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A lot of people swear by using character worksheets to help them get a better understanding of their characters. I have never stuck to one list in particular, but take bits from different worksheets that I think are relevant to the character and story that I am writing. I have included the links to five of the best worksheets that I have found below.
http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.co.uk/p/character-worksheet.html
http://www.the-writers-craft.com/support-files/character.pdf
http://www.writerswrite.com/journal/jun98/lazy2.htm
http://www.jennymeyerhoff.com/CharacterWorksheet.pdf
http://www.tarakharper.com/k_char2.htm
I find it really useful to put my characters in the hot seat. I have a couple of basic questions written down to get me started and then I just let the interview go where it will. I've often been amazed at what has come out of this exercise and how much more depth it has given to my characters. I don't just do this at the start of a project though. If I am stuck on a particular scene and I can't figure out why it isn't working, I take out a notebook and ask my characters. Try it, you may be surprised.
Another useful resource that I reference all the time is The Bookshelf Muse website. They have a character trait thesaurus that is second to none, as well physical attributes and a whole host of really interesting posts. Seriously, you need to bookmark their blog.
Do you ever use character worksheets? Let me know in the comments below, I'd love to hear from you.
I love the hot-seat idea. I may steal it. :)
ReplyDeleteI will use a character worksheet (more of a questionnaire, really) if I get really stuck... or sometimes I'll have a list of characters and physical descriptions so that I don't get confused and accidentally change a character's eye color halfway through the book! :)
Most of the time, though, characters seem to step into my imagination fully formed... they resist any tweaking or changing I may wish to do and simply demand that I tell their story. LOL
Be my guest Jenelle, I'm sure I borrowed it from somewhere else myself. It's fantastic when characters come to us fully formed already, when that happens you just have to go with it.
DeleteI'm going back to an old MS that I queried a while back. I did it before I learned much about writing, typical new writer mistake. I printed out a list of questions to help me develop my MC better. Hopefully it'll help.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how much more we learn with each new MS. Good luck with the revisions Suzi, I hope the questions help.
DeleteI am always the character and for whatever reason I am always in the hot seat. Mission accomplished!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have it all figured out Rhondi ;)
DeleteI never use character worksheets... but I probably should so I don't have to keep going back to check a character's eye colour or whatever.
ReplyDeleteI think it's just a case of using whatever works for you Chippy. It can be helpful to jot things like that down though to help in the revision stages though.
DeleteThanks for the worksheets! Sometimes when I'm trying to figure out a character, I plop them into random situations. The one I use the most is: What happens if protagonist and antagonist get stuck in an elevator together? It helps me get to know them.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Sam. I like the elevator idea, I may have to use that one myself.
DeleteI'm not a writer of fiction, but I'm impressed at the organized and business-like method one could employ in developing a character. A very interesting post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elizabeth, it can sometimes help to bring a little order to the chaos.
DeleteI have only written non-fiction but am intrigued by this process.
ReplyDeleteThank you Andrea, a little intrigue is always a good thing.
DeleteI use a spiral notebook and each main character has a couple of pages with all the stuff I need to know about them. I usually add more info as I go along.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great way to stay organised Susan.
DeleteI don't bother with worksheets since I only bring in things like physical descriptions when they are absolutely necessary to the plot, and that kind of importance usually sticks those details in my mind whether I want them there or not.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of actually developing a character, I go with a more organic method of coming up with a type, a twist on the type and a fatal flaw then building them up from those three things.
I use the worksheets less for the physical descriptions and more for the questions about their relationships with the other characters and their beliefs, hopes and dreams. I think once you find a method that works for you, you have to go with it and your method sounds great.
ReplyDeleteI'm still learning this whole "novel" thing. Right now, I'm working on my first draft of my very first novel. I've yet to delve into the character worksheets yet. Right not, I'm working on conquering the fear of something so large since I'm used to writing shorts. Thanks for the links!
ReplyDeleteJamie Dement (LadyJai)
http://writebackwards.we3dements.com
You're welcome Jamie. Conquering your own fear is the hardest part, good luck with the novel :)
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