But having hindsight from our own experiences growing up can make writing a YA novel easier. We’ve lived through adolescence and survived. 

So, where is a good balance between telling the story and filtering it through a teen protagonist’s eyes? How can writers, many of which are no longer teens, make our novels more authentic?

The good news is that we don’t have to be teens to write like one. Let’s see how some popular authors have accomplished effective characterization and worldbuilding in YA novels.

YA Book Study – A Visit to the Library

My research was conducted in a West Coast high school library in the United States. Books used in this YA post series came from titles that students requested to purchase for the library and ultimately checked out to read. The high school population has students from many cultural backgrounds, many with non-English spoken home languages, and a wide spectrum of economic diversity as well.

This sample of readers created a representative cross-section similar to the United States overall. Although popular books will vary in different regions and countries worldwide, this information can provide current insights about general trends in student reading.

In my sample library, the librarian had input from students about which books should be added to the collection each year. This shows that teens are reading books that they wanted to read (see list of novels at the end of this post). The quotes and examples in this post came from these novels. Even though other books are also popular, the criteria and purpose for this list was to get a general range of interest from actual young adults. 

To begin...

I asked the librarian about which books are hot right now. Next, I checked the stacks to see how many copies of the book were in circulation. The other criteria for which books to include were: 

• Books that have a publication date within the last 15 years
• Books that represent a span of genres
• Books that cover various topics of interest to teens today

Later, I pulled together quotes from each and examples on characterization, themes, worldbuilding, and teen voice. Let’s see what these books can show us about YA trends in characterization.

Characterization 

Characters in Young Adult novels have as many variants as there are different walks of life. There are commonalities though, as shown in these characteristics:

1. Emotional Depth. Characters should have layers of emotional vulnerability and growth, making them relatable and engaging.
2. Internal and External Conflict. Compelling characters face both internal struggles (identity, self-worth) and external challenges (society, family, peers).
3. Relatability. Characters who deal with universal themes like belonging, love, fear, and ambition resonate with YA readers, providing connection with others and empathy.
4. Growth. YA characters are most compelling when they undergo significant personal development or transformation throughout the story, reflecting the change-driven nature of adolescence.

Your main character is the pivot point for everything in your YA novel, drawing your readers' attention back to this central focus again and again. Incite your reader’s curiosity by making sure your MC is compelling enough. How do these well-known novels craft best-selling characters? Let’s see in the following examples.

Main Character examples – What makes them compelling?

One of Us is Next, by Karen M. McManus. 

Maeve Rojas is a standout character because she’s smart, resourceful, and unafraid to confront the dark secrets of those around her. YA writers can learn from Maeve’s layered vulnerability: she’s not just the "smart girl," but also someone who struggles with health issues and self-expectations. Her relatability comes from how her internal challenges resonate with readers, making her feel both aspirational and real. When crafting your YA characters, consider how their strengths are balanced by vulnerabilities.

All The Bright Places, by Jennifer Niven. 

Theodore Finch’s character is compelling because of his intensity and emotional depth. He’s constantly torn between his fascination with death and his desire to experience life to the fullest. This tension keeps readers engaged. For YA writers, Finch’s unpredictability highlights the power of creating characters who are complex, with internal contradictions. A character doesn’t need to be perfect—they need to feel real. Consider how your characters’ flaws and inner battles make them more relatable to readers.

I’ll Give You the Sun, by Jandy Nelson. 

Jude and Noah are brilliant examples of how dual narrators with distinct voices can create depth in storytelling. Their journey through jealousy, love, and personal tragedy brings rich emotional texture to their characterization. YA writers can take a cue from the twins' evolving relationship and individual growth and show character development through interactions and internal conflicts. Think about how your characters’ relationships with each other affect their growth throughout the story.

Shadow and Bone, by Leigh Bardugo. 

Alina Starkov begins as an outsider, but her transformation into a powerful Grisha mirrors the adolescent journey of self-discovery. For YA writers, Alina’s arc is a perfect example of the "chosen one" trope done right: it’s not just about her powers, but about her struggle to accept who she is. When building your characters, give them both an external journey and an internal one. As they gain strength or face challenges, let their inner confidence grow as well.

Burning Bright, by Alexa Donne. 

Stella Ainsley is a strong and relatable character because she’s independent, intelligent, and determined to make her own path, despite the challenges of living in a futuristic society. Her self-reliance and resistance to societal expectations make her a great example of a YA heroine who doesn’t conform to traditional gender roles. As YA writers, you can create dynamic characters by giving them clear motivations and the drive to defy the norms of their world.

Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From, by Jennifer De Leon. 

Liliana Cruz’s journey of navigating two different worlds—a predominantly white school and her Latinx roots—creates a tension that many teens can relate to. YA writers should look to Liliana’s struggle with identity as an example of how to weave real-life social challenges into your character arcs. Her resilience and determination make her not only relatable but also inspiring. Consider how cultural and social backgrounds can influence your characters' actions and decisions.

The Last True Poets of the Sea, by Julia Drake.

Violet Larkin’s reckless behavior following her brother’s suicide attempt makes her a raw, emotionally complex character. Her path to healing and uncovering family secrets offers you a template for creating protagonists who are on a journey of self-discovery. Violet’s story demonstrates the importance of giving your characters space to grieve, struggle, and grow. Authentic emotional depth, especially when dealing with difficult themes, is key to creating compelling characters.

Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen. 

Annabel Greene's story is a great example of a character whose outward perfection hides deep internal conflict. YA writers can learn from Annabel’s quiet strength and her gradual journey to reclaim her voice. Characters don’t always need to be loud or overly rebellious to be compelling; sometimes their inner battles and quiet resilience make the most impact. When developing your characters, consider how silence, trauma, and the quest for self-worth can shape their growth.

The Mary Shelley Club, by Goldy Moldavsky. 

Rachel Chavez’s love of horror and her complicated relationship with fear provide a unique twist to her characterization. You can take inspiration from how Rachel’s fascination with dark, frightening things reflects her own inner turmoil. Her journey through trauma shows how characters can use unconventional means to cope with their struggles. Consider how your characters' passions and obsessions can serve as metaphors for their emotional states, making them feel more layered.

Gravity, by Sarah Deming. 

Gravity Delgado is compelling because she’s physically strong, yet emotionally vulnerable, balancing the pressures of boxing with family struggles. For YA writers, Gravity’s character showcases the importance of building resilience and grit into your protagonists while also allowing them moments of doubt. Let your characters face real challenges and setbacks, but also give them the inner strength to keep fighting—whether in the ring or in their personal lives.

A Girl Named Disaster, by Nancy Farmer. 

Nhamo’s journey of survival is more than just a physical struggle, it’s about her connection to her ancestors and finding her own inner strength. You can take cues from Nhamo’s resourcefulness and spiritual journey to create characters who are not just shaped by their circumstances, but by their heritage and internal growth. Consider how your characters’ backgrounds and environments influence their personal development.

Book Examples that enhance characterization

In young adult literature, characters often navigate intense emotions, internal conflicts, and the struggle to define their identity. Each quote below highlights the distinctive voice of teen protagonists, offering relatable and complex portrayals of adolescence. Here’s an analysis of why each quote exemplifies a teen’s internal world, helping you understand how to craft authentic teen characters:

One of Us is Next, by Karen M. McManus

 “It’s like everyone at Bayview High has their own private drama, and we’re all just waiting for our turn in the spotlight.”

Insight: High school often feels like a stage where teens perceive everyone as watching and judging them. This heightened awareness taps into the self-consciousness and social pressure that is central to teenage experiences.

“You know how when something bad happens, and it feels like the whole world is staring at you? That’s how I felt when the rumors started.”

Insight: The fear of gossip and judgment reflects a common teenage anxiety. Rumors and peer scrutiny can amplify feelings of vulnerability, making even small issues seem overwhelming.

“High school is a game of survival, and sometimes you have to play dirty to stay in the game.”

Insight: The competitive social dynamics of adolescence are like an unspoken game where teens must navigate friendships, rivalries, and social hierarchies. This captures the cutthroat nature of these interactions, interactions which in this book series are quite deadly indeed.

All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

“It’s like I’m living in a fog, where everything is blurry and nothing feels real.”

Insight: This illustrates the emotional confusion teens may face, particularly when grappling with mental health. The feeling of disconnection from reality mirrors the struggle to understand one's emotions and surroundings.

“Sometimes I just want to scream and let all the noise out, but I don’t even know where to start.”

Insight: Teens often experience overwhelming emotions without knowing how to express them. This raw frustration speaks to the difficulty of articulating feelings during adolescence.

“You can’t just put on a brave face and pretend everything is okay when it’s not.”

Insight: Teens often feel the pressure to appear strong, but this quote reflects the growing recognition that vulnerability is part of being human. It resonates with the internal conflict of wanting to appear invincible while needing to be real.

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

“We were like two halves of a whole, and when we were together, it felt like we could take on the world.”

Insight: Teenage relationships, particularly with close friends or siblings, can feel all-encompassing. This reflects the emotional intensity and deep connections that many teens experience.

“It’s weird how a single moment can change everything, like a snapshot in time that makes you see things differently.”

Insight: Adolescents often experience sudden shifts in perspective or understanding, making small moments feel transformative. This captures the immediacy and importance of self-discovery.

“I’ve spent so much time trying to fit in, I forgot what it feels like to be myself.”

Insight: The desire to conform is a central theme in adolescence. This quote reflects the struggle between wanting acceptance and staying true to one’s identity.

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

“Being different is like walking around with a target on your back, and you never know who’s aiming for you.”

Insight: Teens often feel vulnerable to judgment when they stand out, whether because of appearance, personality, or abilities. This fear of being singled out is common in high school environments.

“Sometimes, the hardest part of being a hero is figuring out who you’re supposed to be.”

Insight: Adolescents often face pressure to live up to expectations, whether external or self-imposed. This reflects the teen struggle to define their identity amidst various influences.

“In a world full of shadows, it’s easy to get lost. But sometimes, you have to be the light to find your way.”

Insight: This metaphor resonates with teens, who often feel overwhelmed by external pressures but must find inner strength to navigate challenges. The journey of self-discovery and resilience is a key part of the teenage experience.

Burning Bright by Alexa Donne

“Living in a floating city feels like being on a permanent vacation, but it’s also kind of lonely up here.”

Insight: Adolescence is often marked by feelings of isolation, even in seemingly ideal environments. This highlights the teen experience of loneliness despite being surrounded by people or opportunities.

“It’s hard to figure out who you are when you’re always surrounded by people who seem to have it all together.”

Insight: Comparing oneself to others is a common teenage struggle. The perception that others are more confident or successful amplifies insecurities and the search for personal identity.

“The future is like a big, scary question mark, and I have no idea how to answer it.”

Insight: Teens frequently face uncertainty about the future, and this anxiety is both exciting and terrifying. The overwhelming possibilities and fear of the unknown are key themes in young adult development.

These quotes and accompanying insights, provide examples of how to create rich, authentic teenage characters. By incorporating their emotional depth, insecurities, and internal conflicts, writers can effectively capture the essence of adolescence in YA storytelling. Each quote reflects the depth, vulnerability, and complexity of the teenage voice, touching on universal adolescent experiences like identity, belonging, emotional confusion, and resilience.

Through the eyes of your MC 

When crafting your own characters ask yourself a few questions. How does your main character fare compared to what teens are reading?

• Who is your main character and why do they appeal to teen readers?
• Why are they compelling? 
• What is their internal and external struggle?
• Is this character the best choice for your story? Could you make changes to bring in more readers?
• What universal adolescent experiences have you addressed in your novel?

Resource List - YA Novels List

These books were chosen based on popularity with students (determined by how often they were checked out and how many copies were in circulation). These titles are all within the YA bounds primarily because of the main character's age, but also for the themes, topics, and other important aspects of compelling Young Adult writing. See the details below for each novel.

Final Thoughts on Characters in YA Novels

At the end of the day, writing for teens is like walking a tightrope as part of a circus—wobbly, slightly terrifying, but wildly exhilarating when you nail it. They want authenticity in their novels, but not too much. Drama, but not overdone (well, maybe a little). 

Let’s face it, the inexperienced teen years in real life are basically a series of plot twists no one saw coming. So, embrace the chaos in your writing, throw in some deep feelings, sprinkle in a little humor, and let your characters find their way. Just remember, teens are experts at sniffing out inauthenticity. Keep it real, keep it relatable, and don’t forget to add a dash of humor to lighten the angst. After all, if teens can survive high school, they can definitely survive whatever drama you build into your novel. Have fun with it!

What current trend do you notice in books you like to read? What tips do you have for our readers?

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About Kris

Kris Maze is an author, writing coach, and teacher. She has worked in education for many years and writes for various publications, including Practical Advice for Teachers of Heritage Learners of Spanish and the award-winning blog Writers in the Stormwhere she is also a host. You can find her horror stories and young adult writing on her website. Keep up with future projects and events by subscribing to her newsletter.

Find her newest story collection HERE on sale!

A recovering grammarian and hopeless wanderer, Kris enjoys reading, playing violin and piano, and spending time outdoors.

And occasionally, she enjoys getting a chai tea while writing in a local coffee shop.