Composition and Literature

Narrative Project: Characterization

FROM TWO DIMENSIONS TO THREE:
BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR CHARACTER
Characters are the beating heart of any story. Kim Edwards
Creating real, three-dimensional characters is the key to creating excellent fiction. Who
characters are defines what they do and how they respond to a given situation. Its pretty
difficult to keep reading a story if the characters seem fake or shallow or cardboard.
But just like real people, it takes time and patience to get to know a character well. Just as you
cannot expect to know a real person after a single meeting, a character cannot be invented all
at once. Over time, characters will take on lives all their own. Here are some questions to get
you started in developing a character who is truly vibrant and alive.
First, give your character a name: __________________________________________________
Age: _____________________________
Where he or she lives: ___________________________________________________________
Brief description of home:________________________________________________________
Brief description of family: _______________________________________________________
Role in family: _________________________________________________________________
Physical traits:_________________________________________________________________
A normal day? (Job, School, Routine, etc.)___________________________________________
Method of transportation? ________________________________________________________
Typical dinner? ________________________________________________________________
What does he or she do for fun? ___________________________________________________
Any pets? What kind?___________________________________________________________
A skill? _______________________________________________________________________
A hobby? _____________________________________________________________________
Immediate plan? _______________________________________________________________
Long-range goal? _______________________________________________________________
Kind of education? ______________________________________________________________
Financial situation? _____________________________________________________________
What makes this person laugh? ____________________________________________________

Composition and Literature

Narrative Project: Characterization
Most important person in his/her life? ______________________________________________
Biggest fear? __________________________________________________________________
An insecurity? _________________________________________________________________
A hope or aspiration? ____________________________________________________________
What is he/she most proud of? _____________________________________________________
Most ashamed of?_______________________________________________________________
Pet-peeve? ____________________________________________________________________
Temperament? _________________________________________________________________
Three items in bedside table drawer?
______________________________________________________________________________
One past moment s/he wishes to change?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________