Writing Forum

Your program idea is a good one. It works for you because you understand it. Does it allow you to create a specific character though, or does it require some randomness?

I sometimes begin by asking myself what sort of character do I feel is necessary for the role. I draw up a quick and dirty character sketch without too much detail, then I ask myself what the least appropriate character would be for the role. That results in another Q+D sketch.

At this point, I sometimes look at both of these characters and then ask myself what would someone completely different to them (in all respects) would be like, and you guessed it, a Q+D sketch of them too.

So, now I have two or three characters, of which I know very little. They now have to audition for the part. I write a couple of scenes (for each of them) - same scenes, so they get an even shot at the role - and see which one is the most interesting. Sometimes the choice can be very definitely not the obvious one.

Having chosen a character, it's time to find out who they are, so I write some more scenes (none particularly relevant to the story), getting a handle on them. Once I know who they are, it's time to dive into backstory, to find out how they got to be that person.

Then there's the other method, which I have to admit is much more streamlined and appealing. The one when I just 'know' the character I need for a role. To make that person 3D, I simply give them siblings and nieces/nephews and old friends. If they're a major character, some backstory helps. If they're the MC, lots of backstory.