How does one create iconic characters?

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How do you write your Brothers Karamazov, /lit/?

My strategy is:

>small cast
So the different traits in the characters are unique. Except for those with family ties, of course. It also helps with synonyms for them in the future.

>exploit the five senses, not only appearance
Give them at least 2 physical traits which are distinct. "Beard + Bad smell", "Short + Long blonde hair", "Thin + Excellent voice", "Fat + soft skin", etc.

I like being playful and exaggerated when they are introduced. "His hair blowing to the wind has the likes of a whirlwind of sunflowers."

>give them distinct names
Every character has a meaning. In Brothers Karamazov each of the bros means a recurrent thought in russian society. Ways to exploit this is giving a traditional name to the more religious orthodox brother and a westernized name to the nihilistic one (specially if you are a russian nationalist behind your shitposting). Another example is that in literature, often the nobles have more names than the commoners and often have both their first and surnames (or nobility title and surname) mentioned together.

A small cast will make every name a treasure in itself.

So, any tips?