Character Profiles
A somewhat debated topic amongst writers, character profiles have both their pros and their cons. Some writers choose to create character profiles or brief biographies about their character to help them learn more about the character themself. In a character profile, the idea is to write as much about the character as you can, even things you may not use in the actual writing. Your intent is to create a personality for the character.
Some writers find this technique very helpful; other writers find that this restricts the character too much. The second type of writer prefers to create the character as they write, shaping them to the story as opposed to shaping (the events) of the story around the character.
If you choose to do a character profile, include the following:
- Age
- Occupation and Income
- Appearance (be detailed!)
- Education and Intelligence
- Relationships
- Interests
- Dislikes
- Information about their past
- Characteristics and habits
- Ambitions
- Fears
Try to make the biography as detailed as you possibly can. Some people find that it’s helpful to create a character based off of someone they actually know.
Keep in mind that this technique is used by some writers, but other writers resent it. My best advice would be to find out if it works for you; if so, use it. If not, then find something else that works. For me personally, I never had any success with creating character profiles. However, I do know several people who have; for that reason, I’ve chosen to write about it briefly.
November 20th, 2007 No Comments posted in Uncategorized
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