Creating Believable Characters

a. Using character sheets

Tip 1: Character worksheets

A common approach by writers to creating characters is to start with some sort of a worksheet.

Broadly speaking it is a sheet of statements or questions that relate to a character's physical and emotional state - and a lot more besides.

Character sheets are a basic tool. The more detailed the character sheet is, the better your character will become.

Tip 2: Why a character worksheet is necessary

Many fledgling writers create a simple character sheet - or worse a few lines of basic information - and then dive into the writing process.

I'll not pretend that this approach is guaranteed to do anything except fail.

Skilled writers may have the full character outlined in their head and feel no need to put it all on paper. The key is, whether it's conscious or not, they know the answers to the questions most mortal writers put on their character sheets.

Tip 3: Knowing how many characters need a worksheet

How many characters need a worksheet? All of them in theory but in practice, as many as are considered integral to the plot.

If they make decisions in the story, their motives are important. Although not every character will require the same level of detail in terms of a worksheet, it is a good idea to have the basics for all key characters.

My opinion is that nobody every created a weak character because they filled in a worksheet. Many will have been created because the writer decided not to.

Tip 4: Completing the character worksheet

There is no consensus on what constitutes a standard character worksheet. I have compiled the following from adding a number together.

Many of the headings are self-explanatory and don't need expanding on. Not every heading needs a response, but it's better to have a good reason not to fill it in than 'it seems like hard work.'

a. Personal (physical) description

• Name:
• Age: This isn't just about their physical age, but do they look/act younger or older than their years.
• Birthdate: When is their birthday - and what is their star-sign?
• Birthplace: Not just the country or even town, but also any other details that are relevant. Was there a comet at the moment of their birth.
• Height: An actual height - and if fantasy or sci-fi, is this tall, short or average.
• Weight: As above.
• Measurements: What is their body shape?
• Hair:
• Face:
• Eyes:
• Scars:
• Carriage: How do they walk, carry themselves, sit etc.
• Voice: Quality, speed, sound:
• Other physical features: This could be make-up or a tattoo for example

b. Background data

• Educational Background:
• Occupation:
• Food Preferences:
• Drink Preferences:
• Car/Transport:
• Pets:
• Eccentricities:
• Clothes (type/style, fit, condition, colours):

c. Personality profile

• Strong characteristics:
• Weak characteristics:
• Phobias:
• Self perception:
• Others' perception:
• Ambition:
• Life philosophy:
• Major beliefs:
• Religious beliefs:
• Hobbies:
• Kinds of reading material, art, music:
• Favourite colour:
• Description of current home life:
• Moral values/sexual beliefs and practices:
• How does he handle problems?

d. Problems

• How does this problem get worse?
• How does this problem get resolved?
• Most important thing to know about person?
• Most important trait to know about person, and why?
• Does character have a secret? What?
• Previous relationships and effect on present:
• Synopsis about childhood:

e. Family History

Complete for each of: Spouse/dependents/siblings/immediate family/best friend/key friends

• Name:
• Relationship:
• Age:
• State of relationship:
• Occupation:
• Location:
• Effect on Plotline:
• Other details: As necessary e.g. looks, education etc. If 'that' important, they should have their own worksheet

f. Who, if anyone? (Events related to the character)

• Has asked for help:
• Is offering help:
• Needs rescuing from trouble:
• Is a victim of misfortune:
  
• Is receiving good fortune:
• Has been abducted:
• Is returning home:
• Is taking from the character:
• Is giving to the character:
• Hates the character
• Loves the character:
• Is the character's rival:
• Is the character's supporter:
• Has a secret:
• Has ambition:
• Is successful:
• Wants change:
• Wants the status quo:

Tip 5: What's the best keep the character's data?

Some writers like notebooks, others like Excel spreadsheets and others keep information in card-files.

In all seriousness, it doesn't really matter.

I would recommend the one that is most likely to encourage you to complete it.

Personally, I use Excel because I like the ability to change things without crossing out or starting over. But that's just me.

I also tend to print them out as I like hard copies when I'm writing.

Continued