Creating characters is arguably one of the best parts of building a story. Whether your story is driven by its plot or its characters, it is essential to have well-developed and consistent characters to captivate your audience.
One of the best ways to do this is to ask yourself as many questions about your own character as possible. Even if it's something totally mundane and stupid, even if it's never mentioned in the story or isn't relevant to the plot. Understanding your character on a deep level is essential for bringing them to life within your story. As the creator, you should strive to know every aspect of your character's personality, history, motivations, fears, and desires. This knowledge will not only help you write more authentic and consistent dialogue and actions for your character but also enable you to predict how they would react in various situations.
Take the time to explore your character's backstory, including their upbringing, past experiences, and significant life events that have shaped who they are today. Consider their strengths and weaknesses, their likes and dislikes, and the relationships they have with other characters in your story. Understanding these details will allow you to create a well-rounded and believable character that readers can connect with on a deeper level.
I have prepared a worksheet to guide you in developing a character from a basic idea to a fully fleshed-out concept. You can respond to as many or as few questions as you like, providing as much detail as necessary. The goal is to create a vivid portrayal of the characters influencing your narrative. If you find yourself stuck, try applying these questions to a character from your favourite piece of media or maybe someone from your own life to jumpstart your creativity.
THE BASICS
Name:
Nicknames:
Pronouns:
Age:
Ethnicity:
Physical Appearance (height, hair colour, eye colour, etc.):
Gender Identity:
Sexuality:
Occupation:
BACKSTORY
How would this character describe their childhood?:
Did they grow up rich/poor/middle class? How did this affect their outlook?:
If they had siblings, were they the oldest, middle or youngest child? How did this affect their outlook?:
What is their biggest regret?:
What is a good memory that still impacts them?:
What is a bad memory that still impacts them?:
Is religion a part of their life? If so, to what extent?:
What's their relationship with their immediate family?:
In their family, who are they closest to and why?:
Were they popular in school?:
Who was their biggest role model growing up?:
What was their favourite toy?:
What is a personal struggle they're still yet to overcome?:
When they were a kid, what did they want to be when they grew up?:
What were any obstacles they had to fight against while growing up? (poverty, prejudice, illness, abuse, etc.):
PERSONALITY / OUTLOOK
Name some of their best personality traits?:
What are some of their flaws?:
Do they have a fatal flaw, something that will be their undoing?:
DnD Character Alignment:
What is their biggest goal in life?:
Is this character a leader or a follower?:
What are this character's pet peeves?:
What makes them feel insecure?:
Are they insecure or confident? To what extent?:
How likely are they to hold a grudge?:
How do they feel about authority?:
Are they a pushover? If so/not, to what extent?:
How does this character react in a crisis?:
If someone close to them passed away, how would this character react?:
How does this character express affection towards their friends?:
How does this character express affection towards their romantic partner/s?:
Does this character cry easily?:
Does this character like physical touch? (hugs, etc.):
Does this character make friends easily?:
How easily does this character trust others?:
Does this character have any bad/nervous habits? (smoking, chewing nails, etc.):
Are there any topics that automatically make this character mad/upset? If so, why?:
If this character could change anything about themself, what would it be?:
Is this character a hopeless romantic? If so/not, why?:
Does this character have any hobbies/interests?:
Is this character intelligent? If so, in what way/s? (socially smart, street smart, logically smart):
Does this character solve issues with diplomacy or with their fists?:
How
If this character had to choose between saving a loved one or saving the world, which would they choose?:
If this character saw someone innocent being attacked, how would they react?:
How does this character feel about the world/society they live in?:
Does this character have any prejudices/biases against others?:
Does this character like children?:
Is this character likely to betray their own morals? If so, what would cause them to do so?:
Is this character open to change or stuck in their ways?:
How likely is this character able to admit they are wrong and apologise?:
RELATIONSHIPS TO OTHER CHARACTERS
Family Member
What does the character like about them?:
What does the character dislike about them?:
What do they have in common with each other?:
Is there anything that is/could threaten their relationship?:
What is a good memory the character associates with this family member?:
What is a bad memory the character associates with this family member?:
Is there any resentment towards this family member?:
If this family member were to betray/hurt the character, how easily would the character be able to forgive them?:
Does this character have a healthy (firm boundaries, safe place) relationship with this person?:
How much does this character trust this family member?:
Write a summary of their relationship:
Romantic Interest
What does the character like about them?:
What does the character dislike about them?:
What do they have in common with each other?:
What does the character find attractive about them (physically):
What does the character find attractive about them (personality):
Is there anything that is/could threaten their relationship?:
How did they get together?:
How long have they been together?:
Romantic tropes (friends to loves, enemies to lovers, love at first sight):
What things do they like to do together?:
Does this character have a healthy (firm boundaries, safe place) relationship with this person?:
How much does this character trust their partner?:
If this partner were to betray/hurt the character, how easily would the character be able to forgive them?:
Write a summary of their relationship:
Friend / Ally
What does the character like about them?:
What does the character dislike about them?:
What do they have in common with each other?:
How long have they been friends?:
Does this character have a healthy (firm boundaries, safe place) relationship with this person?: Is there anything that is/could threaten their friendship?:
How much does this character trust their friend?:
If this friend were to betray/hurt the character, how easily would the character be able to forgive them?:
Write a summary of their relationship:
Enemy / Rival / Antagonist
What does this character dislike about their rival?:
Was there a specific moment/act that sparked this rivalry?:
Is there anything this character admires about their rival?:
Does the character understand and/or sympathise with the rival's motives?:
Is there any sense of respect between these characters?:
Does this character have any history with this antagonist?:
Does this character believe the rival can be redeemed?:
Would this character forgive their rival? Under what circumstances?:
Is the character hostile/afraid of the rival?:
Write a summary of their relationship:
MISC. (Fun Questions)
What is their favourite food?:
What is their favourite animal?:
How would they decorate their bedroom?:
Who is a celebrity they admire and why?:
If they could have one wish, what would it be?:
What kind of music does this character listen to?:
What's their favourite movie and why?:
Is this character physically fit/strong?:
If this character uses a weapon, what kind?:
Does this character have any special skills? (singing, lockpicking, etc.):
LOOKING FOR A COVER DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR OR ARTIST?
I can help! I've worked with a wide range of publications and authors including Off Limits Press, Cemetery Gates Press, Ghost Orchid Press and more.
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