— Siblings? Parents? Husband or wife? Extended, adopted, or alternative family?
— How do these relationships now or in the past affect your character?
— How did he grow up? With love? Closeness? Neglect? Abuse?
— How did your character’s family affect his self-image?- Hobbies, amusements
— What does your character read, watch on TV/in the movies/on the Internet?
— What sports, exercise, or hobbies does your character engage in?
— What does he do on Saturdays? Sundays? Tuesday evenings? - What makes him funny?
- Give your character one dominant trait, with a couple of other less important traits.
- Era—if this is historical, research well.
- Setting or place
— What kind of people would be in this setting?
— How would your character react to this setting? Would he be happy here?
— Why or why not?
— Where was your character before this? Why?
— Is he likely to leave soon? Why or why not?
— Does this setting or where he was before give your character a different outlook
or attitude? A different rhythm?
— What sounds, smells, and tastes are in your character’s surroundings?
You don’t need to answer every single one of these questions, but do take the time to
get to know your character. Use the Character Profile to help you explore personality.
Types of Characters
Different kinds of stories have different kinds of characters. Realistic characters are often
found in modern stories and in dramas and are multidimensional. These characters have
feelings and attitudes just like real people. We can see what motivates them. They act like
people we know.
The classic hero is found in classic tales, often oral histories. The story is meant to teach
us some important truth. The classic hero had some realistic traits and some that were more
symbolic that made him bigger than life. He’s an adventurer, a person of action, a warrior.
Often the hero goes on a quest with much demanded of him along the way. He may find a
mentor, undergo tests, and win a final battle to attain his goal and save the day for all. His
journey makes him stronger and wiser. Classic heroes and heroines are found in myths, west-
erns, crime and war stories, science fiction, comics, and many children’s stories.
Developing Characters 65