Character INTER-LANDS

Type “character worksheets” into a search engine, and you’ll find hundreds of resources to develop your protagonist and other characters. Some of the worksheets are basic (name, age, hair color), and others are a series of thought-provoking questions: “When was the last time this person laughed? And at what?”

You might diligently fill in answers and start to write your story. Or you might begin to write your story until you feel blocked and then bring out the worksheets to explore character. Regardless of the timing of this work and the hours spent, it’s quite possible you will feel no closer to understanding your characters in any useful way than you did at the outset. Here’s why.

We are not alone in this world

It is a rare story that has a character utterly isolated. We? Think about the subtle differences that show up in your own personality as you spend time with one person and then with another. Or in a changing situation or different place: consider “vacation you” versus “workplace you.”