The Most Common Questions Writers Have, Answered

Do You Have a Character Outline Template? How Do You Create Characters?

BASIC INFORMATION

This is the most basic information about my character, mostly so that it's easy to file: fandom-title-character.

UNIVERSE: If fan fiction, what series? Is it an alternate universe or a crossover? If Original or alternate universe or a crossover, which of these universes is it:

(I) The Real-World: a story based on strictly of the real-world universe. It can take place in the past, present, or future provided there is thorough research on technology, politics, economy, etc. Having odd hair, eye and skin color are not allowed here, unless there are dyes and colored contacts, or unless everyone has odd hair, eye or skin color for artistic and aesthetic reasons (like anime).

(II) The Real-World Plus: a story based on the Real-World universe, but contains supernatural forces, like the existence of aliens, vampires, ghosts, or faeries, etc., or the available use of magic. Having odd hair, eye and skin color are not allowed here, unless there are dyes and colored contacts, or unless everyone has odd hair, eye or skin color for artistic and aesthetic reasons(like anime).

(III) Alternate: while all or most of the physics laws remain unbroken, it's not the Real-World universe. This would include worlds like from The Lord of the Rings, by Tolkien, or Ender's Game, by Scott Card. The use of magic or the existence of otherworldly creatures can apply here. Naturally odd hair, eye, and skin color in only a few characters instead of everyone can also be applied here.

(IV) Complete Fiction: stuff that is mostly or completely implausible, compared to the Real-Life universe, but makes for a good story. This includes most cartoons or anime like Bleach, by Kobe or Demon Diary, by Lee Yun Hee, but it's only the more far-fetched or extreme plots. Some anime and manga would belong to the other universes. Storm Hawks would belong here too. Naturally odd hair, eye, and skin color in only a few characters instead of everyone can also be applied here.

Describe a little of the setting: time period, what's the main news (war, famine, etc.), is it the normal Real-World universe? What's different from the normal Real-World universe, if there's a difference? Is abnormal hair and eye color normal?

If I can't figure out what universe my story takes place in, I take the mini test below, and I can just explain what is normal and what isn't.

TITLE: Title and link of the story this character takes place in, if applicable.

NAME: Name of my character, including nicknames or aliases. If the nicknames aren't an obvious shortening of the full name, such as "Mike" for "Michael", then a short story of how the name came to be can also be included. If the universe takes place in the historical past, then make sure the name fits the time period (or as close as can be).

I. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

This section physically describes my character. I may include images, but I put more focus on my written description. I have listed some suggestions in the next chapter, but, if you decide to use my template in some way, you by no means need to be that detailed.

ETHNICITY/NATIONALITY/SPECIES: Ethnicity refers to ancestry, cultural heritage, and tribes. Nationality refers to citizenship of a country. Species refers to whether the character is a human or some other humanoid species.

AGE/BIRTHDATE: Age and date the character was born. If the character is immortal, and have been alive for thousands of years, the exact date or number may not be applicable or necessary. A rough estimate of an age, whether as a number or as an appearance, is also acceptable.

HAIR: Color, texture, and usual style. Does the style ever change?

BODY: Height, body shape, skin-tone, hands, feet, biological sex, natural anomalies (moles, freckles, etc.), unnatural anomalies (piercing, scars, tattoos, etc.), and whatever else that's applicable.