(Idk where to ask this so if you cant do you know anyone that can?) Im new to creating ocs and im overwhelmed w all the resources...I have basic appearance down but i feel i dont know my characters at all. I feel picking personality traits/background will be like throwing darts at random and wont come together like theyre an authentic, real person. Any advice? Thx.
This is a common thing for writers, artists, and character designers, so no worries! You’re completely on the right track! It can take months or even years to flesh out a character! I’ve found the best method of working through this is the use of OC interviews!
What are those you ask? They’re questionnaires made specifically for your OC’s to answer! It’s one of the quickest and easiest ways to start getting to know your characters. It’s like you’re asking them the question, and they’re answering. It gives you a sense of how they may talk, form their sentences, or even respond to such a question.
Ask yourself one simple question when working on character personalities: Why? Why do they like this specific color? Why do they behave this way? Questions like these help the characters flesh out more. You need to ask yourself these questions because your audience will be expecting answers to them.
A few more ways to develop characters: from experience, I found that roleplaying, making AU’s (alternate universes), and writing oneshots about them are the most effective!
Here are some resources for fleshing out character personalities:
How to Write Diverse Characters
OC Interview: Through Another Character’s Eyes
Foolproof Ways to Flesh Out Your Characters
8 Other Ways of Fleshing Out Characters
Archetypes to Avoid in Character Creation
Strong Female Characters: How to
Characterization Ask Game
Five Traps When Creating Characters (and tips on how to improve!)
Traumatized Character Profile
So you want to make an OC? (Masterpost)
30 Uncommon Character Development Questions
The Importance of Weaknesses in Your Characters
Qualities of Realistic Characters
Ultimate Guide to Creating Authentic Villians
If anyone has any more resources feel free to add to this list! I hope this helps you out!
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