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Post by Emilie on Jun 15, 2012 22:29:17 GMT -6
I love character forms. They're great for when you're writing and get stumped on a character because he/she is being secretive or if you just don't know how to write them in a particular scene. I have written up character forms when in those situations and they have really helped. I have 2 different ones that I use. One was written by a friend for a writing blog I was a part of a couple years ago, and the other I can't quite remember where I got it (it might have been from the FTN forum...). I'll post them both and you can use them at will, post them here if you'd like, or just print them off and keep a copy handy when writing. You can also mix and mash the questions from each, as they both have some that are unique to them. CHARACTER FORM #1Name:
Occupation & Place of Work:
Home:
Age:
Physical Appearance:
Head Shape:
Hair (Colour, texture, style, length):
Eyes (Colour, shape, eyelashes):
Eyebrows:
Nose (Size, shape):
Mouth (Size, shape, colour, teeth):
Skin:
Physical Build:
Posture:
What You First Notice About the Face:
Clothing: Dress:
Hat:
Shoes:
Jewelry:
Background:
Place of Birth:
Family Status:
Parents:
Siblings:
Family Traits:
Family Problems:
Mentor(s):
Places Lived:
Childhood/Teen Experiences:
Education:
Special Training:
Jobs:
Travel:
Friends (Who, how met, extent of relationship, history):
Courtship, Love, Marriage:
Relationship with God:
Unique Experiences:
Greatest Successes:
Characteristics:
Special Skills or Knowledge:
Collections, Talents:
What People Like Best About Him/Her:
Interests and Favourites;
Food, Drink:
Sports, Recreation:
Books, Learning:
Dislikes (pet peeves):
Hopes and Dreams:
Greatest Fears:
Idiosyncrasies (a characteristic/habit you do a lot, ie: biting nails):
Typical Expressions.....
When Happy:
When Angry:
When Sad:
Ways to Cheer Him/Her Up:
Ways to Annoy Him/Her:
S/he is the kind of person who: That's the one by the friend. Here is the next one. It's a bit longer. CHARACTER FORM #2Name:
PHYSIOLOGY -
Sex:
Age:
Height:
Weight:
Colour of Hair:
Colour of Eyes:
Colour of Skin:
Posture:
Appearance:
Defects:
Heredity:
Physical Disabilities:
Physical Superpowers:
Illnesses:
Accidents:
Allergies:
Other Distinguishing Characteristics:
SOCIOLOGY:
Class:
Race:
Country:
Position in Society:
Religion:
Education:
Occupation:
Mother:
Father:
Brother(s):
Sister(s):
Birth Order:
Significant Relatives:
PSYCHOLOGY:
Temperament:
Extravert/Introvert:
Frustrations:
Attitude Towards Life:
IQ:
How Balanced Is This Character:
Phobias/Fears:
Inhibitions/Superstitions:
Virtues:
Vices:
People Skills:
Intelligence Level:
Superpowers:
Disabilities:
Could Your Character Fall In Love? If Yes, With What Sort of Person?
How Self-centered Is This Person?
How Self-aware Is This Person?
OTHER:
Where Does This Person Live?
What Kind of Transportation Do They Use?
What Do They Wear?
What Is Their Attitude Towards, and Experience with Money?
Any Significant Likes/Dislikes?
Are They Married?
Do They Have Children?
Are They Good or Bad Parents?
How Do They Feel Towards Animals?
How Do They Act Towards Authorities Over Them?
How Do They Relate To Their Peers?
How Do They Treat Those Beneath Them?
What Does This Character Want?
What Is His/Her Idea of Success?
What Are They Willing To Sacrifice To Get It?If you guys have any questions or want me to post a completed form, feel free to ask.
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Post by Marie J on Jun 16, 2012 9:38:26 GMT -6
I think these will be immensely helpful, Emilie. Thanks a million!!!
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Post by Twinkle on Jun 16, 2012 9:50:09 GMT -6
I printed both of them out but when I fill them out I might put the complete ones here
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Post by beckie on Jun 16, 2012 10:55:07 GMT -6
Emilie I have a few question so could you post a completed form of the second one? actually could you do a completed form for both?
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Post by Emilie on Jun 16, 2012 16:07:54 GMT -6
No problem, Marie! Sure can, Beckie. I'll post one tomorrow, going to be gone all evening.
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Post by beckie on Jun 17, 2012 7:28:49 GMT -6
Okay thank you Emilie <3
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Sallie
Columnist
"The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness shall not overcome It."
Posts: 504
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Post by Sallie on Jun 17, 2012 12:12:20 GMT -6
I love character forms! I make them a lot, but thy're always small, cause I can't think of anything to put on them. Thanks for putting these up, Emilie
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Post by Emilie on Jun 18, 2012 16:58:11 GMT -6
Okay, here's form #1.
Name: Eilime (Elly) Senrahb
Occupation & Place of Work: Stocks the shelves at Barnes and Noble.
Home: (This one I was never sure of myself, but I would say just put the place they live.) New York
Age: 17
Physical Appearance: (this is more like the category header so it can be left blank.)
Head Shape: Round/oval.
Hair (Colour, texture, style, length): Honey blonde, thick, silky, longer layers, and side bangs parted to the left, falls to mid-back.
Eyes (Colour, shape, eyelashes): Hazel/green, almond shaped, long dark eyelashes.
Eyebrows: Light brown, slight arch.
Nose (Size, shape): Medium, rounded tip.
Mouth (Size, shape, colour, teeth): Wider smile, plump lower lip, defined upper lip, light strawberry colour, straight teeth.
Skin: A peachy-pink colour, very light tan, clear complexion.
Physical Build: Short (5' 2"), Petite,
Posture: Relaxed.
What You First Notice About the Face: Her eyes and the hidden mischief and sadness there.
Clothing: (Another category header)
Dress: (Summer) Light cotton, knee-length dresses, jean bermuda shorts with t-shirts/tank tops. (Winter) Jeans, sweaters, hoodies, thicker skirts, long sleeve shirts. (Spring/Fall) Mixture of the other two.
Hat: Wide brimmed sunhat.
Shoes: Flats, flip flops, heels on special occasions. Boots or runners in winter.
Jewelry: A silver ring with a small blue sapphire in it that she's had since she was little. A silver chain with a small crucifix pendent.
Background: (Another category header)
Place of Birth: Unknown. (In Elly's case. In other forms, you'd just put the town/country they were born in)
Family Status: Fairly rich.
Parents: (Adoptive) Vicki and Caspian Senrahb, (Birth parents) Unknown.
Siblings: Rillian, Rilla, Eliza, Mystica, Yaviel, and Andrew.
Family Traits: All except Rilla (and parents) are blonde.
Family Problems: (If the family is struggling with something, like abuse, or financial issues, or the like, this is where it would go.)
Mentor(s): Vicki and Caspian, her sisters.
Places Lived: Orphanage in New York for her whole life, before being adopted by the Senrahbs.
Childhood/Teen Experiences: Growing up in an orphanage, and building a friendship with her best friend Damon, who also grew up at the orphanage. Damon leaving to go train somewhere when she was 15 and running away from the orphanage and having an adventure with other runaways from different places. (basically, things that effected the character, or events that shaped who they are at the point when the story begins.)
Education: K through 12.
Special Training: Fencing and archery.
Jobs: Babysitter, and Barnes and Noble.
Travel: All across the country while with the runaways.
Friends (Who, how met, extent of relationship, history): Damon Kelly - grew up together, best of friends. Senrahb siblings and cousins, met when they adopted her.
Courtship, Love, Marriage: Single, dated one of the runaway guys, but they broke up after a couple months.
Relationship with God: Strong, not the best it could be, but she works on it.
Unique Experiences: Discovering for the first time she could command the wind, water and heat(fire) elements in the air. Running off with the runaways.
Greatest Successes: May not be "great", but helping out those she loves.
[/b]Characteristics:[/b] Chews her thumb when thinking. When she's nervous, she fidgets and bits her lip, or laughs too loud/much.
Special Skills or Knowledge: Can command heat, water, and wind elements. Can wield a sword, bow and arrows, pistol.
Collections: Collects scarves.
Talents: She can sing, write, and working with the elements.
What People Like Best About Her: She always appears cheerful and friendly. She's fun-loving, teasing and loves her family.
Interests and Favourites; (Header...)
Food, Drink:Shepherd's Pie, Chicken Pot Pie, grapes, fruit salads, cake, wafer cookies, Coca Cola, Milk, Juice.
Sports, Recreation:Hockey, glitter wars, swimming, dancing, singing, and writing.
Books, Learning: G.K. Chesterton, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Rick Riordan, Megan Whalen Turner.
Dislikes (pet peeves): Whiners.
Hopes and Dreams: To find out who her birth parents are, and where she was born. To marry a man much like Caspian, and be a good wife.
Greatest Fears: Never really belonging, being alone, using her powers for evil, a knife being held to her throat.
Idiosyncrasies: Runs her fingers through her hair constantly while reading. Chews her thumb when thinking.
Typical Expressions: (Header)
When Happy: Her eyes sparkle, and she smiles wide, with her teeth showing.
When Angry: Takes on a brooding look, and sometimes sparks go off (literally, since she can conjure up fire).
When Sad: Eyes well up with unshed tears, face sags slightly.
Ways to Cheer Her Up: Spend time with her or do something nice.
Ways to Annoy Her: Ignore her, play too many practical jokes, insult the things she enjoys.
She is the kind of person who: Would defend/protect others at her own risk, tease(kindly) someone back when teased, get into trouble when too hyper/rambunctious.
And that's the first one....I'll post an example of the second one after supper.
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Alaia Wyoming
Columnist
I like PM's. I really like them. *hint hint* ;)
Posts: 438
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Post by Alaia Wyoming on Jun 18, 2012 20:55:41 GMT -6
My goodness, these are long forms. Which is AWESOME! All I ever come up with is name, age, height, weight, hair color, eye color, and a quick background. Thanks for posting these!
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Post by Twinkle on Jun 18, 2012 21:50:17 GMT -6
Though I didn't answer all the questions on both forms I'll post the questions I did answer soon And I might post them on my blog as well.......
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Post by Emilie on Jun 18, 2012 22:59:48 GMT -6
Yeah, I often don't use every single question, only the ones that are relevant to the plot. And here's the example #2. Name: Freya Coren PHYSIOLOGY -Sex: Female Age: 18 Height: 5' 7" Weight: 120 pounds Colour of Hair: Long, reddish brown hair, side bangs. Colour of Eyes: Green/Grey/Blue, depending on what she wears. Colour of Skin: Light dusting of a brown tan. Posture: Straight shoulders and back, but relaxed. APPEARANCE -Defects: Scar on her right shoulder from where she gashed it on some coral when she accidentally swam into the area. Heredity: The second and third toes on both her feet are webbed together. Physical Disabilities: Physical Superpowers: Can hold her breathe underwater for a very long time. Illnesses: Had chicken pox when she was little. Suffers from migraines. Accidents: Swimming into the coral and gashing her shoulder. Allergies: Tomatoes. Other Distinguishing Characteristics: Gets lost in thought often. SOCIOLOGY -Class: Upper Class Race: Caucasian Country: United States. Position in Society: Daughter to a well known senator. Religion: Catholic. Education: Private school and tutors up until she gradated a year earlier. Occupation: None. Mother: Nancy (Selken) Coren Father: Tyler Coren Brother(s): None. Sister(s): Jessica Coren Birth Order: Youngest child. Significant Relatives: Aunt Kanry Selken, mother's sister. PSYCHOLOGY -Temperament: Sanguine Phlegmatic Extravert/Introvert: Both equally. Frustrations: The law banning all use of anything to do with the Fantasy genre. Attitude Towards Life: Bored. She's rich, wants for nothing, but life is boring for her. IQ: Average. How Balanced Is This Character: (I kind of take this to mean how confident is the character, not sure if that's what it really is.) Pretty confident, even to a point of snobbish at times. Then chaos breaks out and her confidence is shaken. Phobias/Fears: She's afraid of mountains, and closed in places on land, of moving away from the ocean. She's also not too fond of spiders. Inhibitions/Superstitions: Hesitates to share things with others, doesn't want to slip up that she has a secret stash of fantasy genre material and get in trouble with the authorities. Virtues: Loyal, loves her family and would do anything to protect them. Vices: Easily annoyed, has a temper, sarcastic/cynical, aloof. People Skills: Likes people, but the crowd she's always hung out with was the popular/rich group of girls, and she finds them kind of shallow (not realizing she is too in a way). Superpowers: Finds out later in the story that she has gets visions of what could happen in the future. Disabilities:Could Your Character Fall In Love? If Yes, With What Sort of Person? Yes, she could. She would probably fall in love with a guy who was strong, hard-working, intelligent, someone who challenges her to be a better person. How Self-centered Is This Person? Though she doesn't realize it, she can be quite self-centered. How Self-aware Is This Person? A modest amount. OTHER -Where Does This Person Live? Santa Paula, CA What Kind of Transportation Do They Use? Fancy, expensive sports cars/convertibles. What Do They Wear? Jeans/shorts and t-shirts mostly. What Is Their Attitude Towards, and Experience with Money? Her family has always been rich so she takes it for granted. Any Significant Likes/Dislikes? Loves almost anything from fantasy and myth. Dislikes going to huge social parties, or parties hosted by the other rich people. Are They Married? No. Do They Have Children? No. Are They Good or Bad Parents? N/A. How Do They Feel Towards Animals? She likes them well enough, but has no desire to own a dog/cat, a fish maybe though. How Do They Act Towards Authorities Over Them? She respects her parents very much, but is a bit of a secret rebel against the government (by having the forbidden genre). How Do They Relate To Their Peers? Kind of gives off a cool tolerance when around them, later begins to have more respect for them. How Do They Treat Those Beneath Them? Acts very aloof, bit of a snob. Also later has a greater respect for them. What Does This Character Want? Wants the government to change their mind on fantasy. For something exciting to happen. What Is His/Her Idea of Success? Having fun, living a good life, and being happy. What Are They Willing To Sacrifice To Get It? Anything, except give up her family. I just realized how veddy shallow Freya sounds from this form. She's a little shallow at the beginning, but as the story goes on she does become less shallow and grow.
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Post by beckie on Jun 19, 2012 9:16:20 GMT -6
Thank you Emilie!
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Juliet
Ghost Writer
Life is way too short. Smile while you still have teeth.
Posts: 907
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Post by Juliet on Jun 22, 2012 17:06:35 GMT -6
So, we are allowed to post ours here?
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Post by Emilie on Jun 24, 2012 21:32:23 GMT -6
Absolutely!
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Post by Twinkle on Jul 18, 2012 15:46:04 GMT -6
Here is a character form that Regina gave those of use who are participating in the writing work shop she is doing this week.
Character Name:__________________
Physiology: Sex: Age: Height and Weight: Color of hair, eyes, skin: Posture: Appearance: neat, over or underweight, shape of head, etc. Defects: abnormalities, birthmarks Heredity: what did they inherit from parents? Physical disabilities? Physical “superpowers?” Illnesses? Accidents? Allergies? Any other distinguishing characteristics?
Sociology: Class: Race: are they a minority? Country: Position in society: Home Life: Religion: Education: Occupation: Mother: Father: Significant relatives: Birth order: oldest, youngest? Brothers? Sisters?
Psychology: Temperament: Extrovert/introvert: Frustrations, chief disappointments: Attitude towards life: IQ: How balanced is the character: Phobias? Fears? Inhibitions, superstitions? Virtues? Vices? People/interpersonal skills? Intelligence? Mental “superpowers?” Disabilities? How does this character feel about God? ...about Christ? ...about evil? ...about sex? ...about marriage? ...about romance? Has/could your character fall in love? With what sort of person?
How self-centered is this person?
How self-aware is this person?
Other questions: Where does this character live? House? Neighborhood? What kind of transportation does this character use? What is their preferred kind of clothing? What is their attitude towards and experience with money? Any other significant likes or dislikes (food, etc.) that have to do with the story? Are they married? Who will they marry? What sort of person or temperament? Do they have children? Are they good or bad parents? Would they be good or bad parents? How do they feel towards animals? Do they smoke? How do they act towards authorities over them? How do they relate to their peers? How do they treat those beneath them?
Dreams: What does this character want? What is his/her idea of success? What are they willing to sacrifice to get it?
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