50+ Questions to Create Unforgettable Characters

Flat characters kill good plots. To write characters that feel real, you need to know them better than you know your best friend. Use this questionnaire to dig deep.

The Basics (The "Census" Data)

• Full Name (and nickname):
• Age and Birthday:
• Occupation:
• Current Location:
• Hometown:
• Height/Weight/Build:
• Eye Color / Hair Color:
• Distinguishing Marks (Scars, Tattoos):

The Core (Motivation)

• What do they want more than anything? (The Goal)
• Why can't they have it? (The Conflict)
• What happens if they fail? (The Stakes)
• What is their biggest fear?
• What is their biggest secret?
• What lie do they tell themselves?

Relationships & Social

• Who is the most important person in their life?
• Who do they hate?
• Are they an introvert or extrovert?
• How do they act in a crowd vs. alone?
• What is their relationship with their parents?
• Do they have children? Do they want them?
• What is their sexual orientation / romantic history?

Personality & Quirks

• What is their nervous habit? (Biting nails, pacing)
• What is their favorite food? Drink?
• Are they an optimist or a pessimist?
• Are they religious or spiritual?
• What is their most prized possession?
• How do they speak? (Fast, slow, slang, formal)
• What music do they listen to?

Backstory & Trauma

• What is their happiest childhood memory?
• What is their worst childhood memory?
• Have they ever committed a crime?
• What is the biggest regret of their life?
• Who was their first love?
• Have they ever been fired?

Hypotheticals (The "Voight-Kampff" Test)

• If they found a wallet with $1,000, would they keep it?
• If they could change one thing about their past, what would it be?
• How would they react to a flat tire in the rain?
• What would they buy if they won the lottery?
• Who would they call if they were arrested at 3 AM?