Everyone has there own way of making character sheets, whether you include them in stories, or just keep them as personal references. Some deem the looks more of a top priority than the skills or hobbies. Most include the “Likes and Dislikes” tab while others forgo it altogether. For describing how to analyze character sheets, I will be using my own personal template as an example.
Character sheets aren’t needed. If you include it, it’s usually the first sign of underdevelopment.
That’s not necessarily true. Lots of people make character sheets whether if it’s as simple as the name, age, and looks, and others make it more complex, but they’re used to help the author keep the facts straight while writing the story. It’s when people post the character sheets online that people make a big deal over it. When people put up the character sheet in the first page, what usually happens is that the author doesn’t take the time to introduce or describe the character, especially when there’s a picture in the biography. The authors end up thinking that the character sheet is a substitute for description. However, if you make a character sheet and take the time to introduce and describe the character as needed, there isn’t a problem with having a character sheet published (there are some sites like Fiction Press and Fanfiction.net that explicitly state that character sheets aren’t allowed though). Some people like looking at them, and some don’t. For those that don’t like seeing them, just skip it—don’t automatically assume that the story is going to be poorly written.
Below is the kind of character sheet I use along with what each tab means. I write all of the information as if the storyline hasn't been started yet because things can change at any time while writing it, and the only use for a character sheet is to keep the basic facts about the character straight. I also don’t write what’s going to happen in the story because there are some things that can be told, more accurately, through the story telling. Character sheets aren’t accurate indicators of Mary-Sueism because you also need to read the actual story for the plot, and need to view the writing style itself. It’s not all about the characters, but they are good to view to see if the creator has plans for development for the character, and whether or not the character fits into the universe. This can work for the main characters, supporting characters and the minor characters if one wishes to.
Character Sheet Template
“The Title of the Story” (If you don’t have a permanent title, than either put whatever you have, or ‘Untitled’)
Universe: If fanfiction, what series? Is it an alternate universe or a crossover? If Original or alternate universe, 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.
(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.
(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 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 can be applied here.
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