Writing.Com General Discussion

I think one way is to figure out beforehand what the characters' personality traits are, and then be consistent in having the characters act in accordance with those traits.

For example, traits that will be appreciated: kindness, sympathy, generosity, honesty, etc.

traits that will arouse dislike: selfishness, dishonesty, arrogance, overweening pride, resorting to violence over someone weaker, etc

The narrator will pay an important role by massaging the color around the dialog.

Also, I think it is important not to be too excessive. The good character should not be perfect, and the bad one should not be satanistically evil. Believability is important.