Biographical and background detail of fictional characters will help create a clearer picture of the sort of people they might be, where they are going in life and how they will drive the plot. Careful consideration to things that might never cross the author’s mind, such as the character’s relationship with their siblings and their secret phobias, will create an impression of a character that has more to them than simply what is revealed within the novel.
How to Create Believable Characterisation
In order to help the writer begin conceiving fictional characters, the following questions have been devised. This will help bring into focus a clear picture of the main players within the novel. Some knowledge of their appearance, their past and their background will help the writer to breathe life into characterisation and begin to understand their emotions and their style of dialogue.
The author may be unable to answer all the questions until the characters are fully formed within the mind, but it will serve as a starting point.
Vital Statistics
- Name
- Nickname
- Reasons for name (if any)
- Age
- Sex
- Nationality
- Disabilities (if any)
- Glasses/contact lenses wearer?
Physical Appearance
- Height
- Build
- Weight
- Complexion
- Colour of hair
- Quality of hair
- Usual hairstyle
- Colour of eyes
- Facial features
- Distinguishing features
- Scars/birthmarks (if any)
- General health
- Style of dress
- Grooming
Early Childhood
- Birthplace
- Father’s parenting style/occupation/attitude
- Mother’s parenting style/occupation/attitude
- If no parents, why?
- Siblings (if any)
- Relationships with family members
- Family feuds (if any)
- Financial situation
- Happiest memory
- Childhood traumas
- Childhood even that still affects him/her
Biographical Details
- Education
- Occupation history
- Successes/achievements
- Failures
- Obstacles in life (a disability or family commitments)
- Special skills (if any)
- Gifts/talents
- Geographical history (residency abroad etc.)
Personal Life
- Past key relationships
- Marriages/divorces (if any)
- Sexual orientation
- Why did relationships end?
- Any recurrent themes
- Past convictions (if any)
- Hobbies
- Favourite food/drink
- Usual haunts
- Philosophy in life (carefree, cautious?) Why?
- Religion (if any)
Present Situation
- Marital status
- Quality of marriage/partnership
- Issues in marriage/partnership (infidelities?)
- Children/dependents
- Names of children/dependents, ages, sex
- Relationship with children/dependents
- Occupation
- Is s/he happy in occupation? If not, why?
- What would s/he rather be doing?
- Relationship with work colleagues
- Issues at work (if any)
- Financial situation
- Quality of home life
- Typical daily routine
- Type of car/s driven
Secret Life
- Phobias
- What is the worst thing that could happen to him/her?
- What is the best thing that could happen to him/her?
- Addictive behaviour (alcohol, gambling, etc)
- Personal detail most ashamed of
- What s/he would most like to change about them self. Why?
- What s/he mostly wants from life
- Personal goals
- Personal strengths
- Personal weaknesses
- Sexual transgressions (if any)
- Compulsions (if any)
- Obsessions (if any)
Inventing an Authentic Character Profile
Two-dimensional characters serving only as a convenience for the plot should be avoided. Part of creating well-rounded characters involves knowing all about them, from their relationship with their work colleagues, to their hairstyle. This will help the novelist put words into their mouths and understand what motivates them. Gaining a clearer picture of the sort of people within the story will also make the characters feel believable.
Rachel Shirley - I have written and illustrated several art instruction books entitled Oil Paintings from your Garden and Oil Paintings from the Landscape ...
