Characters

[dragonjournal]

Everyone comes up with characters in different ways. Everyone plucks those little bits of psyche out of the ether in ways that probably only make sense to them.

Sometimes, they get a physical description first. Blonde hair, green eyes, a bit pudgy, with long thin fingers/limp brown hair, dark tan, brown eyes... And on and on and on.

Other times, it's the way they dress. Jimmy Choos, and Vera Wang, or maybe flannel and jeans.

Maybe it's something they say or do. Maybe it's their job, or their accent. Maybe it's something they see. Or something they smell.

Anyway, the point is, there's many ways that authors come up with characters. It doesn't really matter how it comes up. There are a few things, however, that are, really, universal. It doesn't matter how the characters first appear, they all have the same things. Height, weight, appearances, etc etc.

Now, I'm not a chart or sheet kind of person, but they do have their uses. I even collect character sheets. I like looking at them at times to just give me an idea of what to do with the characters when they're being cranky about growing.

I have several, but this latest one is... interesting. I haven't seen one quite as comprehensive. So, I'm posting it here, just for shits and giggles.

Character Development Chart

Title of Story:

Publisher: (or target publisher, if you know this)

Main character:

Physical description:

Personal Background:

Character Traits:
3 positive, 3 negative

Character Tags:
Appearance:
Speech:
Mannerisms/Habits good or bad:

Character's Greatest Fear:

Character's Greatest Desire:

Self-Concept (How does character see themselves):

Favorite Environment:

Education/Experience/Skills:

Internal Motivation:

External Motivation:

Character Profile Chart # 2
Character Profile Questions

Short Version

Name
Age
Physical Appearance
Mannerisms/Habits
General Personality
Likes/Dislikes
Occupation
Height/Build
Unusual Physical Traits
Style of Dress
Talents/ Hobbies/Interests
Pertinent Background Info

Long Version

Name
Age
Build
Eyes
Skin Tone
Height
Facial Features
Hair
Way of Moving
Mannerisms/Habits
Unusual Physical Traits
What Does Character Consider Best/Worst Physical Trait
Voice/Favorite Expression
Likes/Dislikes
Style of Dress
Jewelry/Cosmetics/Etc.,
Social/Financial Background
Relatives/Relationship With
What Was Character Like as a Child
Family Social/Financial Status
Home Environment
Long Version/Character Profile (Continued)

Education
Character's Current Social/Financial Status
Current Friends
Pets
Attitude Toward Money
Religion/Political Interests
Past Romantic Relationships
Attitude Toward the Opposite Sex
Talent/Hobbies/Interests
House/Apartment
Decorating Style
Housekeeping Abilities or Lack Thereof
Car
Pertinent Health Info
General Personality Profile
Reacts in a Crisis
Complexes
Philosophy
Priorities
Regrets
What Does Character Consider Best/Worst Character Trait? Are they right? Want/Try to Change?
Dreams/Ambitions
Darkest Secret/ Deepest Fear
Sees Self as:
Others see character as:
Conflict with Hero/Heroine


I haven't filled it out for anyone, yet. But it does look interesting. I might attempt it later, however.

Comments

[jehanne1431]

Those are interesting. I've never made one up before, but I can see how they'd be useful.