Creating
your own character is probably the most important ingredient for a
compelling novel. But how does the writer use creative writing prompts to create characters that the reader
will really believe in? Well, here is a technique that
will bring the character to life.
Character
Creation Technique
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| Interview your Fictional Character |
Conceiving
characters from the top of your head is not the only way to create characters.
Every writer needs to try various techniques that will spark the imagination.
Some writers base characters upon real people, tweaking detail and altering
aspects of that character, such as appearance or background. Other writers
prefer to come up with totally imaginary characters that will undoubtedly
source unconscious memories from the many people we have known in a lifetime.
Create your own Person with a Character
Questionnaire and Interview
This creative writing blog shows how to complete a character questionnaire, a quite effective way of
getting into the minds of a character, but the really interesting thing is what
to do with the questionnaire afterwards (and I don’t mean putting it in the
bin). But first, I shall explain the questionnaire itself.
To
get an idea of what the character will be like, begin with sketchy detail,
which can be answered on a questionnaire. Don’t worry if you have to force
yourself to write answers, the magic will come later. Begin the questions with
the essential, like:
The basics:
Gender, name, age, race. Now follow this with
Physical appearance:
eye colour, hair colour, height, weight, build, defining features, scars.
Character traits:
patient, arrogant, laid back, pessimist, chatty, easy-going, narcissistic,
bossy, easy going.
Attitude in life:
a corporate climber, a leftie, a liberal, live-and-let-live, right-wing,
traditional views.
Mannerisms:
vocal accent, pitch, quirks, personal habits, twitches, facial expressions.
Family:
parents, siblings, pets, marital status, lovers, adoptions, skeletons in the
cupboard.
Now
look at position in life:
accommodation, job, car, financial situation.
How
about tastes: hobbies, music, films,
dress sense, perfume, education, talents
Likes and dislikes.
What peeves the character? What puts the character in a good mood?
Now
let’s look at your character in a little more detail:
What
does your character want in life? What are his/her goals, ambitions?
What
are your character’s motives?
What
stands in his/her way?
What
does the character end up getting?
Interview
your Fictional Character
Once
this questionnaire has been completed to the best of your ability, bring it
into life. This means getting a willing participant to ‘interview’ your
character. This will entail getting into character. You don’t have to be a
great actor, just imagine being that character and answering questions that
have been put in the questionnaire. Actually vocalizing the answers is quite
different to simply writing them down. Further details could emerge once in-character
and feeling more spontaneous. Here is an example of an interview I had undergone
after completing my character questionnaire:
What’s
your name? Millie Daws
Where
do you work? I am vice president for a jewelry design workshop
What
is your ambition? To get to the top.
What
is standing in your way? My younger sister-in-law, Rose.
Do
you have a family? No, only two cats.
What
physical attributes do you dislike about yourself? I have a haughty laugh that
I wish I could get rid of. I don’t like people laughing at me behind my back.
(See how I volunteered a little here?) And then I added, I want people to see I
mean business.
What
are your hobbies? Hmm, well if I have the time, I enjoy ice skating, though my
ankles have got strained from wearing heels all the time (more volunteering
here). To be quite honest, I see hobbies as a waste of time. My father used to tinker
in his workshop all day long and he never fulfilled his dream of being an architect.
(From this we can see Millie has issues with her father, not wanting to end up the
‘loser’ she sees him. Perhaps she has a secret fear.)
After
answering more questions, this spurred more volunteering of information I would
not have written in the questionnaire. I even began to speak in a particular
manner and adopt postures. Don’t worry if getting into character feels stiff
at first. Just answer the questions and get into the interview.
Interview
Your Character for Fiction Writing
Getting
someone to interview your character after completing a character questionnaire
will help bring the fictional person into life. This may entail a little
role-play or acting, but giving your character a voice will engage the senses
in a way the written word cannot. Giving your character a voice may also spur mannerisms,
facial expressions and temperament. Filling in the gaps about your character
will give the persona added complexity and character traits the reader can
really believe in.
