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This guide should help design complex characters that are both relatable and unique. A fillable form that allows you to envision your character as a singular being while shaping the connection between who they are and the story they’re in. This character development worksheet has everything you need to flesh out your characters. But if you could use some more detailed guidance, you can check out the companion article at this link.
This guide should help design complex characters that are both relatable and unique. A fillable form that allows you to envision your character as a singular being while shaping the connection between who they are and the story they’re in. This character development worksheet has everything you need to flesh out your characters. But if you could use some more detailed guidance, you can check out the companion article at this link.
Who are they . . ?
Who are they . . ?
Phase One: Character Conception Questions
Phase One: Character Conception Questions
Tell me about your community.
Who are the most important people in your life . . ?
What’s your favorite song and why . . ?
How do you spend your days . . ?
What activity brings you joy . . ?
What responsibility do you hate . . ?
Where do you live . . ?
What would you say is your best physical feature . . ?
What would you say is your worst physical feature . . ?
Are you responsible for anyone other than yourself . . ?
Is anyone else responsible for you . . ?
Have you ever been in love . . ?
Are you in love now . . ?
What are your pet peeves . . ?
What is your greatest fear . . ?
Tell me about your deepest longing.
Phase Two: Character Development Questions
Phase Two: Character Development Questions
Describe your perfect day.
What is the worst thing that ever happened to you in your life before this story . .?
What is the best thing that ever happened to you . . ?
If the world were going to explode and you could only bring one person with you on the escape pod, who would it be and why . . ?
Tell me about a time when you truly felt safe.
What would it mean to live as your true, authentic self . . ?
From your perspective, what is your biggest flaw . . ?
What do other people say is your biggest flaw?
How do you feel about that characterization . . ?
How do you want others to perceive you . . ?
Do you believe everyone has a purpose . . ?
Do you believe you have a purpose . . ?
If so, what is it . . ?
A hurricane is coming and you have time to grab exactly one object from your home before you evacuate. What object do you choose and why is it so important to you . . ?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be . . ?
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be . . ?
What do you do better than anyone else . . ?
What does everyone else seem to do better than you . . ?
Tell me about a time when you surprised yourself.
What has been your proudest moment? How did you see yourself at the time . . ?
What values or beliefs were you taught when you were young?
Do you still carry those same values and beliefs today . . ?
From your perspective, what’s really standing between you and your goal?
Do other people see it that way . . ?
Who loves you with all their heart and soul?
How does their love make you feel . . ?
Do you feel you have the life you deserve?
If not, what do you deserve . . ?
Tell me about an enraging experience you had that everyone else thought was no big deal.
Why was it so infuriating for you . . ?
What’s one habit you can’t seem to kick . . ?
What does it mean to belong . . ?
What role did/do you play in your family?
In your friend group . . ?
In your larger community . . ?
Phase Three: Character Clarification Questions
Phase Three: Character Clarification Questions
What is the absolute worst thing that could happen to you at this point in the story . . ?
What is the best thing that could happen at this point in the story . . ?
Everybody’s hiding something—a fear, a weakness, a strength, an unpopular opinion. What are you hiding right now . . ?
How is this moment challenging your beliefs about yourself, the world, or the other people in the scene . . ?
If your beliefs are not being challenged, what would make you question everything . . ?
What’s one thing you would change about the person you love most in the world . . ?
What’s one thing you admire about your worst enemy . . ?
Of the many actions you could take at this moment, which would be the most difficult . . ?
The most effective . . ?
The most terrifying . . ?
The least forgivable . . ?
What do you know now that you didn’t know at the beginning of your arc . . ?
Who is your ally right now . . ?
How do you feel about having this person on your side . . ?
Who is your enemy right now . . ?
How do you feel about being up against this person . . ?
What is the outcome you’re hoping for . . ?
How much would you sacrifice to make it happen . . ?
What are you still resisting . . ?
Is there a specific belief or experience that makes that sense of resistance so strong . . ?
What is the best memory you share with the person in this scene . . ?
What is the worst memory you share with the person in this scene . . ?
In what ways do you see yourself in the person in this scene . . ?
Do you believe victory is possible at this point . . ?
Why or why not . . ?
Gut check: do you expect people to act in their self-interest or the interest of others . . ?
If someone wanted to hurt you right now, what should they do . . ?
Who knows you better than anyone . . ?
Do you trust them with that knowledge . . ?
Who do you wish was here with you now . . ?
How would they make things better . . ?
What power do you hold in this situation . . ?
What did you dream about last night . . ?
Tell me the story of this scene like you were recounting it over a beer with your best friend . . .
Who has it easier than you in this situation . . ?
Are you open to considering the possibility that they have it worse . . ?
Has this journey already changed you . . ?
Do you like the change, or do you miss the person you used to be . . ?
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