Character Development

I'm sorry, but you're going to endure this random rant before we get to the point. You should be used to this by now.

I don't understand when people text type. I mean, I get saving space cause phones are dumb and limit your letter count. But words like "what" ....... I mean seriously?

Friend: "Why do you use the word 'wat' instead of 'what' when texting?"
Guy: "Because it's faster."

Friend: "Uh......... there's like one extra letter. Is it really that much faster to leave out the h?"

No. It's not. You are saving no time whatsoever. 

If you had like, one finger, then I could understand you leaving out the H. 

But you don't. You have all ten of your phalanges.

There is no excuse. 

That is a 100% true story, BTW.

OKAY. Now let's talk about character development. This is something that I've gotten more than one question about. 

First of all, I have a character outline here: http://deenashoemaker.blogspot.com/2011/03/plot-outline-template.html

So that will help you get started, for sure. BUT. What do you do after that?

Well, if you're J.K. Rowling (yes, we're talking about Harry Potter again, get over it) then you would know everything about them. You would know their family tree, their parents stories, and possibly even their children's. Whether any of them show up in the book or not. 

It's also a good idea to get interview questions and answer them from your characters point of view. I'm not going to lie, I went to e-harmony and copied down all their questions. That's one of the best ways ever to get to know your character. Legit. 

Here are a few to get you started:

1. Looking back on your life, of what are you most proud?

2. What is the one dream for your life you most look forward to having come true?

3. During a typical week, what sort of physical activities do you enjoy?

4. What is the most adventuresome thing you’ve done in the past year?

5. How big is your extended family? What are the holidays like for you and your family?

6. What is the most spontaneous thing you have ever done?

Here's the whole list: http://eharmony-blog.com/102

Personally, I have a notebook for each book I write. 

In them, I mark a couple pages for each character, no matter how big or small. 

Bigger characters I leave about 2 or 3 pages, front and back. Smaller characters typically only get 1 page front and back. 

On these, write down everything you need to know. 

Or don't need to know. 

Heck, my notebooks include every scar and freckle on each character.

Go overboard. 

It's better that you know everything about them. 

The chances of inconsistency is much lower when you do.

Happy writing,