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What to include when fleshing out characters

(the absolute basics)

1. Want, what does the character want?

2. Need, this is what the character needs to be focusing on in order to make the story go your way. It's what they're avoiding

3. Internal Conflict/Fear/Flaw, very similar things. Essentially what the character is struggling with internally and how the fudge up things in the story. (There can be multiple)

4. External Conflict, what prevents your character from getting what they want. (Man vs Man, Man vs Nature, Man vs Government)

5. Character Arc, how are they at the start and how are they at the end?

6. Oh and if you want to name them I guess that's cool, you could also do that lmao. (Name, Age, Origins, Backstory)

graceshouldwrite

Character Building Profile

instagram: @ grace_should_write

On the subject of characters, let’s go over a pretty useful and universal profile template.

An important note: for each of these, ESPECIALLY the story or personality oriented questions, ask yourself WHY!

For example, WHY does this character have these enemies? WHY are they proud of or ashamed of this thing?

Also, this is quite a comprehensive list that takes into account many factors, so if you don’t have enough time, consider only doing this for your main cast or protagonist. :)

I hope you find these helpful!

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1. Basic info

Name:

Role in story (ex. protagonist):

From (where their home is):

Age:

Birthday:

Gender:

Sexual Orientation:

Religious status:

Political beliefs (could be specific to your fictional world):

2. Physical Description

Height:

Build (body type):

Race, ethnicity:

Hair colour, length:

Eye colour, shape:

Clothing style:

Scars, other unique physical attributes:

General health:

3. Personality

(Optional) MBTI / Enneagram:

Introverted or Extroverted:

General traits:

General fears:

Proud of:

Ashamed of:

Hopes and dreams (can be short-term or long-term):

4. Relationships

Significant other(s) (if applicable):

Family:

Friends:

Enemies:

Role models / heroes:

Important acquaintances:

5. Abilities

Education background:

Social standing (ex. wealthy? powerful? imprisoned? etc):

General talents:

Unique talents:

Weaknesses:

Current occupation (could be a job, could be a position, like “student,” etc):

Past work experience:

6. Story

Main goal / desire (goal is more substantial, desire is something more intangible):

Main fear (preventing them from reaching their goal / desire):

Main problem to overcome:

How their personality will help them achieve their goal:

How it will hurt them:

How they will develop:

Backstory influence on their present conflict:

Worldview (ex. optimistic, cynical, etc):

(Optional) Type of character arc:

Specific mannerisms:

Specific dialogue / voice:

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These are a lot of things here, but I promise, taking a few seconds and filling each out will really help you get a well-rounded sense of this character.

Many things such as mannerisms, enemies, voice, and personality will be influenced by the other categories, like social standing or education, so consider it!

Hope this helps, and happy writing!

- grace <3

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“No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.”

— Aristoteles

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You don't have to accept the wrong kind of love, even if you'll miss it when it's gone. You will find people who see the worth in you and take the time to learn to love you right. You are worth that love.