Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Free character sketch

This is topic Free character sketch in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by shimiqua (Member # 7760) on :

I found this online on an author's webpage.

http://www.ranunes.com/forWriters-CreatingRealisticCharacters.php

This is the character sketch she uses on every one of her characters.(even minor)

I've applied it in my novel, and found it super useful to know even trivial information about secondary characters. It has opened up a flood gate of ideas.

Anyway, thought I'd share the wealth. Feel free to copy paste.
~Sheena

Character Sketch

Name (and reason for name):

Physical attributes:

Frequently used expressions:

Frequently used facial expression or other physical gesture:

Education:

Financial status:

Main goal (dream) at this point in time (will likely change over course of novel):

Secondary goals:

Family:

Friends:

Place of residence (city, house, etc.):

Worst past experience:

Best past experience:

Favorite foods:

Hobbies:

Habits (bad and good):

Any other information:

[This message has been edited by shimiqua (edited June 04, 2010).]

Posted by Owasm (Member # 8501) on :

I've used something similar to that in my novel world building exercises. It does really help you define your characters and helps (for me anyway) give a structure that will come through in your writing when you know the character thoroughly.

Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :

Thanks for sharing Shimiqua.

Posted by WraithOfBlake (Member # 9027) on :

Thanks Sheena, very nice!