Creating Character Profiles

Hi All,

I’m definitely one of those writer’s who needs all their ducks in a row before I can even think about starting the first chapter.

I usually start by writing the basic idea for the plot, the setting and the characters involved. Based on the latter, I’ll start doing some fundamental research – just dabbling really, to make sure my ideas are realistic and will work within the confines of the plot.

Then I’ll list all main and sub characters appearing in the book (that I know of at this stage) and I create separate documents for each of them with a list of questions (see sample character profile below). This is where the real work starts. Once the questions are answered, you will have a better understanding about who your character is and what makes them tick. Don’t laugh, but I also go one step further by typing the basic description of my character into Google then scroll through until I find the face I’m looking for. It helps me to visualize them right from the get go and also creates a stronger bond sooner than later.

Once I’ve established the profiles for all characters, I start working on a joint timeline and chapter summary. My summaries are fairly comprehensive which means there will be a little stop/start during this process while I research specific areas needed for the book.

I love every bit of this preparation because it really helps to sort all the ideas I have stuck in various corners of my brain. It also generates an excitement as I move through the process towards the actual writing of the chapters. Best of all, this kind of preparation guards against writer’s block and ensures the continuity and flow of your novel. There is still plenty of room to move creatively because the characters really do begin to speak to you as you move through each chapter and those conversations will, undoubtedly, change or shape the plot lines as more ideas start to emerge between each and every line.

For now, let’s just focus on my character profiles. Below is a sample of Tara Barrett’s profile From Gracie’s Girls:

Name:  Tara Barrett
Age: 29, born 12, November 1984
Nationality: American
Hometown: Marco Island FL
Current Residence: Owns a 2 bedroom apartment in Marco Island, overlooking the esplanade and smokehouse bay. A few doors down from Mango’s Dockside Bistro.
Physical Description:
Tara is a rock chick! Mid length burgundy hair, side part. She has a small diamond stud on the side of her nose and a large dragon tattoo on right upper arm. She is slim, attractive, large green eyes like her Dad’s, oval shaped face, high cheek bones, creamy skin. She mostly dresses in black tank tops and blue jeans although she knows how to dress up when the occasion arises.
Relationship Status: Single, although the drummer in her band, Kurt, would go out with her in a second.  They have a sort of love hate relationship.
Relationship to her parents and sisters:Tara adores her family and can’t stand her sister’s husband, Nathan. He’s a cheater and she knew this from the moment she set eyes on him.  She is very close to her Mum and Dad. She loves her sister, Amy and is protective of her, she is potty over her niece, Sophie. She adores her nutty baby sister, Katie and she thinks the world of her crazy Aunt Ella.
Educational Background: Graduated high school then went to college where she earned a degree in Performing Arts.
Occupation: Singer in an original/cover band, singing teacher.
Current socioeconomic background: She owns a nice 2 bedroom apartment. It’s a struggle and she refuses to take money from her well off parents. She owns a sangria red Ford Focus her dad bought her for her 21^st birthday. It’s now 7 years old and still in pristine condition.
Mannerismsm, Habbits, likes and dislikes: Singing is her life and her main focus. She doesn’t like bigots. She has an awesome stage presence and knows how to move her body with attitude. She’s addicted to coffee. She loves meze and tappas and a good wine or beer. She’s has a habit of pulling her hair back from her face.
Childhood Background: Tara had a brilliant childhood. The best parents you could ask for. She was always encouraged to follow her dreams and find her passion. She was very close to her sister, Amy growing up. There is only 1 year between them and she’s always been the stronger one, there to protect her and cheer her up if she was down. She was 13 when Katie came along and very maternal with her. Katie always makes her laugh.
Health: Excellent health. Tara jogs every morning, stops for her favourite coffee, she attends a gym 3 times a week and swims in Mom and Dad’s pool at every opportunity.
Basic Personality: Tara is very focused, ambitious and determined. She’s passionate about her life and enjoys the company of other people. She motivates people to follow their passion and is admired and looked up to. She is charming and charismatic and people are drawn to her. She loves the rock lifestyle but frowns on its excesses – no drugs, doesn’t smoke. She does enjoy a drink, a light buzz, but always needs to be in control.
Beliefs: Tara is very open. She believes her Aunt Ella has amazing intuition, but isn’t 100% convinced about her ‘gift’. She is interested in the music and culture of American Indians, particularly the now extinct Calusa Indians and she dabbles a little in feng shui.
How is Tara different at the end of the novel: Tara has a lot of doubts about her ability to succeed in the music industry. She also has a lot of perseverance. Her resolve is much stronger by the end of the novel – she learns to never give up and never to think ‘this is your last chance’.

• In what situations is she most comfortable? On stage
• In what situations is she least comfortable? She struggles a little with criticism
• What does she feel is her best physical feature? Her hair and eyes
• What does she feel is her worst physical feature? She thinks her chin is too long and her lips are too thin.
• How would she describe herself in one sentence? I am here to create beautiful music, to love and to learn.
• What frightens her? She is a bit of a commitment phobe because she’s had boyfriends in the past who have resented her dedication to music. She won’t give up what she loves for a man. She also fears being worthless…she needs to feel needed and and she needs to achieve.
• Does she have any secrets? No, she’s an open book.
• Is she a morning person? No, she rarely rises before 9am and she doesn’t have to.
• Does she exercise? Yes, jogging, gym, swimming and rocking out under hot lights.
• Eat a big breakfast? No, she downs fresh orange juice, followed by coffee…and more coffee.
• Her favourite scent: Poison – she loves the musky smell, the strength and the fact that it lasts all day/night.
• Most common expressions? Bangin’, On the money, later, cool, babe, hanging, ditch, gotta hustle, nuke,

So there you have it! You can make your character profiles as detailed or brief as you like. I think the sample above sits somewhere in the middle which works for me as I always add more depth during the actual writing process.

For more information on this topic, including a handy ‘Character Profile Worksheet’, go to this section of www.writerswrite.com.

Take care all, Viv x