A Question of Character
Anatis January 5th, 2008
So I’m doing the First Draft in 30 Days at the moment and it got me to thinking…
My heroine sucks. No, really, she does. I have no sense of her at all and she’s very shallow and uninspiring. Something has to be done, she needs to get a life.
And that’s where the Question of Character comes into it.
If Tia were real and I wanted to know things about her… I’d ask her questions.
So here is a list of questions to ask a character, whether you use any of it or not in the story, I still feel they (you) should be able (and required) to answer, because it gives the character depth. You just never know what you might slip into a conversation that gives the reader a sense of “oh she’s real”.
So here are the questions, in no particular order. Feel free to use them, and any additions you could suggest - please do. I will add any I receive to the list for easy copy/pasting. (I’ll also “Article” this post, so it’s easy to find later)
- Who are you?
- Where did you grow up?
- Are both your parents still alive?
- Do you have brothers or sisters?
- Where do you live now?
- What do you do for a living?
- Do you like traveling?
- What is your favorite TV Show?
- What is your favorite movie?
- What is your favorite song / music?
- Which music don’t you like?
- Who would you like to meet?
- Do you have a pet?
- Are you promiscuous?
- Are you shy?
- Are you cautious?
- What are you afraid of emotionally?
- What are you afraid of physically?
- What makes you happy?
- Do you believe in love?
- Are you in love?
- Do you dislike anyone?
- Who brings out the worst in you?
- What kind of weapons do you prefer?
- Are you fit?
- Healthy?
- Do you have any phobias?
- Do you suffer from allergies?
- What makes you cry?
- What makes you angry?
- What kinds of vehicles can you drive?
- Can you ride a horse?
- Do you know any first aid?
- Do you know any herbal remedies?
- Do you have any artistic talent?
- Are you interested in sport?
- Do you partake in any sport?
- Do you play games?
- Are you computer literate?
- How many languages do you speak?
- Do you take risks?
- Did/Do your parents have a good marriage?
- How would you react if I insulted you?
- What would you do if I confronted you over a mistake you made?
- How do you react to compliments, praises?
- Who is your best friend?
- Who was your best friend in school / childhood?
- How many boyfriends/girlfriends have you had?
- Who broke up with who?
- How do you feel you fit your “mold” in life?
- How do you break it?
- How do you like to dress?
- How do you actually dress?
- What makes you relax?
- What makes you tense?
- Are you racist?
- Are you interested in politics?
- How is your general knowledge?
- Do you read?
- What’s your favorite book?
- What car do you drive?
- What kind of dwelling do you live in?
- Where would you like to live?
- Have you ever been in hospital?
- Any scars, identifying marks?
- Were you popular in school?
- Are you popular now?
- How do other people see you?
- Are you a loner?
- Are you a vigilante?
- How do you deal with authority?
- Are you a leader or a follower?
- Do you like children?
- Do you want children?
- Do you have children?
- Were you ever married?
- Who do you trust with your life?
- What hobbies do you have?
- Do you have any bad habits?
- Are you tidy or messy?
- Is your place of residence presentable at all times?
- Are you afraid of anyone?
More to come as I go along. Hope this list is of some help to some people out there.
