Using interviewing to create fictional characters
The character interview is a chance to explore both a character’s background and voice. It is an exploration of a character’s opinions, experiences, goals and attitudes. The basic method of…
Basing Characters on Real People
Basing characters on actual people is a fairly common literary practice. The people around you can be a great source of inspiration. I don’t, however, recommend basing a character on…
Exploring characters through their possessions
The possessions that a character chooses to surround themselves with can reveal a great deal about the way they lead their lives. Directors and actors frequently use possessions as a…
Using a normal day to define your character
The day in the life approach to developing a character is focused on describing a normal day in the character’s life before something important happens to change it. Most central…
How to Write a How-To Article
What is a how-to article? A how-to article helps the reader to accomplish a specific task. This may be a technical task such as loading a new computer application, a…
Creating characters by brainstorming
Creating characters by brainstorming is a proven technique for developing new characters. The process consists of quickly recording (without editing yourself) all of the options/descriptions/ideas /thoughts you have about a…
Character Bio Sheets
Character bio sheets are not only a simple way to create characters, they are a great way to keep track of the characters you develop. When you write a longer…
How to create a roleplay character
Knowing how to create a roleplay character will make your RPGs much more fulfilling. The point of writing a back story for a role-playing character is to enrich your experience…
Writing about your childhood
Writing about your childhood is an excellent way to work on your descriptive skills. When you describe items or memories…