How do you do a character study/sketch?

Question

Many writers, before they write their story they do a character study or sketch to help them come up with ideas for their story. I'm not 100% clear on what a character sketch or character study exactly is. How long should it be? Can you please explain?

Answer 1

There isn't a prescribed length... basically just enough info to make the character more rounded. It can be as brief or detailed as you like. They usually contain physical attributes, personality, a little bit of history...

What I do is nab personality surveys that float around various blogs and other websites, then fill them in from the POV of the character. This method also sometimes helps by prompting additional plot points.

Answer 2

as much as you like..

I always start with the appearance, age, gender, name.. etc. first.. then go into their home.. keep building.. friends, pets, jobs, schooling.. personality.. favorite color.. I generally have seperate pages for any other characters .. even sometimes for the location or the house if I feel like it.. I enjoy doing character sketches almost more than writing.. If you are torn about something.. do it l ike you would for a D&D character.. write down six different traits.. (for example.. hair color 1= brown, 2=blonde, 3= red, 4= black 5= red w/ black streaks,6= green... ) then roll a die and whichever number it is.. that's what you add on there..

Doing these sketches gets you more in tune with your character.. you know everything about them.. even if it doesn't all get used in the story.. you may use the character later.. and it would be really easy to find the info..

Answer 3

If you're going to create a character, give him/her a whole life, complete with family members, schools, friends, neighbors, likes/dislikes - everything you can think of. You should always know more about your characters than a reader ever will. More than enough to give them life.