Character

Here's a character template to help you develop and track the key traits, background, and motivations of your characters:

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Character Name:

(Full name, including any titles or aliases)

Summary:

(Use five words/phrases to describe character, it should highlight the most important thing about them regarding the story, like "Very tall, Hero, Likes to Smile, Always lose.)

Age:

(How old is the character?)

Gender/Pronouns:

(What is the character's gender identity and preferred pronouns?)

Physical Appearance:

(Describe the character’s physical traits: hair, eyes, height, body type, distinguishing marks, etc.)

Personality:

(What are their key personality traits? Are they introverted or extroverted? Do they have any quirks or habits?)

Strengths:

(What are their key strengths, both physical and emotional?)

Weaknesses:

(What are their flaws or weaknesses?)

Background/History:

(Where did the character come from? What major events shaped their life? Any family, friends, or important relationships?)

Motivations:

(What drives the character? What are their short-term and long-term goals?)

Fears:

(What are they afraid of, whether it be internal or external?)

Secrets:

(Do they have any secrets that could affect the story?)

Relationships:

(Who are the key people in their life? What are the dynamics with these characters?)

Role in the Story:

(What purpose does this character serve in the plot? Are they a protagonist, antagonist, sidekick, mentor, etc.?)

Character Arc:

(How will this character change throughout the story if they will? What lessons will they learn, or what growth will they experience?)

• The lie: The misconception about themselves, this is important if your character is expected to have a growth
• The truth: This is the actual reality

For a positive character arc, they move from lie to truth and for a negative, vice versa. Static or flat character will stick with the truth or the lie.

Example: Buzz Lightyear thinks he's real (the lie), but eventually, he realises he is a toy (the truth). Another example is Walter White who thinks he is doing it for his family, but now realises that he is doing it for power

Note, it's not always a given that there should be a lie and a truth. Growth could just be, be better.

Speech/Dialogue Style:

(How does the character speak? Do they have any specific speech patterns, accents, or favorite phrases?)

Key Traits/Behavioral Patterns:

(List specific behaviors, habits, or tendencies the character has.)

Internal Conflicts:

(What inner struggles does the character face?)

External Conflicts:

(What external forces are acting against the character?)

Personal Beliefs/Values:

(What do they believe in? What’s their moral compass? Core personal values)

Dilemmas:

(Any significant and difficult decisions that test their values?)

Secrets/Hidden Desires:

(What do they hide from others, or what do they long for but don’t admit?)

Key Moment of the Story:

(Is there a specific event or decision that will be pivotal for the character’s journey?)