05-19-2024, 12:36 AM
https://www.dabblewriter.com/articles/ch...-worksheet
https://www.dabblewriter.com/articles/character-flaws
https://www.dabblewriter.com/articles/ho...ith-dabble
https://www.dabblewriter.com/articles/ch...r-template
https://www.dabblewriter.com/articles/10...-dead-wife
Spoiler:
The Motivation: What fear or desire drives your character’s decisions? The Motivation is typically something broad and primal, like a fear of death or a longing to feel valued.
The Want: This is the middleman between your character’s Motivation and their goal. The Motivation sparks them to want something, and that Want informs the goal they choose when trouble arises. For example, if your character is motivated by a fear of death, their Want might be to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. If another character is motivated by a desire to feel valued, their Want might be to earn admiration and be seen as a hero. When the alien invasion comes, these two characters will choose very different goals. So, what is your character’s Want?
The Need: This what your character actually needs, and it’s usually not the same as what they want. For example, the character who’s chasing adoration might really need community and connection. Your character will probably discover and accept their Need over the course of their character arc, especially if they have a moral ascending arc.
The Want: This is the middleman between your character’s Motivation and their goal. The Motivation sparks them to want something, and that Want informs the goal they choose when trouble arises. For example, if your character is motivated by a fear of death, their Want might be to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. If another character is motivated by a desire to feel valued, their Want might be to earn admiration and be seen as a hero. When the alien invasion comes, these two characters will choose very different goals. So, what is your character’s Want?
The Need: This what your character actually needs, and it’s usually not the same as what they want. For example, the character who’s chasing adoration might really need community and connection. Your character will probably discover and accept their Need over the course of their character arc, especially if they have a moral ascending arc.
Spoiler:
We can divide flaws into three categories: minor, major, and fatal.
Minor: This is something that simply distinguishes your character from the others, making them more memorable for your reader. They don’t affect the story so much as they might affect dialogue or reactions to events.
Major: This a flaw that truly affects your character and is somehow standing in their way, whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental. As discussed above, these might not actually be negative traits, depending on your character, but they are something that affects the plot and development of your characters.
Fatal: As the name implies, this is the kind of flaw that leads to a character’s death. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘hamartia’ and we often associate it with tragedies. In a fatal flaw, your character possesses some trait that brings an otherwise upstanding person to their downfall and eventual demise.
Fear: Your character could have one significant phobia, like Indiana Jones’ fear of snakes. But you also want to look at those deeper, less tangible fears, especially if you didn’t already identify a fear as your character’s Motivation. Fear is a powerful tool of resistance. It’s the reason your character clings to the Lie, even when they know they’re making the wrong choice.
Flaws: Character flaws make your character more relatable and more interesting. Their imperfections also give them room to grow. Choose one major Flaw that they really struggle to get past—stubbornness, pride, cowardice, whatever. Then you can add smaller flaws and quirks just to round them out.
Value System: Whether your character’s values are rooted in religion or personal philosophy, you need a clear picture of their moral code.
Minor: This is something that simply distinguishes your character from the others, making them more memorable for your reader. They don’t affect the story so much as they might affect dialogue or reactions to events.
Major: This a flaw that truly affects your character and is somehow standing in their way, whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental. As discussed above, these might not actually be negative traits, depending on your character, but they are something that affects the plot and development of your characters.
Fatal: As the name implies, this is the kind of flaw that leads to a character’s death. It’s sometimes referred to as ‘hamartia’ and we often associate it with tragedies. In a fatal flaw, your character possesses some trait that brings an otherwise upstanding person to their downfall and eventual demise.
Fear: Your character could have one significant phobia, like Indiana Jones’ fear of snakes. But you also want to look at those deeper, less tangible fears, especially if you didn’t already identify a fear as your character’s Motivation. Fear is a powerful tool of resistance. It’s the reason your character clings to the Lie, even when they know they’re making the wrong choice.
Flaws: Character flaws make your character more relatable and more interesting. Their imperfections also give them room to grow. Choose one major Flaw that they really struggle to get past—stubbornness, pride, cowardice, whatever. Then you can add smaller flaws and quirks just to round them out.
Value System: Whether your character’s values are rooted in religion or personal philosophy, you need a clear picture of their moral code.
Spoiler:
First, you’ve got your romantic leads. Depending on the way you decide to tell your story, they might both be main characters or you might opt to make one the protagonist while the other is a secondary character.
For these folks, you’ll want to establish their:
External goal
Need
Motivation
Lie
Ghost/Wound
Backstory
Greatest fear
Greatest weakness
Greatest strength
Major flaw
Minor flaws
Physical appearance
Quirks
Demographics
Key relationships
Career/hobby/passion
For these folks, you’ll want to establish their:
External goal
Need
Motivation
Lie
Ghost/Wound
Backstory
Greatest fear
Greatest weakness
Greatest strength
Major flaw
Minor flaws
Physical appearance
Quirks
Demographics
Key relationships
Career/hobby/passion
Spoiler:
Demographics
Name:
Age:
Sex/Gender:
Ethnicity:
Occupation:
Socioeconomic status:
Education:
Other notes:
Physical Appearance
Eye color:
Skin color:
Hair color:
Height:
Weight:
Body type:
Fitness level:
Tattoos:
Scars/Birthmarks:
Other distinguishing features:
Disabilities:
Fashion style:
Accessories:
Cleanliness/Grooming:
Posture/Gait:
Tics:
Coordination (or lack thereof):
Weaknesses:
Other notes:
History
Birth date:
Place of birth:
Key family members:
Notable events/milestones:
Criminal record:
Affiliations:
Skeletons in the closet:
Other notes:
Psychological Traits
Personality type:
Personality traits:
Temperament:
Introvert/Extrovert:
Mannerisms:
Educational background:
Intelligence:
Self-esteem:
Hobbies:
Skills/talents:
Loves:
Morals/Virtues:
Phobias/Fears:
Angered by:
Pet peeves:
Obsessed with:
Routines:
Bad habits:
Desires:
Flaws:
Quirks:
Favorite sayings:
Disabilities:
Secrets:
Regrets:
Accomplishments:
Memories:
Other notes:
Communication
Languages known:
Preferred communication methods:
Accent:
Style and pacing of speech:
Pitch:
Laughter:
Smile:
Use of gestures:
Facial expressions:
Verbal expressions:
Other notes:
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Abilities
Physical strengths:
Physical weaknesses:
Intellectual strengths:
Intellectual weaknesses:
Interpersonal strengths:
Interpersonal weaknesses:
Physical abilities:
Magical abilities:
Physical illnesses/conditions:
Mental illnesses/conditions:
Other notes:
Relationships
Partner(s)/Significant other(s):
Lover(s):
Parents/Guardians:
Children:
Grandparents:
Grandchildren:
Family:
Pets:
Best friends:
Friends:
Rivals:
Enemies:
Colleagues:
Mentors/Teachers:
Idols/Role models:
Followers:
Strangers:
Non-living things:
Clubs/Memberships:
Social media presence:
Public perception of them:
Other notes:
Character Growth
Character archetype:
Character arc:
Core values:
Internal conflicts:
External conflicts:
Goals:
Motivations:
Epiphanies:
Significant events/plot points:
Other notes:
Name:
Age:
Sex/Gender:
Ethnicity:
Occupation:
Socioeconomic status:
Education:
Other notes:
Physical Appearance
Eye color:
Skin color:
Hair color:
Height:
Weight:
Body type:
Fitness level:
Tattoos:
Scars/Birthmarks:
Other distinguishing features:
Disabilities:
Fashion style:
Accessories:
Cleanliness/Grooming:
Posture/Gait:
Tics:
Coordination (or lack thereof):
Weaknesses:
Other notes:
History
Birth date:
Place of birth:
Key family members:
Notable events/milestones:
Criminal record:
Affiliations:
Skeletons in the closet:
Other notes:
Psychological Traits
Personality type:
Personality traits:
Temperament:
Introvert/Extrovert:
Mannerisms:
Educational background:
Intelligence:
Self-esteem:
Hobbies:
Skills/talents:
Loves:
Morals/Virtues:
Phobias/Fears:
Angered by:
Pet peeves:
Obsessed with:
Routines:
Bad habits:
Desires:
Flaws:
Quirks:
Favorite sayings:
Disabilities:
Secrets:
Regrets:
Accomplishments:
Memories:
Other notes:
Communication
Languages known:
Preferred communication methods:
Accent:
Style and pacing of speech:
Pitch:
Laughter:
Smile:
Use of gestures:
Facial expressions:
Verbal expressions:
Other notes:
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Abilities
Physical strengths:
Physical weaknesses:
Intellectual strengths:
Intellectual weaknesses:
Interpersonal strengths:
Interpersonal weaknesses:
Physical abilities:
Magical abilities:
Physical illnesses/conditions:
Mental illnesses/conditions:
Other notes:
Relationships
Partner(s)/Significant other(s):
Lover(s):
Parents/Guardians:
Children:
Grandparents:
Grandchildren:
Family:
Pets:
Best friends:
Friends:
Rivals:
Enemies:
Colleagues:
Mentors/Teachers:
Idols/Role models:
Followers:
Strangers:
Non-living things:
Clubs/Memberships:
Social media presence:
Public perception of them:
Other notes:
Character Growth
Character archetype:
Character arc:
Core values:
Internal conflicts:
External conflicts:
Goals:
Motivations:
Epiphanies:
Significant events/plot points:
Other notes:
Spoiler:
⤷ Change a law or injustice
⤷ Appease a deity or higher power
⤷ Free a loved one from captivity
⤷ Become the strongest/richest/most powerful
⤷ Retrieve a stolen item
⤷ Break a curse
⤷ Assassinate a king/queen or head of state
⤷ Fall in love
⤷ Solve a murder
⤷ Uncover a secret treasure
⤷ Make others suffer
⤷ Invent something that changes the world
⤷ Manipulate an established system
⤷ Live happily ever after
⤷ Free a helpless victim
⤷ Shake up their current life
⤷ Find a muse
⤷ Establish their own cult
⤷ Lead a rebellion
⤷ Steal from the rich and give to the poor
⤷ Form their own country or nation
⤷ Overcome their self doubt
⤷ End a feud
⤷ Get themselves out of prison
⤷ Start or end a war or conflict
⤷ Learn to trust others
⤷ Win the admiration of others
⤷ Protect their homeland
⤷ Change the past
⤷ Champion a cause
⤷ Reveal a secret plot
⤷ Regain a lost title or legacy
⤷ Bring down their enemies
⤷ Get a new job
⤷ Move to a new place
⤷ Settle a debt
⤷ Control others
⤷ Retreat to solitude
⤷ Overcome their fears
⤷ Be remembered after their death
⤷ Explore the world
⤷ Find fulfillment in their work
⤷ Explore their creativity
⤷ Live a healthier life
⤷ Become more thoughtful
⤷ Save Christmas or another holiday
⤷ Live in a fairytale
⤷ Protect the environment
⤷ Learn a new skill
⤷ Overthrow evil
⤷ Get fired from their job
⤷ Stand up to peer pressure
⤷ Eradicate a scourge
⤷ Recover from an injury
⤷ Betray a sibling
⤷ Stop abuse of themselves or someone else
⤷ Get out of financial distress
⤷ Dump their partner
⤷ Get revenge on someone who stole something from them
⤷ Find a place to belong
⤷ Care for a sick loved one
⤷ Find their parents or lost family
⤷ Overcome an addiction
⤷ Fulfill a prophecy
⤷ Move out of someone’s shadow
⤷ Clean up a dangerous neighborhood
⤷ Become revered or respected
⤷ Find a new direction in life
⤷ Initiate a successful corporate merger
⤷ Recover an ancient artifact
⤷ Face their guilt for a past wrong
⤷ Make amends with someone
⤷ Seek revenge
⤷ Escape their destiny
⤷ Get back home
⤷ Sacrifice themselves to save someone else
⤷ Overcome fear of judgment
⤷ Become more than their outward appearance
⤷ Uncover a stalker
⤷ Write a book (ahem)
⤷ Lead people to change
⤷ Wreak havoc
⤷ Challenge the status quo
⤷ Catch a criminal
⤷ Tempt someone into ruin
⤷ Steal someone’s identity or life
⤷ Have a child
⤷ Get elected to public office
⤷ Overcome social anxiety
⤷ Win a contest or competition
⤷ Learn a new language
⤷ Save the world
⤷ Live forever
⤷ Become a supernatural being
⤷ Make contact with a foreign species
⤷ Travel to a distant land
⤷ Enchant an object
⤷ Kill someone
⤷ Atone for past sins
⤷ Find religion
⤷ Destroy someone else’s relationship
⤷ Appease a deity or higher power
⤷ Free a loved one from captivity
⤷ Become the strongest/richest/most powerful
⤷ Retrieve a stolen item
⤷ Break a curse
⤷ Assassinate a king/queen or head of state
⤷ Fall in love
⤷ Solve a murder
⤷ Uncover a secret treasure
⤷ Make others suffer
⤷ Invent something that changes the world
⤷ Manipulate an established system
⤷ Live happily ever after
⤷ Free a helpless victim
⤷ Shake up their current life
⤷ Find a muse
⤷ Establish their own cult
⤷ Lead a rebellion
⤷ Steal from the rich and give to the poor
⤷ Form their own country or nation
⤷ Overcome their self doubt
⤷ End a feud
⤷ Get themselves out of prison
⤷ Start or end a war or conflict
⤷ Learn to trust others
⤷ Win the admiration of others
⤷ Protect their homeland
⤷ Change the past
⤷ Champion a cause
⤷ Reveal a secret plot
⤷ Regain a lost title or legacy
⤷ Bring down their enemies
⤷ Get a new job
⤷ Move to a new place
⤷ Settle a debt
⤷ Control others
⤷ Retreat to solitude
⤷ Overcome their fears
⤷ Be remembered after their death
⤷ Explore the world
⤷ Find fulfillment in their work
⤷ Explore their creativity
⤷ Live a healthier life
⤷ Become more thoughtful
⤷ Save Christmas or another holiday
⤷ Live in a fairytale
⤷ Protect the environment
⤷ Learn a new skill
⤷ Overthrow evil
⤷ Get fired from their job
⤷ Stand up to peer pressure
⤷ Eradicate a scourge
⤷ Recover from an injury
⤷ Betray a sibling
⤷ Stop abuse of themselves or someone else
⤷ Get out of financial distress
⤷ Dump their partner
⤷ Get revenge on someone who stole something from them
⤷ Find a place to belong
⤷ Care for a sick loved one
⤷ Find their parents or lost family
⤷ Overcome an addiction
⤷ Fulfill a prophecy
⤷ Move out of someone’s shadow
⤷ Clean up a dangerous neighborhood
⤷ Become revered or respected
⤷ Find a new direction in life
⤷ Initiate a successful corporate merger
⤷ Recover an ancient artifact
⤷ Face their guilt for a past wrong
⤷ Make amends with someone
⤷ Seek revenge
⤷ Escape their destiny
⤷ Get back home
⤷ Sacrifice themselves to save someone else
⤷ Overcome fear of judgment
⤷ Become more than their outward appearance
⤷ Uncover a stalker
⤷ Write a book (ahem)
⤷ Lead people to change
⤷ Wreak havoc
⤷ Challenge the status quo
⤷ Catch a criminal
⤷ Tempt someone into ruin
⤷ Steal someone’s identity or life
⤷ Have a child
⤷ Get elected to public office
⤷ Overcome social anxiety
⤷ Win a contest or competition
⤷ Learn a new language
⤷ Save the world
⤷ Live forever
⤷ Become a supernatural being
⤷ Make contact with a foreign species
⤷ Travel to a distant land
⤷ Enchant an object
⤷ Kill someone
⤷ Atone for past sins
⤷ Find religion
⤷ Destroy someone else’s relationship