10 Questions That Will Help You Create Characters
Lesson from C.S.M.
Crafting memorable characters is one of the most important parts of storytelling.
But where do you begin? 🤔
The 10 questions below are designed to help you through the process. Ask the questions about each character you’re developing.
(Tip: Record your answers in a separate document that you can reference while writing your story)
1. What’s your character’s name?
The name should fit with the world of your story.
Do they ever go by a nickname?
I’d suggest doing a quick Google search on the name to make sure it isn’t taken by another popular fictional character or famous historical figure.
2. What do they want?
Every character has desires that propel them forward and shape their actions.
For your protagonist, this is essential. Every protagonist should have an Object of Desire that determines their actions throughout the story, more on that here.
3. Why do they want it?
Understanding the driving force behind your character's desires adds depth and complexity to their motivations.
Explore the reasons behind their wants—whether rooted in personal history, values, or external circumstances.
By delving into the why, you'll uncover layers of nuance that inform your character's decisions and growth throughout the story.
4. How old are they?
Age can play a significant role in shaping your character's experiences, perspectives, and relationships.
Consider if their age matches their maturity level.
5. What do they look like?
Try to paint a vivid picture of your character within your mind, even if all the nuance doesn’t make it into your actual story.
How tall are they?
What color are their eyes?
Do they have any distinctive features like scars, tattoos, or birthmarks?
Think about how their appearance could reflect their personality.
Example: If they’re prone to nervousness, maybe their fingernails are all chewed up.
6. How do they speak?
Dialogue should’t be interchangeable— every character should speak in their own way.
Consider your character's background, personality, and speech patterns when crafting their voice.
Are they formal or casual?
Eloquent or straightforward?
Do they have any speech quirks or catchphrases?
I often think about how Jay Gatsby says “Old Sport” so regularly in The Great Gatsby.
7. What’s their daily schedule?
Explore your character's routine and how they spend their day.
Do they go to work or school?
What’s their commute like?
Do they have any hobbies?
Your character’s daily activities shape their identity and provide insights into their priorities.
8. What’s their reputation?
Consider how your character is perceived by others within the world of your story.
Do they have a reputation for being brave, compassionate, or deceitful?
How do their actions and choices shape their reputation, both positively and negatively?
How do they feel about their reputation?
It’s always interesting when a character doesn’t quite match their reputation.
9. What was their childhood like?
A lot of our lives are defined by our early years.
Consider your character’s family dynamics, upbringing, education, and any significant events or traumas from their childhood.
How do these early experiences inform their personality, beliefs, and relationships as adults?
10. What groceries do they buy?
This may seem like a strange question, but it really helps to think about the small stuff.
What kind of items would they put in their shopping cart at the grocery store?
Are they “junk food junkies” or trying to eat clean?
Do they even do the shopping themselves, or does someone else take care of it?
Thinking about your character’s grocery list opens your mind to their tastes, lifestyle, and perhaps even their hidden quirks.
Want to go deeper? There are 2 ways I can help you:
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