Character Concept Guide

A concept is an abstract idea or a general notion, so this guide does not cover all the
specifics that a character may or may not need. It does, however, give a basic start to
help organize characters  early on in a story without boxing them in too tightly. If too
many characters are too rigid at the start of a story, then you risk losing out on better
ideas or restrict your story’s potential growth. There are good reasons Why You
Should Avoid Knowing Your Characters Too Well, but it’s always smart to still have a
plan! Just stay flexible!

This guide is only for a basic concept and should be expanded by the writer for any
specifics that a story  may need.

Name: _______________

 Do they go by a nickname?
 Do they have any past names or aliases that they once used?

Age: _______________

 Do they look their age?

Gender: _______________

Occupation: _______________

 How do they feel about their occupation?

Goal(s): _______________

 How does it/they relate to the plot?

Physical appearance: _______________

 Hair color and texture, skin color and tone, defining features, makeup and/or
hair style, etc.
 Does their physical appearance reflect their personality, or parts of it?
 Keep a record of character description throughout the story to avoid
contradiction.
 Height: _______________
o Pay attention to height comparison if it comes up in the story. This site is
good for seeing where body parts will match up:
http://www.mrinitialman.com/OddsEnds/Sizes/compsizes.xhtml
 Weight: _______________
o This should be only noted in the level of detail that’s relevant to the
story. It may be more appropriate to list a general body type or a few
descriptors that you plan to use, rather than worry about specific
numbers. 
Basic personality: _______________

 How does personality affect their speech patterns? Include quotes from the story
as examples. 
 What is the difference between their external and internal personalities? For
example, a character may have an inclination to be rude that could be seen in the
way they think (internal), but they may project a friendlier personality because
they want to work on being kinder (external).
 Are there any large influences to their personality? For example, someone may
be shy around strangers but the life of a party with friends.

Relationships: _______________

 Rank their relationships from most favored person to least, only noting the
people who would matter for the story. It’s okay to have relative rank groups
instead of exact numbers. 
 What do they think/feel about each person?
 At what point do they consider someone to be a friend? Close friend?
 Keep a record of how relationships change through the story.

Background: _______________

 How does their background affect who they are in the story?
 Keep a record of all information given about backstory to avoid contradiction. 

Strengths: _______________

 How do they play into the story and affect the plot?

Weaknesses: _______________

 How do they play into the story and affect the plot?

Some extra questions to think about, particularly if the character has important story
focus, but aren’t necessary for all characters. Some of the questions may be applicable
to certain side characters anyway. (Feel free to add your own for your specific story!):

 How does that character feel about their age/weight/height/physical appearance?

 What is the character’s sexual and/or romantic preference?
 Does the character care about labels (for sexuality, gender, etc.), and if specific
labels come up, which ones will the story use?
 What would the character lie about and why?
 At what point, or during what occurrence, would they stand up for a stranger in a
public setting and why?
 What is their worst fear(s)?
 How adaptable are they to change?
 What would it take for them to feel loved and accepted?
 Do they have a plan for tomorrow? Next week? Next year?
  Do they care about what other people think of them, and if so, then to what
extent?
 How do they feel about their parents/guardians and why?

** Note that the guide should only be filled out in relation to the character’s role, and
information should not be forced onto the guide or to appear in the story itself. 

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