Romance Meets Reality: 6 Ways to Write Relatable Characters Like Abby Jimenez

Abby’s a master at writing real, relatable characters. Here’s how to use her techniques in your own writing…

Creating characters that resonate deeply with readers is no small feat, but Abby Jimenez’s Part of Your World series does it beautifully.

From their quirks to their struggles, her characters feel like people you might bump into at a coffee shop or sit next to at a wedding.

They’re flawed, vibrant, and achingly human, and that’s what makes them unforgettable.

If you’re hoping to infuse your characters with that same authenticity, this guide breaks down how Jimenez does it and how you can, too.

Let’s explore how to write relatable characters that stick with readers long after they close the book.

1. Start with Flaws That Feel Real

Nobody likes a perfect character. People don’t trust them.

Abby Jimenez gives her characters flaws that feel as genuine as their strengths.

For example, Alexis Montgomery struggles with the pressure of her family’s expectations as a legacy surgeon.

It’s not just her career — it’s her identity and her family’s legacy, and watching her wrestle with that makes her so much more than a skilled doctor.

How can you do the same?

Think about the internal and external pressures your characters face.

Do they have a fear of disappointing their family? Are they caught between what they want and what others expect?

Let them feel the weight of those struggles, and let them mess up.

Flaws make characters human, and humans are inherently interesting.

2. Don’t Be Afraid of Vulnerability

The moments when characters let their guards down are often the ones readers remember most.

Take Daniel Grant from Part of Your World. He’s charming and sweet, sure, but he’s also vulnerable in his love for Alexis.

He knows she’s from a different world, and yet he still opens himself up to the possibility of heartbreak.

That kind of emotional bravery makes readers root for him.

To incorporate vulnerability into your characters, ask yourself what they’re most afraid of and what would happen if they had to face it.

Let them have moments where they’re unsure or scared.

Vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s a bridge that connects your characters to your readers’ hearts.

3. Add Quirks Without Overdoing It

Quirks make characters memorable, but they shouldn’t feel forced.

Jimenez excels at giving her characters distinct traits that feel natural.

Daniel’s love for his small-town life, from his woodworking to his pet goat, adds layers to his personality.

He’s not just Alexis’s love interest — he’s a fully fleshed-out person with his own joys and routines.

Think about what makes your characters unique. Maybe they collect vinyl records, or they’re obsessed with solving crossword puzzles.

The key is to weave these quirks into the story organically.

Don’t let them overshadow the character’s deeper traits, but use them to add texture and charm.

4. Make Careers Matter

A character’s career can be a window into their personality and values.

In Part of Your World, Alexis’s career as a surgeon isn’t just a job — it’s tied to her family’s legacy and her sense of self-worth.

When writing your characters, think about how their work shapes them.

What does their career say about their priorities and personality? Does it bring them joy or stress?

Careers are a great way to ground characters in reality while also highlighting their passions and challenges.

5. Let Relationships Drive Growth

No character exists in a vacuum, and Abby Jimenez shows how relationships can push characters to grow.

Alexis and Daniel’s relationship challenges both of them to reevaluate what they want from life.

Alexis learns to let go of her family’s expectations, while Daniel sees the value in taking risks for love.

To write relationships that feel authentic, focus on how your characters influence each other.

What do they learn from being together? How do they challenge each other’s beliefs or comfort zones?

Relationships should feel like a dynamic part of your story, not just a subplot.

6. Balance Humor and Heart

One of the hallmarks of Jimenez’s writing is her ability to blend laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt ones.

Whether it’s Daniel’s goat causing chaos or Alexis navigating awkward family situations, the humor never feels out of place.

Instead, it highlights the characters’ personalities and makes the emotional moments hit even harder.

To strike this balance, think about the tone of your story and how humor can enhance it.

Use humor to reveal character dynamics or to break up tense scenes.

And don’t shy away from emotional beats — those moments of raw honesty are what keep readers coming back.

A Final Word: The Heart of Relatability

At its core, relatable characters are about connection.

Abby Jimenez’s characters resonate because they feel like people you know — or people you’d want to know.

They remind us that it’s okay to be messy, to struggle, and to love with everything we’ve got.

As you craft your own characters, keep this in mind: relatability isn’t about making everyone like your characters.

It’s about making readers feel something real.

Whether it’s a laugh, a tear, or a moment of recognition, those connections are what make stories unforgettable.

Happy writing!

Want More of This?

Enjoyed what you read? Want more? Hit that follow button and get a nonlinear dose of content on TV, movies, travel, all things bookish, and whatever else that piques my interest or ruffles my tail feathers 😅

Or follow my other Medium page to learn how to make money online.

Need a ghostwriter? Or the first three chapters of your novel written?

I can help with both.