Characterization: Traits & Self-Perception

Posted: November 18, 2017/By: achristay@aol.com

More tips about Characterization: Traits & Self-Perception

Some of the most important aspects of characterization include in depth development of your characters traits and self-perception.

When authors speak of traits, sometimes we stop at hair, eye, skin and skin color. It’s important to take an in depth look at more specific traits. It’s also important to know why or why not your character perceives themselves or the reason for their traits.

TRAITS:

Optimist or pessimist: Why?
Introvert or extrovert: Why?
Drives and motivations:
Talents:
Extremely skilled at:
Extremely unskilled at:
Good characteristics:
Character flaws:
Mannerisms:
Peculiarities:
Biggest regret:
Minor regrets:
Biggest accomplishment:
Minor accomplishments:
Character’s darkest secret:
Does anyone else know?
If yes, did character tell them?
If no, how did they find out?

How do your characters perceive themselves? Can you put your characters perception of themselves into one word? Sometimes I find this difficult and with some characters it’s easy.

An author can also use these characterization headings to write a more descriptive and interesting blurb.

SELF-PERCEPTION:

One word CHARACTER would use to describe self:
One paragraph description of how CHARACTER would describe self:
What does CHARACTER consider best physical characteristic?
What does CHARACTER consider worst physical characteristic?
Are these realistic assessments?
If not, why not?
How CHARACTER thinks others perceive him/her:
What four things would CHARACTER most like to change about self? (#1 most
important, #2 second most important, etc.)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Why?
If change #1 was made, would character be as happy as s/he thinks?
If not, why not?

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