The Book of Sese

Character-Building Workshop

So, here's another chapter to help you all with your writing. This time, I'm mostly going to focus on character building.

Every character must be unique and different from your other ones. Now, I'm going to list off some character traits and character flaws that you guys can use to help you in making your characters.

Character Traits (just off the top of my head):
• shy
• awkward
• cruel
• timid
• introverted
• extroverted
• mean
• sassy
• obedient
• quiet
• naive
• empathetic
• kindhearted
• deceiving
• intelligent
• cocky
• rude
• arrogant
• messy
• sweet
• stubborn
• mysterious
• strict
• talented
• weak
• trusting
• touchy
• strong
• spoiled
• immature
• loyal
• mature
• jealous
• exciteable
• encouraging
• easygoing
• reserved
• disinterested
• blunt
• conceited
• self-centered
• calm
• cool
• lonely
• silly
• loving
• sneaky
• sly
• collected
• happy
• energetic
• depressed
• strategic
• adventurous
• humorous
• curious
• daring
• cowardly
• respectful
• eager
• dark
• ambitious
• annoying
• selfish
• considerate
• decisive
• cooperative
• obnoxious
• selfless
• grouchy
• charming
• pessimistic
• confident
• careless
• skeptical
• hopeful
• doubtful
• honest
• inconsiderate
• harsh
• cheerful
• optimistic
• trustworthy
• brave
• cautious
• untrustworthy
• suspicious
• bossy
• anxious
• dutiful
• disrespectful
• dependable
• boring
• demanding
• fair
• gloomy
• graceful
• foolish
• glamorous
• friendly
• unapproachable
• greedy
• gentle
• witty
• sarcastic
• fierce
• distant
• sociapathic
• psychopathic
• strong-willed
• push-over
• fearless
• clumsy
• rich
• secretive
• independent
• lazy

Some of them are synonyms for each other, but I listed them anyways to give you different choices of words to use.

Now, onto charcater flaws (also just off the top of my head):
• have a phobia of some sort
• clumsy
• can't accept compliments
• can't commit to relationships
• terrible sense of direction
• can dish it out but can't take it
• can't love
• absent-minded
• spacey
• addictive behaviors (alcohol, gambling, etc.)
• not open-minded
• acts before thinking
• bad habits (biting nails, chewing hair, etc.)
• god complex
• pathological liar
• anxiety disorder
• extreme paranoia
• envious/jealous
• being a huge flirt
• humorless
• having unrealistic ideals and goals
• being ignorant
• lazy
• reckless
• can't make friends easily
• looks unapproachable but isn't
• obsessed with something or someone
• manipulative
• meddlesome
• two-faced

I typically pick between 4 and 5 character traits and 1 and 2 character flaws for each character when I'm creating mine, but of course you can have more. Although you don't want to cram too much into one character.

I hope this list helps you guys in making your characters unique and different.