Name (aliases, nicknames etc.): Explain the significance or origin of their name. Do they have a story behind a nickname?
Age: How does their age affect their worldview and behavior?
Gender: How do they identify and how does that shape their experiences?
Place of birth: How has their birthplace influenced their personality and opportunities?
Residence(s): Where have they lived, and where do they live now? What does their living space look like? Describe their present accommodations.
Ethnicity: How does their ethnic background influence their interactions and experiences?
Culture: What cultural values do they uphold? Have they faced any cultural conflicts?
Occupation(s) or specialties: What are the specific duties or skills in their job? How do they feel about their work?
Socioeconomic status: Has their economic background influenced their opportunities and personality? Has their status changed over time?
Defining facial features: What do these features say about their character? How would a friend describe them? An enemy?
Height, build, body type: How do they feel about their physical appearance?
Mannerisms and gestures: How do they express themselves physically? Are these mannerisms a result of their background, or personal quirks?
Style: How does their style reflect their personality or status?
Dress: Do they dress differently for different occasions? How do they choose their clothes?
Accessories: Are there any accessories they never leave home without?
Other visual features: Do they have scars, tattoos, or other unique markers?
Defining traits: List of traits and attributes. What are the origins of these traits? Have they changed over time?
Personality type: MBTI, Enneagram, astrological sign, etc.
Archetype: Which common tropes do they exhibit?
Strengths and weaknesses: How do their strengths help them achieve goals? How do their weaknesses hinder them?
Flaws: How do their flaws affect their relationships and decisions?
Beliefs and spirituality: Do they believe in a higher power?
Morals and values: What events shaped their outlook on life?
Hopes and dreams: What steps are they taking towards these dreams? What obstacles stand in their way?
Skills: Which skills are they most proud of? Are there any skills they wish they had?
Interests or hobbies: How did they encounter their interests? How do others react to them?
Powers (if any): What are the limits and costs of their powers? How do they balance them with “normal” life?
Intimacy: How do they feel about physical intimacy? Emotional intimacy? Have they ever been in love?
Tastes and preferences: How do their preferences shape their daily choices?
Fears, phobias, or prejudices: How do they cope with their fears? Have they tried to overcome them?
Contradictions: How do they reconcile these contradictions, if at all?
Pet peeves: How do they react when annoyed?
Habits and quirks: Are their quirks known to others, or are they hidden?
Focus and obsessions: When did they acquire this focus? Do their obsessions cause problems or provide solutions?
Possessions of value: What sentimental items do they keep and why?
Health: Do they have any illnesses or conditions?
What they like about themselves: How do these positive aspects help them in difficult situations?
What they dislike about themselves: How do these negative aspects create internal conflict?
What they admire in others: What traits or worldviews do they consider positive? What makes them notice somebody?
What they dislike in others: What traits or worldviews rubs them the wrong way, and why?
Family or guardians: How has their relationship with family members/caregivers shaped their personality?
Found family (if applicable): What binds them together?
Pets: What are their pet's personalities?
Friends: How did they meet these friends? What are their strongest memories together?
Allies and enemies: How did they gain allies and make enemies?
Past and current partners/love interests: Have they ever been in love? Describe any partners through the character’s eyes.
Mentors and confidants: How have these figures influenced their decisions and growth?
Heroes: Do they have idols, or someone to look up to? Which behaviors or traits influenced them the most?
Trust: How did they come to trust or distrust these individuals?
Upbringing or parenting style: How did their childhood experiences shape their current behavior?
Formative memories: Which memories are most vivid for them, and why?
Education: How do they view their educational experiences? What subjects did they find fascinating, and which did they hate?
Major life events: How have these events redirected their path?
External experiences: Have any world events, conflicts or changes affected them?
Accomplishments: What achievements are they most proud of?
Failures: How have their failures impacted their self-esteem and future decisions?
Disappointments: How do they cope with disappointment? Have they learned from it?
Goals: What short-term and long-term goals drive them?
What do they want?: How do their desires align with their goals?
How do they try to get it?: What strategies do they use to achieve their goals?
What happens if they do/don't succeed?: How do they handle success or failure?
Internal conflicts: What are their inner struggles and how do they manifest?
External conflicts: Who or what stands in their way, and how do they deal with these obstacles?
What are they trying to hide?: Why are they hiding this aspect of themselves? How would they manage its exposure?
How do they wish to be perceived?: How do they work towards this perception?
What are they proud of?: How does this pride influence their actions?
What are they ashamed of?: How does this shame affect their decisions and relationships?
What do they regret?: How do their regrets shape their present actions?
What is their legacy?: What impact do they hope to leave behind?
Language(s) spoken: How proficient are they in each language? Do they switch languages in different contexts?
Literacy: Are they good with words, or do they struggle to get their point across?
Accent: How does their accent influence others' perceptions of them?
Vocabulary and cadence: What unique speech patterns do they have?
Common turns of phrase or catchphrases: Are they funny, morose, profane, etc.? How do others respond to them?
Emotional range: How does their communication style change with their emotions?
Body language: What are their most noticeable non-verbal cues?
Visual cues or “tells”: How do others read their true feelings?
Style of humor: What type of humor do they prefer, and how do they use it in various interactions?
How do they display and react to...
Sources: 1 2 3 4
Writing References: Plot ⚜ Character ⚜ Worldbuilding