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The key to creating great characters is to know your character. When you know the characters you create, the more real they are to your readers. The best ways to get to know your characters are writing detailed character sketches. These sketches should include background information, journaling as your characters, and a complete personality assessment. It is much easier than one might think. Writers are told that less is more and to keep it simple. That is good advice for the the actual piece your are writing. However, when it comes to character creation, there can't be too much and more is always better. This is not the time to keep it simple.

Background information should start they day the character was born up to the end at where your writing begins. Typical biographical information should be included such as when and where they were born, a brief history of their parents and siblings, and events in their life they think are important. Education is a major factor in who people are and how they are perceived by others, so be sure to include that. The education background of a character will also help you develop believable dialogue through patterns of speech. Writing a brief resume' or work history can be helpful. Writing a letter to your character from a life-long friend is a good way to get to know them better, as well. No one knows an individual's quirks like a best friend who has loved and tolerated them. No detail is too small. It may not come out in your writing in an obvious way, but everything that has ever happened to that character has helped them to develop into who they are.

Journaling as your characters is a key to getting to know them. Topics to include are fears, dreams, bad habits, most embarrassing moment, biggest achievement and so forth. As a writer, journaling is more a stream of conscience form of writing, but using topics can help you not to confuse yourself with your characters. Of course, pull information from your own life and those around you, but be certain you are journaling as your character. Take notice of repetitious themes. There is a reason your character keeps going back to something. Figure out what that reason is.

The complete personality assessment seems more daunting than it should. Not many of us are psychologists. It doesn't have to be as formal as that. A tool that is useful are the quizzes, found online and in magazines. Simply take them as your character and see what the results are. Take notes of those results and keep them in mind as your characters live their lives in your writing. It may prove to be important in your writing that your character's dream date is George Clooney or Reese Witherspoon and that they see themselves as the color green. It may sound silly, but as you write it will all fall into place.

Real, believable characters are the most important part of your writing. The plot or storyline may be flimsy, but if your reader loves and/or hates your characters, they are more inclined to keep reading. To make them real and believable, they must first be that to you, their creator. Character sketches that include background information, journaling as your characters, and complete personality assessments are key to creating great characters.

Learn more about this author, Emma Riley Sutton.
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