Character Development Questionnaire
Is your character good at working with their hands? If so, are they better at practical and crafting-type pursuits (carpentry, knitting/sewing, smithing, car repairs, etc.) or fine arts like drawing and painting?
Ethan has never really applied himself to either of these pursuits, but he would say he would be better at practical type pursuits
Has your character ever been to a beach? If so, did they enjoy it? Why or why not?
Of course! Everyone's been to a beach at some point; the last time Ethan went it was with friends at college. He has been busy working and hasn't thought of going to the beach
There’s a spider, cockroach, silverfish, or some other nasty bug in your character’s house/room/apartment/etc.! How do they deal with it? Do they squish it? Capture it to release it outside? Scream and run for the hills?
At first glance Ethan would jump a little, having not expected the creature to be there in his vision. He would use his telekinesis to lift it outside, finding that much easier than trying to coax it onto a piece of paper etc for transport
How would your character react to the death of a family member, close friend, or other loved one? Is this something they’ve experienced in the past or not?
Ethan would be devastated to lose someone he cared for. His past - his time with his father and the loss of loved ones over the years - has made him care deeply for those he cares for. He understands the importance of holding onto those he loves
Does your character know how to swim? If not, have they ever been in a situation where they wished they had?
Ethan is a good swimmer, having been on his high school swim team
How quickly does your character generally pick up new skills or knowledge? Are they better at learning “book knowledge” or hands-on skills?
Ethan is definitely better at learning through doing; he's not dumb but he's not 'book smart'
What are your character’s sleeping habits? Can they fall asleep anywhere, or do they need perfect silence and darkness? Do they tend to stay up late or get to bed early? Would they be comfortable sharing a bed with someone they don’t know very well?
Depending on how tired he is Ethan can sleep anywhere but he prefers familiar surroundings. Ethan would be weary of sharing a bed with someone he didn't know very well. Ethan tends to stay up late on the nights he doesn't need to get up early the next morning
Does your character have any seemingly irrational fears or phobias? If so, was it caused by a specific incident in their past?
Ethan isn't good in large, unfamiliar crowds - he's getting better but his weariness of strangers, especially burly, aggressive types hasn't abated much since his teenage years. This fear, he thinks, comes from his past with his father
Describe your character’s dream house. Where would it be located? What unique things would be inside it?
Ethan's dream house would be somewhere with a big garden that pet(s) could run around in. He isn't too worried about the location. Ethan would want space inside the house; not a small, cramped 'feel'
If your character was greatly outnumbered in a fight, would they stand their ground or run away? Does their mindset in this matter ever get them in trouble?
If Ethan was alone in this fight he would tend to flee rather than battle, however, if he wasn't alone - there was someone else that was 'on his side' - he may stay and fight rather than risk running and getting separated. His powers of telekinesis have proved integral in him not getting hurt in the past, e.g. mugging
Just for Fun: Describe what the first five pictures in your character’s Instagram would be.
Pictures of dogs/animals, his significant other, or just something that caught his eye...if he used instagram
Describe your character’s feelings about their own body. Does it have anything to do with the culture in which they were raised, the people who raised them, etc.?
Ethan understands that he is good looking but has confidence issues give him lots of trouble in 'feeling' it without putting effort into his appearance, e.g. dressing up or getting his hair styled
If your character were shipwrecked on a deserted island, how long could they survive?
Ethan's seen Castaway...he could find coconuts and such...
Describe your character’s social class. How do they feel towards people from other classes?
Ethan doesn't care about the class system, but would class himself as working class
How well can your character cook? Do they enjoy cooking, do it out of necessity– or have they never had to cook for themselves?
Over the years Ethan has had to learn how to cook - with just him and his mum he had to pick up his part of the slack. He won't be getting any chef jobs but he thinks he can cook well enough
Would your character rather travel all over the world alone or stay in one place forever with the people they love?
Definitely stay in one place with loved ones
Does your character prefer reading poetry or prose? Do they write either, or both? Can they read and/or write?
Ethan reads infrequently and definitely doesn't do any writing of his own
Your character is in a burning room and can save either a priceless work of art or a living animal. Which do they choose?
ANIMAL!
How does your character show affection towards other people, if at all? Is your character fashionable by the standards of their culture? If not, is it by choice, lack of money, something else?
When Ethan cares for someone, and is comfortable around them, he is very affectionate; both verbally and physically.
Sartorially, Ethan tends to wear what is comfortable unless the situation calls for something more dressed up
Just for Fun: If your character were a big-time Hollywood star, how would they react to fame?
Nervously - big crowds aren't his forte...
How does/would your character react to unwanted sexual advances?
Politely, nicely, decline
Which does your character value more: loyalty or morality?
Morality
Is your character religious? If so, do they follow the (or one of the) major religion(s) of their culture, or a different one? If not, are they more of an atheist, agnostic, or spiritualist (or none of the above)?
Ethan doesn't think much into religion in general; maybe there's a God out there?
Does your character believe in ghosts? (Also, do ghosts actually exist in their world?)
With all that Ethan can do, and has seen, he isn't sure what to believe. Ghosts could be real...but he hasn't seen one. Yet?
Your character believes something that is at odds with what the rest of their family and/or friends believe. Do they talk about it with them? If so, how do they approach the subject?
Ethan would bring it up one-on-one with a family/friend - discussion would be much easier that way
What do you think is your character’s best and worst trait? What do theythink is their best and worst trait?
Sylver
Ethan's best trait would be his heart IMO
Ethan's worst trait would be...how guarded he is/can be
Ethan
Ethan would guess his best trait is how good a friend he is...?
His worst trait...that he isn't smart?
Is your character the type of person to correct someone’s grammar when they’re speaking? Conversely, how would they react to someone correcting their improper grammar?
Ethan isn't too book smart...so he would most likely have his grammar corrected. Depending on how it is corrected Ethan would either smile and be thankful or frowny and defensive
How does your character feel about the concept of virginity? How does their culture feel about it?
Ethan believes that the first time, with anyone, is important
Does your character prefer living alone, or with family, friends/roommates, significant other(s), etc.?
Ethan prefers living with friends or family, he loves the company
Your character is handed a Rubik’s Cube. Do they try to solve it? Can they? If so, how quickly?
...Ethan just shrugs and hands it back. He wouldn't know where to begin and has never, ever gotten close to finishing one
Just for Fun: Your character just got tickets to their favorite comic/anime/etc. convention! Who do they cosplay?
Superman
If your character found a magic genie lamp and was granted three wishes, what would they be?
That his father in law is good to his mum
That he didn't lose time in the coma
That he could go back in time to when he was happier
If your character could meet one historical figure, who would it be? (Also: If they’re from a fictional world, what heroes from their culture’s past would they want to meet?)
...Professor X?
Your character gets the opportunity to go back in time and change one decision they made in their past. Do they do it? If so, what do they change?
Ethan would go back in time and not sever ties with Lima so completely... Those friends were some of the best he has ever had. And lost
What is your character’s biggest insecurity about their a) personality and b) appearance?
Personality: Ethan feels like his childhood has broken his emotions, the way he feels. He seems to feel more, yet less, than everyone else
Appearance: Ethan understands he's attractive but...it's just his face to him (Confidence issues)
Describe your character’s ideal romantic and/or sexual partner (if applicable).
Ethan thinks he has already had and lost his ideal partner. Every lover he has had after his first have just...not been right. Men just don't seem to be as patient anymore...
Where does your character hope to be in ten years’ time? Is it a physical place, an emotional state, something else?
In the past when Ethan thought of the future he had hoped that he was working in a job he liked, and happily in love, or even married. He had also hoped his mum got a happy ending
Emotionally he had hoped he would have matured more than time has done for him
If your character is from a world other than our modern-day real world, how they react if they suddenly ended up in our world?
Ethan wouldn't know what to think of this world... The good is overshadowed but the rest...
Does your character feel like they fit in with their culture, or are they at odds with it?
Fit in...?
Your character sees someone being bullied in the streets. How do they react?
Ethan really doesn't like bullies, and upon seeing someone being bullied, especially physically, he would intervene. Ethan isn't a violent person but he would stand up for the victim
How susceptible to peer pressure is your character? What about pressure from their family?
Ethan has a good head on his shoulders...but he does like being with friends
Just for Fun: If your character could transport themselves into one ‘existing’ fictional universe, which would they choose (or other universe, if they’re already an OC for an existing universe)?
DC Universe. From what he has seen it's more accepting of 'mutants'. Or Skyrim
Did your character have a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, doll, etc. as a child? If so, at what age did they stop playing with it? Do they still own it or has it gotten lost or destroyed over the years?
Ethan honestly doesn't remember, but time would show that he had a fondness for stuffed animals. Where they are now is anybody's guess
If your character were given $1,000 (or their country’s equivalent) to spend on non-necessities (i.e. no food or clothes or rent, etc.), what would they buy?
A motorbike
How would your character describe their own appearance? Is it in line with how the other characters view them and/or how they’re described in the narration, or is it skewed (for better or for worse)?
Ethan knows he's handsome, and he likes his body - chest, arms etc - because he has put some work into that. His face...is just his face to him...
Does your character dye their hair? If so, do they still go for a “natural” look (like blonde to brunette), or bright/unnatural colors?
Natural
Is there anyone in your character’s life that they would be willing to die for? If so, does that character feel the same way about them?
Currently...just his mum, and some select family members
Is your character charismatic, or does it take people some time to warm up to them? What is it about their personality that makes people react this way to them?
Ethan has been called 'cute' and 'charmingly' before so he guesses he's charismatic. He's a bit of an open book but guarded internally with most
What is the longest romantic relationship your character has had, if any? What about platonic relationships?
Blaine was his true longest relationship. Ben, in college, lasted temporally longer but the relationship fizzled out a while before they officially broke up. Ethan couldn't come out about his ability and Ben's varied social life created just too many barriers between them
Just for Fun: Think of your the last TV show, movie, or book your watched or read. Who would be your character’s favorite character? Which characters are most like them?
The Big Bang Theory
Ethan's favourite character would be Sheldon because of how funny he is, but he would identify most with Leonard, except for the uber-smart stuff
How does your character handle finances? Are they a big spender or a careful saver?
Ethan is a bit of a careful saver, in that he makes sure all his bills and such are paid...but the rest he tends to spend rather than save up...
Is your character particularly interested in a certain historical period? If so, what about it appeals to them?
Ethan enjoys the Medieval period, but mainly just because of the cool weaponry. He isn't much of a history buff. At all
What are your character’s political beliefs? If your character is from a fictional world, are there political parties or groups that share these beliefs?
Ethan has no interest in politics, except that it doesn't seem to work...
If your character is from a world where magic is real/common, what would they do if they suddenly ended up in a non-magical world? Or if they just lost their powers?
Ethan would feel like he lost a hand if his telekinetic abilities suddenly left him. He would feel really weak - his telekinesis is a source of strength and some confidence for him
How many past sexual partners has your character had, if any? How do they feel about one night stands/hookups/other “promiscuous” sex? Is that something they ever have/would engage in?
Ethan doesn't like one night stands, but he has had one in the past at a party - he was feeling lonely and one thing led to another.
Overall Ethan has had three sexual partners in his life
How “self-aware” is your character within the story (i.e. a fantasy story where they find out they’re the chosen one and call it cliche, or a sci-fi story where they compare their life to Star Wars)?
Ethan...isn't very aware. He's not someone important in the grand scheme?
Has your character ever traveled outside the country if their birth? If so, what for? And if not, do they ever want to?
France, for his mums wedding
Would your character ever put themselves in danger to help a complete stranger? If so, how bad would a situation have to be for your character not to help someone?
Yes. Ethan would defend someone who was being physically harassed/attacked
Just for Fun: Your character hits the jackpot lottery and is suddenly a millionaire. What’s their first purchase?
Buying a new house and motorbike!
How would your character deal with someone confessing their love to them? What if they don’t return the feelings? What if they do?
Only one of Ethan's relationships was really love, and he remembers how warm it felt to hear those words.
Hypothetically, if Ethan didn't return those feelings when someone professed their love for him, he would let them down gently but feel sympathy for them
How does your character react to conflict, both verbal and physical?
Ethan's first instinct when confronted, physically, is to shy away, but he is working on his confidence
Does your character’s actual age align with the age they act? Or are they more or less mature than their peers? If your character has a longer-than-human lifespan (like elves, vampires, etc.), how does that affect their age/maturity relationship?
Ethan's age aligns with most of the ways he acts. Some traits are immature but he's trying to work on them. His emotional guard can slow the pace of friendships
Describe your character’s ideal vacation day. Where would it be spent? Who would it be with?
Anywhere sunny with a big, nice beach. Ideally Ethan would be with friends or a partner and could relax but also have a lot of fun and laughs!
How does your character feel about their culture’s mythology and/or legends? Do they enjoy learning about it? Or do they find them boring?
Ethan is intrigued by mythology...though that could just come from Thor in The Avengers
Is your character athletic? If so, is it because of their occupation (soldier, professional athlete, etc.), or because they make a conscious effort to fit exercise into their routine?
Ethan is fairly athletic - he eats...mostly right... And does some exercise to keep himself in shape. He's conscious of his looks and body...
Describe your character’s relationship with their parents, and/or with whoever raised them if not their parents. Are they close? Do they tend to get along well, or are family gatherings always a chaotic event (or nonexistent)?
Ethan is close with his mum - for a time it was just the two of them. Then they moved across state when his grandmother died so they could be closer to other family.
Is your character more of a “thinker” or a “doer?” Would they rather be part of the planning or the execution of an idea?
Ethan's more of a doer than a thinker or strategist
Does your character tend to take unnecessary risks, or are they more on the cautious side? If they are a risk-taker, does it ever get them into trouble? If they’re cautious, do they wish they were more gutsy sometimes?
Ethan is definitely on the cautious side, unless it's to defend someone. Ethan wishes he wasn't so anxious...
Does your character act differently around strangers than they do around friends? If so, how dramatic is the difference?
Ethan is MUCH more closed off around strangers!
Just for Fun: If your character were a wizard/witch in the Harry Potter universe, what would their Patronus be?
Definitely a dog of some kind
Who in your character’s life has made the biggest impact on who they are as a person today? Was that impact for better or worse? Does your character realize the effects they’ve had on them?
His Father, and Blaine Anderson.
His dad's treatment of him made him grow up as caring as he is.
Blaine made him feel comfortable in himself, confident, and like he didn't need to change himself or make himself better for anyone
How much formal education has your character had? How does this compare to the average citizen of their homeland? Did they enjoy their education or was it a struggle?
Ethan did his SAT's and scored just enough to be able to become a veterinarian
How would your character react to being used or manipulated by someone they trusted? Would they ever forgive that person?
Ethan would be devastated. It's hard for him to trust and that kind of betrayal would sting deep. It would take a long time for Ethan to be able to forgive them, if he ever could
(All depending on what type/kind and magnitude of manipulation)
How does your character feel about recreational drug use? Have they ever done drugs? If not, would they ever, or have they intentionally avoided using them?
Ethan doesn't do drugs and never will - he doesn't want to lose control like that. Alcohol is as far as he will go
How does your character react to frustration, like being unable to solve a difficult problem? Do they tend to get worked up over it, or to work through the problem logically?
Ethan would work at it until he did it but he would get frustrated with himself if it took so long. Inadequacy issues?
Is your character happy with the place that they live? If not, what don’t they like about it? Are they trying to leave? Would they be able to if they did try?
Ethan likes where he lives - it's just an apartment and isn't huge but it does the trick, and he can afford it... He'd love a house with a big garden
Can your character easily entertain themselves, or do they always feel the need to be around other people?
Ethan likes being around friends but he can entertain himself. He likes movies and playing games - still a teenager at heart sometimes
Is your character good at keeping in touch with friends and family, or do they often forget to call/write/return texts, etc.? Does this bother their friends at all?
Ethan keeps in contact with friends and family now, after learning his lesson from leaving Lima so completely.
Just for Fun: Imagine your character at an amusement park. What do they do? Ride the scariest coasters? Play games until they win the big prizes? Stick to the smaller rides?
All of it!
Is your character more clumsy or graceful? Does this come from training they’ve done (ballet, sports, etc.) or is it natural?
Ethan is both, depending on when you catch him. Though he'd tend to be clumsy more than graceful
Does your character have a large or small appetite? Are they a picky eater or willing to try any dish once?
Large appetite and will eat more or less anything
Does your character have any pets? If so, what? If not, do they want any?
Ethan doesn't have any pets but would love a dog! He just can't have one in his apartment
How would your character react if someone broke into their house while they were home?
Ethan would immediately be alert - he feels like he could handle intruders given his abilities but he would be very uneasy with some stranger breaking into his place of safety
Ethan would throw them out or knock them out and call the police
Is your character generally a patient person? Are they patient with some people but can’t stand others?
Ethan is very patient
Is your character generally the first to make a move if they have a crush on someone, or do they wait for the other person to act first?
Ethan doesn't make the first move - he's too nervous most of the time
Describe your character’s sexual orientation. Have they ever questioned this identity, whatever it may be? Is it a big part of their life, or something they don’t ever really think about?
Ethan is gay
How well does your character control their emotions? Do they have a lot of breakdowns or do they generally hold it together pretty well?
Ethan is generally a care free, happy guy, but when he is out of his comfort zone he is anxious, nervous and really not himself.
How does your character feel about children? Do they have any children of their own, much younger siblings, or other kids that they are close to? If they don’t have kids, do they want to ever have any?
Ethan, at this point, would rather have a dog(s) instead of kids. They're cuter and easier!
What would your character’s ideal birthday/holiday/etc. present be? Do they get shy when receiving gifts in front of people, or do they like it?
Ethan would be shy getting gifts in front of people, and his idea gift would be a motorbike...
Does your character spend a lot of time on grooming, like shaving, makeup, hairstyling, etc.? Why or why not?
Just trimming his facial hair, and the occasional hair cut