Pick up a few ‘How To’ for writers books and you’ll find various opinions about characterisation. Some experts tell you that a name is enough others want you to complete full character profiles.

Do you really need a full three-page bio on your character?

No.

Do you need to know how your character looks and is likely to behave in certain situations?

Yes.

Figure out the bare minimum and start writing.

It’s easy to get bogged down in the nitty-gritty details of each character before you start writing the book but it’s unnecessary. Stick to the basics and then add what is necessary as you write your story and discover more about your character.

Having trouble trying to figure out how your character looks like?

Try Google Images.

Google Images will save you time and frustration. Once you find the person that looks like the character you’re imagining for your story you can pin it to your storyboard and refer to it whenever you need a description or need to get into the character’s mindset.

Images will make your life easier and you can picture the face each time you write it, bringing you closer to the character you are writing about.

TIP: Find a suitable image for your character online. Keep it in your file and glance at it whenever you’re writing a scene with that character. Do this for both your protagonist and antagonist as well as any secondary characters. Being able to picture your characters might help you with your story and it will keep your descriptions accurate throughout your book, reducing your chance of giving the character blue eyes at the beginning and brown at the end.

Don’t bog yourself down into too much detail though. That’s called procrastination. Procrastination will prevent you from writing the story and getting your book out there. Stick to the basics and take notes as you write. You can fill in the gaps as you go.

Your Character Profile Cheat Sheet

Here’s a list of the main character details that may prove useful when you start writing. These aren’t mandatory. It’s your story. Use what is required to get started and start writing rather than stressing about your characters star sign or hair colour.

• Name:
• Age:
• Occupation:
• Family:
• Likes:
• Dislikes:
• Best friend:
• Worst enemy:
• Main Motivation:
• Main Obstacle:

Check out a PDF version here –> Character Profile Cheat Sheet

TIP: Include a mini character profile for all your characters, even if they are just walk on. It doesn’t have to be major, just a short sentence or description.

As you go you can fill in the blanks. Remember this isn’t set in stone. You can modify it along the way. Characters are funny in that they don’t always turn out the way you planned them.

My character Lexi was initially a weak one that was meant to grow through the novel and find herself. But the writing was torture and the story wasn’t going anywhere. As soon as I toughened her up, a more interesting story emerged. She’s still growing just in a different way.

How much you know about your characters also depends on the type of story you are writing.

Some books are plot driven. Others are character driven. Some are a combination of the two. Only you will know what’s necessary for your story.

The most important thing is to get started and stop trying to get it perfect.

Perfection is overrated. You will only learn with the more you write and the more you create.

TIP: Make sure you give all your characters strengths and weaknesses otherwise to make it easier for your readers to relate to them.

What makes a character memorable?

It’s not their hair colour (unless it’s bright pink on a district attorney). Is it the way they speak? Maybe it’s how they find endearing qualities in every person they meet?

There’s no one size fits all. The only thing your character has to fit is your story.

Need a little extra help, here’s a book that ought to have a permanent spot in your home/Kindle library.

Don’t have a Kindle? You can get one delivered to your door!
Kindle Paperwhite E-reader – Black, 6″ High-Resolution Display (300 ppi) with Built-in Light, Wi-Fi – Includes Special Offers

How much do you know about your characters? Do you write up long or short character profiles or maybe none at all?

*This post contains affiliate links.