The first thing you should write is a character sheet. It helps you keep track of you characters and not forget details about them. The character sheet you use depends on the kind of story you’re writing. If you’re writing a very short story then you probably only need to fill this sheet out to keep on track:
Name:
Age:
Height:
Weight:
Hair color and style:
Eye color:
Complexion and skin tone:
Character's body build:
Short stories require a little more detail and give you the opportunity to give your reader a look into your character’s past. I suggest using this character sheet along with the previous one:
Character back story:
Identifying marks:
Facial features:
Hand features:
Scent:
Mannerisms or gestures:
Long stories such as novels need the most detail because the characters drive the story just as much as the plot. A detailed character sheet will help you write a story that keeps the character interested from beginning to end. I suggest using the two previous sheets along with this one:
Strongest personality traits:
Weakest personality traits:
Needs of the character:
Ambitions:
Father's name:
Age:
Physical appearance:
Mother's name:
Age:
Physical appearance:
Sibling's names and descriptions:
Favorite sayings:
Interests and hobbies:
Favorite foods:
Favorite colors:
Pets:
Education:
Religion:
Financial situation:
Future plans:
Possessions this character values most:
What drives your character:
How does your character handle conflict:
What is standing in your character's way:
What is their favorite room and why:
What vehicle do they drive:
Favorite sport(s):
What are your character's prejudices:
How does your character feel about love:
About crime:
What is their neighborhood like:
What is your character's philosophy on life:
What is your character's family life like:
You should also write an outline of the character’s life up to the beginning of the story. You also need to write a profile for your character to focus the character’s information.
When writing a series of books about a character or groups of characters, the character sheet comes in handy. It keeps you from forgetting important details.
Information from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Using-Character-Sheets-in-Fiction-Writing&id=573563
Disclaimer: I did not write the original article.
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Tips on Writing a Story/Fanfiction. Pt. 1 Character Sheets.
Posted at 3:21 PM EST on Sunday, September 23, 2007
Comments
@ 3:48 PM EST on Sunday, September 23, 2007, AxXxSinner.sxXxBlues said:
Very nice piece of article. Thank you for posting it here. I agree with the article you posted. It'll be a great help for both starters and experienced writers. Keep it up. ^ Mallory ^