How to Create a Character

When writing a novel, short story, or other work of fiction, some people find it difficult to create a three dimensional character. It's not difficult with my easy questionnaire!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Write down a physical description of your character. Include eye color, hair color, height, weight, skin color, skin texture, hair texture (thin hair, thick hair, soft hair?), hair length, hair style, clothing style.

2. How would your character describe herself? (I'm going to use herself throughout, insert his/herself as necessary) How does this differ from how the reader sees her?

3. What's your character's relationship with her family?

4. What is your character's five favorite activities?

5. Is your character in love? Does she want to be?

6. If your character could talk to anyone alive or dead, who would she choose (for fantasy authors, make up a person too!)? Who are her heroes? Why?

7. Is your character religious? What is it about her religion that she likes or doesn't like?

8. If your character were to describe her life history in 60 seconds or less, what would she say?

9. If your character would pick three words to describe HERSELF, what would they be? What words would you, as her writer, pick? (ie, try to see the difference in the way YOU look at a character and the way a character looks at themselves)

10. Where did your character grow up? What did she like and dislike about that upbringing?

11. What does she want for her future?

Tips & Warnings

• Take the time to think about a character like you would a best friend--as much as you know about them, there is always another layer to discover.
• True honesty (with a character or a friend) comes with time. Get to know your character!
• Write all the answers to this questionnaire, and anything else you come up with, down in a notebook.

[JanieWrites]

on 3/27/2009 Nice questionnaire.