Writer Circle Character Template

Create characters that are memorable.

• Use the character questionnaire to give a framework to the character
• Make the character unique but avoid too much information
• Explain the character’s thoughts when they occur and remain consistent with the framework
• Have characters do stuff that is surprising
• Build-in FLAWS; some characters require fixing (the lazy professor who watches TV and does not work)
• Explain how the character changes or evolves

Using dialogue to move your story and make characters more interesting

• Stick to the point; include ideas that are important
• Don’t be too fake- telling a character something they already or should already know and including TMI
• Mix two types of dialogue: summarized and direct dialogue/zoom in and zoom out conversations
• Tag dialog with “he said” “she said”

Questionnaire to help describe a character:

• Your character is generally happy and easy-going.
• Your character is a risk-taker or likes to play it safe.
• Your character changes mood very quickly.
• Seeing other people cry makes your character feel like he/she wants to cry too.
• Your character is very sentimental.
• Your character enjoys watching people argue.
• Your character loses patience quickly.
• Your character regularly makes new acquaintances.
• Your character accepts people as they are or wants to change them.
• Your character empathizes with people who are going through difficult circumstances.
• Your character is self-serving or selfless.
• Your character accepts people who think differently than he/she thinks.
• Your character prefers to be independent rather than depend on others.
• At social events, your character tries to meet new people.
• Your character enjoys participating in group activities.
• Your character avoids or gravitates towards leadership roles in group settings.
• In social circles, your character is often the one who contacts his/her friends and initiates activities.
• Your character finds happiness more from helping others accomplish things than his/her own accomplishments.
• Your character prefers family over friends.
• Your character feels comfortable walking up to a stranger and starting a conversation.
• At social events, your character mostly talks to people he/she already knows.
• Your character explores topics that pique his/her interest.
• Your character is more inclined to follow his/her head than heart.
• Your character is interested in so many things that it is difficult to choose what to try next.
• Your character enjoys discussing various interpretations and analyses of experiences or ideas.
• Your character is more artistic than an analytical type of person.
• You think the world would be a better place if people relied more on rationality and less on their feelings.
• Your character prefers to completely finish one project before starting another.
• Your character likes to use organizing tools like schedules and lists.
• Your character procrastinates or waits to do things at the last possible moment.
• Your character is irresponsible.
• Your character makes a backup plan for his/her backup plan.
• Your character second-guesses the choices that he/she has made.
• Your character prefers spontaneity over a planned routine.
• Your character is prone to worry that things will get worse.
• Your character stays calm under pressure.
• Even a small mistake can cause your character to doubt his/her overall abilities and knowledge.