Marketing for Romance Writers was created for a group of
romance writers, but quickly gained members in every sort of genre. As writers,
one thing we all have in common is the need to create strong characters. To
that end, here is a questionnaire you can use to get to know the people in your
story.
Questions for the Character to Answer
How do you dress?
If we could only hear your voice (but not see you) what
characteristic would identify you?
Please tell us about your education.
Are you book-smart, self-taught, widely-experienced?
Do you get by, live comfortably, live extravagantly?
What is your viewpoint on wealth?
On what special skills do you rely?
Are any of your skills a source of pride or embarrassment,
and if so, which ones and why?
What kinds of things do you always carry (in pockets or
purse)?
What is your family like?
Are you close to family?
Do you have children?
Are you involved in your community?
How well do you know your neighbors?
Do you see morality as black-and-white, or with shades of
gray?
How do others perceive you based upon looks, and is this
assumption accurate?
Do you care about what others assume about you?
If someone from your past showed up, who would you most want
it to be, and why?
If someone from your past showed up, who would you most NOT
want it to be, and why?
Can you keep a secret? Why or why not?
What secrets do you know about people around you that you do
NOT share?
What inner doubt causes you the most difficulty?
What past event causes you the most fear?
What is your biggest need?
What are your biggest hopes and dreams?
What would help you face hardship and meet any challenge?
If you could make any one thing happen, what would it be?
What is your biggest personal flaw?
When there is a setback, what doubt or flaw surfaces?
How do you handle challenges?
What is your breaking point?
How do you express disappointment?
How emotionally expressive are you to others?
When (if) you lie or are upset, what gives you away?
Who in your life has the power to hurt you the most and why?
What would you like to tell your writer?
What would you like people who hear your story to know?
Questions for the Writer to Answer
(Change gender to fit your character)
Your character is at a party. Considering his story,
describe the party.
How does the character feel about being this particular
party, and what body language is he displaying that gives it away?
Is he more likely to mingle or remain aloof?
If he drinks, what is his drink of choice at this party?
How much drink is his usual?
The character figures out where the hiding places are and
then goes there. Is it to hide, to avoid someone, or to go drag a friend back
to the party?
Is he likely to latch onto a friend and stay with him/her
and ignore others, or is he the friend that others latch onto?
If someone picked a fight at this party, how is the
character going to handle it?
Is the character the one most likely to get tossed out of
the party, or the one who does the tossing?
Will he know when to leave, or stay late and make a nuisance
of himself?
This is not an exhaustive list of questions, but it should
give you some insight into creating a unique and memorable character.
Come share your character on my book blog, Romance Lives
Forever. Readers find something new every day on RLF. www.rlfblog.com Look for Signup in the menu.
You can set your own date and even get automated reminders.
Kayelle Allen
author of Bro, the Antonello Brothers series prequel
https://kayelleallen.com/bro/
author of Bro, the Antonello Brothers series prequel
https://kayelleallen.com/bro/
Great questions. One of my favorite things to do is interview my character, to get to know him/her better. These are terrific things to ask.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do the same. I have asked some weird questions in my time. lol
DeleteThis is awesome I am adding it with my profile charts to get more in depth
ReplyDeleteI hope it helps you nail down those inner secrets :)
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