In order to create believable characters, the writer should know something about the character’s life prior to the the story begun in the book. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Name
- Age
- Height
- Hair
- Eyes
- Birthplace
- Weight/Build
- Physical peculiarities
- Educational background
- Sexuality
- Best friend
- Enemies
- Family
- Core need
- Pathological maneuver
- Ambition in life
- Gestures when talking
- Gait
- Strongest character trait
- Weakest character trait
- Laughs or jeers at
- Philosophy
- Political leaning
- Hobbies
- What others notice first about him/her
- What character does alone
- One-line characterization
- Will reader like/dislike character
- Does he/she change in story? How?
- Significant event that illustrates the character’s personality
