I’m a writer blog

Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

Creating and keeping track of characters?

Asked by: David Brouillard

How do you keep track of your characters?

No “right” way exists to keep track of characters. Most writers keep a master list and then a packet of detailed information about each character. You can go a low-tech route or high-tech route. Some use a notebook with tabs and index cards.

What is the process of creating a character called?

What Is Character Development? In fiction writing, character development is the process of building a unique, three-dimensional character with depth, personality, and clear motivations.

How do you create a character development sheet?

Here is your 12 step guide for good character development:

  1. Download a Worksheet.
  2. Create a background for your character.
  3. Give your character strengths and weaknesses.
  4. Create nervous ticks for your character.
  5. Avoid making a “perfect” character.
  6. Give your character realistic motives.
  7. Give them a unique feature.

What are two important things to keep in mind when creating characters?

Follow these character development tips when you sit down to write:

  • Establish a character’s motivations and goals. …
  • Choose a voice. …
  • Do a slow reveal. …
  • Create conflict. …
  • Give important characters a backstory. …
  • Describe a character’s personality in familiar terms. …
  • Paint a physical picture of your characters.

How can I keep track of my story?

Keeping the Writing Faith: 6 Ways to Keep Your Novel on Track With a Process Journal

  1. Keep track of the basics. …
  2. Kick-start your writing session. …
  3. Brainstorm with your characters. …
  4. Chart your progress. …
  5. Calm your mind.

What is yWriter5?

yWriter5 helps you to organize your ideas and build new scenes and chapters as you work on completing a novel. You can add all of the elements your novel needs, including characters, locations, and items, and then refer back to these at any time to keep your writing flowing and your details consistent.

What are the 4 types of character development?

Grouped in this way by character development, character types include the dynamic character, the round character, the static character, the stock character, and the symbolic character. Dynamic character: A dynamic character is one who changes over the course of the story.

What is another word for character building?

Character-building Synonyms – WordHippo Thesaurus.
What is another word for character-building?

challenging demanding
instructive revealing
trying

How do you create a character profile?

A good character profile will include ample information in these four categories: Backstory: In crafting a character profile, you should be able to answer this list of questions: What is your character’s full name? What is their place of birth and birth date? Who are the family members who shaped this character’s life?

How do you develop good character traits?

Ten Character Traits Worth Developing



  1. Be Honest. Tell the truth; be sincere; don’t mislead or withhold key information in relationships of trust; don’t steal.
  2. Demonstrate integrity. …
  3. Keep promises. …
  4. Be loyal. …
  5. Be responsible. …
  6. Pursue excellence. …
  7. Be kind and caring. …
  8. Treat all people with respect.

What is the importance of character development?

A good character helps you develop a winning personality. In other words, a good character is the backbone of a magnetic personality which attracts other people. One needs to be honest at work. You need to develop a sense of loyalty and attachment towards your organization.

How do you create a good character?

  1. Establish the character’s story goals and motivations.
  2. Give the character an external and internal conflict.
  3. Make sure the character has strengths and flaws.
  4. Decide whether the character is static or dynamic.
  5. Give the character a past.
  6. Develop the character’s physical characteristics.
  7. What are the 4 methods of characterization?

    • Methods of Characterization.
    • Authors give their readers pieces of puzzles to solve their character’s identity.
    • SPEECH.
    • The character is revealed through his or her own speech.
    • Look for “dialogue” from the character.
    • THOUGHTS & EMOTIONS.
    • EFFECTS ON OTHERS.
    • ACTIONS.
    • What are the 12 character archetypes?

      There are twelve brand archetypes: The Innocent, Everyman, Hero, Outlaw, Explorer, Creator, Ruler, Magician, Lover, Caregiver, Jester, and Sage.

      What is an example of character development?

      Character Development Examples: Summing Up

      Those conflicts force the protagonist to grow and change in certain ways, adopting new outlooks on life or making difficult moral decisions. It is through loss, hope, sacrifice, change, and a commitment to one’s own beliefs that each character rises to their challenge.

      How do you develop depth of character?

      Here are five ways to enhance your characters and their depth.



      1. Give Your Characters a Personality Flaw.
      2. Give Your Characters an Addiction.
      3. Give Your Character a Physical Disability.
      4. Give Your Character a Mental Disability.
      5. Give Your Character a Secret.