Veridical – definition: truthful : veracious : genuine

When creating characters we must remember to ensure that each character acts and responds true to their given personality. Character profiles are a good way of ‘getting to know’ our characters. Here are a few examples but obviously you can tailor make your own depending on your genre.

http://imaginingsofacreativewriter.blogspot.ca/2012/05/character-profile-sheet.html

http://ladyoffenn.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/phineas/

http://www.epiguide.com/ep101/writing/charchart.html

With such a guideline our characters become clearer. A lot of the details will never reach the pages of our manuscript but knowing our characters well makes for a more believable personality as they struggle through the trials and tribulations we subject them to. As most of you know I am a ‘free flow’ writer so everything is by the seat of my pants until the editing starts. This is where I find character flaws or great character traits that I can correct or build upon. My characters live with me during the writing process and usually lead me in directions I had never considered – I’m sure many of you can relate to that. As these personalities gain strength they become more ‘real’ and that is the moment their true selves appear.

Do you have any tips regarding character profiles or character building?