If you’re having a hard time figuring out the voice of your character and fleshing out his or her personality, try outline brainstorming. Complete the following information, but write it as if you are that character.
Immediate Family (complete for each character):
What are the names, ages, and birthdays of your family members?
Are they living?
Do they live with you?
What do they look like?
What are they like?
Extended Family (complete for each character):
What are the names, ages, and birthdays of your family members?
Are they living?
Do they live with you?
What do they look like?
What are they like?
You:
What is your name? Age? Birthday? Appearance?
Do you have a nickname?
Do you think you are good-looking?
Is there anything about your appearance that sets you apart from other people?
What are you good at? Anything you’re really good at or oddly good at?
What are you not very good at/terrible at?
Do/Did you go to school? Do/Did you like school? What do/did you like best/least?
What is your career? What would you like to be your career?
What do you like to do in your free time?
What interests you?
What are your favorites?
Who are your friends and why? Do you have any enemies?
What are your living arrangements?
Describe Yourself (even if you’re rehashing some of the answers you already gave):
Amy Henrie Gillett 