Character Map by BitterEpiphany

Characterizations are vital and difficult.  It is extremely important that you know everything about, not only your OC's, but everyone you write.  It's advisable to fill these forms out for any of your main characters (obviously staying true to canon) Why? Consistency.  Not only imperative to good writing as it shows dedication to your task, it also lends itself to making your characters real. Realism: Filling out a character form, even if you never refer back to it, will give you a full understanding of your characters every intimate detail which makes it infinitely easier to write their mannerisms and speech patterns. Detail  How can you give a character detail if you don't know it?  Providing these details, at the right times of course, will give your characters not only realism, but draw the readers into their lives.  Allowing them to know everything about a character will make it easier for the reader to "get into their head." (click here to learn more on offering descriptions without boring people to death) That said, following is a form filled with details you should know about your character.  It is advisable to give longer answers rather than shorter ones.  For instance, if your character's favorite food is meatloaf - explain why.  Is it because it was the last meal served before their favorite aunt died?  These little stories allow you to get 'inside the mind.' I have filled out a copy of this form based on one of my OC's, Alexis Vogel.  I would recommend reading through it and making yours equally detailed.  If you are having problems determining what is important and what isn't, or you're finding you don't know the answers to these questions - fill the form out as though you were filling it out for yourself.  You need to be able to produce these details about your characters as quickly as you can for yourself. Parentage: Name: (Generator)      - nickname      - name meaning Age:      - birth date Wand: (Generator) Spouse: Parents Mom - (Generator) Dad - (Generator) Age Birth date Appearance Dead/Alive Lineage (Blood Type) Location Living Arrangement Age Birth date Appearance Dead/Alive Lineage (Blood Type) Location Living Arrangement Siblings: ..add more blocks where needed Brother - (Generator) Sister - (Generator) Age Birth date Appearance Dead/Alive Lineage (Blood Type) Location Living Arrangement Age Birth date Appearance Dead/Alive Lineage (Blood Type) Location Living Arrangement Extended Family: (grandparents and relevant aunts, uncles, and cousins) Appearance: (Generator - Female - Male) Hair Color: Hair Length: Eye Color & Shape: Height: Body Type: Nails (Long, Short, Painted?): Make Up (Yes/No?) Favorite Outfit Distinguishing Characteristics: Skills: Academic/Career Skills: Least Favorite Thing To Do: # of OWL's (include subjects): # of NEWT's (include subjects): Things Your Character Is Not Very Good At: School: (Generator) Special Skills: Interests: Favorites: Food:      Breakfast      Lunch      Dinner      Snack      Beverage      Dessert      Candy/Sweet Book Pet Activity Color Form of "Lazy" Entertainment Flower Spell Color Ink Quill Broomstick: Friends: Living Arrangement: Please describe your characters living arrangement.  Where do they live.  Is it a house, a mansion, a flat? Are they messy?  Do they live with other people? What are some of their favorite things about the place? Their least favorite?  What kind of sheets do they have on their bed? What color are the walls? How many rooms are there? Please be as detailed as you can be. Write at least 200 words. Describe Your Character: Describe your character in 500 words or more.  This should be written as though it was the character speaking.  Go farther than their clothing choices and whether or not they are pretty - really dive into who they are.  The entry need not be self abasing or promoting, it simply needs to be a description.

Have something you'd like to add? Send an e-mail to bitterepiphany[at]harrypotterfanfiction[dot]com