Fiction Rebellion

Reality TV might seem like a guilty pleasure, but if you’re a writer, it’s a goldmine of character insight. Whether it’s Love Island, Survivor, The Great British Bake Off, or Big Brother, these shows are packed with real people reacting to pressure, bonding, clashing, and revealing who they are, all things we try to capture in fiction.

If you’re ever stuck writing characters that feel too similar or flat, try this: treat reality TV as your creative research.

Here are six takeaways on how reality TV can help sharpen your character work:

1. Unique Character Traits

Every cast member brings something different to the table. The producers have carefully chosen contrasting characters to maximise conflict, so take advantage of this and make notes. 

Some are lively and adventurous, while others are anxious but hilarious. Some are abrasive yet thoughtful, and others are lazy but good listeners. Who is blunt and who is diplomatic?

People have unexpected character traits. The frail-looking older woman might be brave and open-minded, while the muscular young man might be scared of everything and critical.

Your characters should feel just as distinct. 

Ask yourself:

• Who’s the confident one? Who’s the quiet observer?
• Who cracks jokes under pressure? Who withdraws?

Watch how contestants’ unique traits show up and steal those cues for your characters!

• Backgrounds Matter

People who grew up in the same place can have radically different backgrounds. These experiences shape their perspective on the world and how they respond to situations. 

Consider the following factors: 

• What type of financial situation did they come from?
• Do their parents value education?
• What type of location are they from – the countryside, a small town, a deprived inner city, or a tourist location that’s empty outside of peak season? 
• What culture and religion are they from? Is it a second-generation family, a mixed heritage family, or a bilingual family, for example? 
• What type of family did they have – extended, blended family, nuclear, single parent, adoptive? 
• Was it a chaotic household or a stable, loving home?
• Are there mental health issues or disabilities with themselves, their parents, grandparents or siblings? 

All of these things impact a person’s strengths and fears and what they value.

• Dialogue is Gold

On reality TV, everyone speaks differently, even when they’re from the same country or background. Some use slang, others talk formally. One person might ramble nervously, another might be hilariously blunt.

Notice:

• Their word choices
• Tone (sarcastic? vulnerable? jokey?)
• Pacing and rhythm

Try writing character dialogue as if you’re transcribing reality TV interviews. It’ll help you hear their voices more clearly.

• Group Dynamics

Confined spaces, time pressure, and group living reveal a lot. Some people lead, some follow. Some bring humour, others tension. Watch who bonds, who clashes, and who quietly mediates in the background.

Ask yourself:

• Who’s the glue in the group?
• Who stirs the pot?
• Who avoids responsibility, and how does the group respond?

These dynamics are excellent for scenes where your characters are stuck together — a family, a team, a quest group, a ship’s crew.

• Transformative Arcs

Reality shows are great at showing growth — someone starts nervous and avoids challenges, then slowly finds their confidence. Or someone who seemed loud and shallow ends up being incredibly loyal and kind.

Track contestants’ journeys and ask:

• What external pressures push them to change?
• What do they learn about themselves?
• What setbacks make their growth harder?

Your characters should also have emotional arcs, not just plot arcs.

• Conflict and Alliance

Even shows without full-blown drama are full of little moments that reveal character: someone gets annoyed about chores, another person takes credit, or someone keeps disappearing during group tasks.

Pay attention to:

• Who speaks up and who stays quiet?
• How do people handle confrontation?
• How do minor annoyances escalate or get diffused?

Watching how real people handle friction gives you tools for writing believable tension without needing a major villain.

So, no more guilt watching your favourite reality show.

Instead, treat it like a character lab:

• Take notes on how people speak and react
• Write a mini-character bio for each person
• Notice who connects with whom — and why

Reality TV reminds us that people are messy, funny, surprising, and complex. 

And your characters should be too!