Post by Isaac Khalor on Oct 10, 2008 14:19:17 GMT -5
Tips
[/size][/center]Having trouble making a unique and creative character? Hopefully these tips can help get you started.[/blockquote]
- The character's name. A name is more important than you probably think. A great website to find names is www.babynames.com where you can search names by origin, letter, and even meaning. As for surnames, the last name, also not nearly as complicated as you may think. A great website for surnames is www.surnamefinder.com. Try to be creative and unique with the character's name: you're going to be stuck with it for your whole stay here. Find something catchy and might even make people think twice about it, about it's origin.
- Fears, likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses can all be very difficult to come up with: this is always by biggest struggle. You may influence these by your own interests and dislikes, however, if the character is completely opposite of you: then do it opposite. Something you like, they hate, etc. But... that doesn't always work. So think about some of these questions. Does your character like swimming? Does your character like doing outdoor activities? Is your character active? Would your character rather be indoors cooking than climbing a tree? Would your character rather have their nose in a book instead of hanging out with their friends? Does your character like to ride horses? Does your character like flying? Is your character afraid of heights?
- Appearances... I don't particular enjoy doing these, but they are necessary. However difficult they may be, remember your character is not perfect: that is key. So let's see if you can answer some of these questions to help get you started... What color is his/her hair? What color eyes does she/he have? Is your character's skin tan, pale, or neutral (for likes and dislikes, does your character like the sun?)? Is your character fat, thin, athletic, muscular, super skinny, a little overweight, chubby, large, tall, short, and/or small? Does your character have a heart shaped face, a round face, or a narrow face? Nice teeth, or a bit crooked? Does your character have any scars or other distinguishable marks?
- The Personality can also be influenced greatly from the likes and dislikes, but I'm not looking for those in paragraph form. Again, let's have you answer some questions. Does your character have a lot of friends? Is he/she shy or outspoken? Is s/he dominant or submissive? Is your character easily motivated or does s/he need a bit more persuasion? Does your character value friendship and family, or does s/he isolate her/himself most of the time? Is s/he a bookworm or a socializer? Kind, sweet, devilish, wicked, brave, strong, intelligent, clever? Self-indulged or low-confidence? How would your character react in these types of situations: someone hurt you ; someone hurt your friends and/or family ; someone was bullying you ; someone is hitting on you ; someone is asking you out on a date ; someone wants to kiss you ; somebody wants your body not your personality ; somebody wants help with homework ; someone betrayed you ; somebody is your best friend and you trust them ; somebody is your worst enemy and you hate them ; you are in love
- History... we've all gone through it before and if it weren't for this small bit, you wouldn't be where you are today. Sometimes history makes up who your character is and their personality, maybe even appearance. Let's see if you can get started by answering these questions: When was your character born? What family members does s/he have? Are they all still alive? Do you get along with your family? Does s/he value family and childhood friendship? What was his/her childhood like, growing up in a magical prejudice world? What was his/her first magical experience? Does his/her family accept him/her completely? Has your character ever gone through depression or a moment of complete and utter bliss? If your character has already gone to Hogwarts at least once, what was that like? How did it change your character's life?
Your character should have faults and fun little quirks. Don't make them perfect, we don't want any Mary or Gary-sues, they aren't fun and really... pathetic, for lack of a better word. This list will be updated every once in a while as more tips come to mind.
