Character Sketch

Exercise: Working on our own Characterization Skills

• First, pick a local setting: imagine that place, and what detail you need to clarify setting. Write down:  1. One sound that takes precedence.  2. One image that your character might turn their attention to at some point.  3. A smell a character might notice in this place

• Second, chose the plot point. Write down: 1. Why are they at this place? 2. Are they here with someone, alone, etc.?

• Third, provide the physical description:  1. Gender, height, age, skin tone, body type.  2. One to two body parts that represent this personal’s overall character well.

• Fourth, how does your character react to having to come to this place? Write down the one main thought that comes into your characters brain.

• Fifth, what is your character’s favorite word or phrase? Write this down.

• Sixth, how does your character act in public, around people? Write down: 1. What is his or her physical reaction the first time they meet someone.  2. How do they react to someone they dislike? 3. What is their main defense mechanism for dealing with conflict?

• Seventh, imagine a second, minor character that your character does not like! Write down only their name and the main reason they have a problem with this person.

• Eight, now you can spend time focusing on crafting your character and how you want readers to see them by using the above information to draft a brief scene (around 2-3 paragraphs?) …