How to Use Astrology to Build Rich, Relatable Story Characters
Astrology is the ancient study of planetary placements and how they shape personality. The Babylonians were the first known astrologers, and from there, it spread across the world.
(Side note: Ever heard of the Tower of Babel? Yeah, in the Bible, it’s the story of people building a tower to reach heaven—only for God to scatter them by making them speak different languages. Honestly, petty king behavior. Also funny how astrology, in a way, acts like a universal translator for emotional damage.)
Some people think astrology is just coincidence. Like, if you’re a Virgo who’s meticulous and loves obsessing over the psychology of serial killers, you might say, Sure, that sounds like me—but doesn’t it fit a lot of people? (Spoiler:…Not really? Also, talk to your therapist please?)
And fair enough. Some descriptions are broad enough to catch a small crowd at Coachella.
BUT.
I can’t deny how useful astrology can be. People build entire empires (and Instagram meme pages) around it. It’s also elite-level intel for gift shopping. (Like my old coworker Lorrie, who got me a quill and ink for Secret Santa because I’m a Cancer. I wept. It was the most seen I’ve ever felt outside of therapy.)
For writers, astrology is a chaotic-good tool for character creation, whether you believe in it or not.
Each zodiac sign is basically a choose-your-fighter screen: stereotypes, strengths, and spicy flaws ready for deployment.
So grab your star maps, babes. Here’s the ✨unhinged✨ guide to all 12 zodiac signs — strengths, flaws, and perfect examples to spice up your next story!
Aries (March 21 – April 19) – The Firecracker
If your character sees a door, an Aries kicks it open before checking if it was even locked.
Bold, impulsive, and fighting God and gravity daily, Aries characters bring raw “main character energy” to every scene.
Strengths & Flaws:
Fearless, inspiring, and allergic to losing.
Downside? If they lose, it’s scorched earth, no survivors.
Revenge isn’t a dish best served cold for them — it’s served IMMEDIATELY, flambéed.
Example Character: Katniss Everdeen — Bow? Check. Rage? Double check. Impulse control? Sweetie, what impulse control?
Taurus (April 20 – May 20) – The Unmovable Force
Tauruses don’t walk—they stroll at their own pace, sipping a latte, wrapped in a weighted blanket.
They like routines, snacks, naps, and not being perceived unless absolutely necessary.
Strengths & Flaws:
Solid, dependable, loyal. Also? Stubborn as a goat wearing Gucci.
If you try to move them, make sure your will is updated.
Example Character: Beth Harmon — Chess genius. Cool under pressure. Would absolutely rather die than change her Tuesday routine.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20) – The Chameleon
Geminis are the reason you double-check who you’re actually texting.
Adaptable, witty, and blessed with the ability to charm both your grandma and your landlord in the same afternoon.
Strengths & Flaws:
Social butterflies, intellectual acrobats, delightful chaos incarnate.
Downside? You will get ghosted mid-conversation if something shinier catches their attention.
Example Character: Loki — You trusted him?! Sweetie. He trusted himself even less.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) – The Protector
Imagine a soft, nurturing, sensitive cinnamon roll… armed with passive-aggressive nukes.
That’s Cancer energy.
Strengths & Flaws:
Tenderhearted, intuitive, the mom friend.
Also? Expert level at guilt-tripping and disappearing into their emotional panic room when slighted.
Example Character: Eleven — Cute until you kidnap her best friend. Then it’s brain-juice explosion time.
Bonus Character: Pasta Garcia — Hi, it’s me. Your editor/chaos blog master. I absolutely do not sound like this in person. 💛 I’m a hugger, and speak in fluent customer service. But my writing says “I will bomb any building down for character development.”
Leo (July 23 – August 22) – The Star
Leos don’t enter a room. The room rearranges itself to welcome the Leo.
Charismatic, fearless, and powered by external validation like a Tesla plugged into an awards ceremony.
Strengths & Flaws:
Inspirational. Magnetic. Capable of starting a cult accidentally.
Their downfall? Ego so fragile, it needs a satin pillow and nightly affirmations.
Example Character: Tony Stark — Humble? No. Iconic? Every damn time.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22) – The Strategist
Virgos have never lost a game of chess against themselves.
Practical, analytical, and so detail-oriented they proofread their own dreams.
Strengths & Flaws:
Your best project manager, your worst nitpicker.
Their sarcasm is weaponized. Their self-doubt is industrial grade.
Example Character: Sherlock Holmes — Solving crimes while emotionally dissociating like a Victorian roomba.
Libra (September 23 – October 22) – The Diplomat
Libras will host a party, make everyone friends, then cry privately because they think Todd and Jessica might not be vibing enough.
Peacekeeping legends, with a dash of chaos.
Strengths & Flaws:
Charming AF. Stylish. Conflict-avoidant to the point of gaslighting themselves.
Example Character: Light Yagami — “I’m saving the world!” Also Light: casually committing light genocide.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21) – The Enigma
You’ll think you won the argument. Then you’ll wake up at 3 AM realizing they were right and you’re actually a clown.
Powerful. Mysterious. Basically the boss fight at the end of a JRPG.
Strengths & Flaws:
Loyal to death. Petty beyond death.
Holds grudges so long they start charging rent.
Example Character: Severus Snape — The man invented “it’s complicated” energy.
Bonus Character: Mariel Leister — Yes. Our publisher and founder of our very own Hogwarts castle in literary form. Our quiet but fierce protector. The friend that will tell you where you suck at writing, but won’t think twice taking a bullet for you. 💙
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21) – The Wanderer
Sagittarius characters are allergic to being told to “sit still and behave.”
Free-spirited chaos goblins who see life as one big road trip playlist.
Strengths & Flaws:
Optimistic. Honest. Also? No internal filter.
Will laugh at a funeral if the priest trips.
Example Character: Jack Sparrow — Why walk a straight line when you can stumble gloriously across a crooked one?
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19) – The Climber
Capricorns are powered by caffeine, ambition, and a disturbing amount of self-denial.
Climbing life’s ladder even if the rungs are greased with disappointment.
Strengths & Flaws:
Disciplined. Ruthless. Would marry a spreadsheet if legally allowed.
Example Character: Walter White — “I am the one who knocks.”
(Probably sent that as his LinkedIn headline too.)
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18) – The Rebel
Aquariuses are just… built different.
The system? Break it.
The mold? Shatter it.
The group chat? Leave it and start a new one with better memes.
Strengths & Flaws:
Visionaries. Innovators. Emotionally unavailable since birth.
Example Character: Elsa — Building a frozen palace alone in the woods instead of going to therapy since 2013.
Pisces (February 19 – March 20) – The Dreamer
Pisces are soft magical creatures sent to Earth to remind us that crying is, in fact, a sport.
They float between fantasy and reality like a Studio Ghibli character on their lunch break.
Strengths & Flaws:
Compassionate. Creative. Existential crisis? Every Thursday.
Example Character: Luna Lovegood — Sees dead horses and still thinks life is beautiful. Absolute queen behavior.
Here’s the main point in this blog post, in case you find all 12 signs overwhelming: You don’t have to worship the stars to let them light a few sparks under your stories.
Astrology isn’t a rulebook — it’s a toolbox. A cheat code. A jumping-off point when the page feels heavy and your brain feels like a dial-up connection.
Use it when you need it, ignore it when you don’t, and twist it into whatever shape makes your characters feel real enough to breathe. The only thing that matters is that you keep building worlds you believe in. The stars are just extra seasoning.
📚 Want more chaotic wisdom on writing, storytelling, and slaying your WIP?
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Indie From the Islands on Substack (Mariel’s)
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Have questions? Suggestions? Profess your undying love and affection for a member of the team? 👀 We listen and we don’t judge. Send us an email at hello@alontala.com
Head on over to our blog to read more chaotic creative awesomeness for your favorite duo – Yel & Pasta!
