100 Original character questions

100 questions for your Original Character

The first thing I like to do when creating a new character is to fill out a questionnaire.
I like to imagine myself as the character I'm writing, to see how they might answer these questions.
It sounds a bit weird, but I find it helps me to understand them better.
1) Full name:
2) Meaning of their name: (origins, meaning)
3) Where are they from?
4) Parents?
5) Gender:
6) Age:
7) Do they look their age?
8) What do they look like? (Imagine their face and the way their face might change when speaking, body type)
9) Why do they wear their hair like that?
(Appearance can be more than just their hair and eye colour, don't be afraid to venture out and explore the details of their faces. This can really help with getting familiar with your character.)
10) Do they wear makeup?
11) Favourite colours:
12) Favourite clothing: (Why do they dress like that? What would they wear for casual and formal occasions?)
13) Job: (do they enjoy their job currently?)
14) Dream job:
15) What are their interests?
16) How do they entertain themselves?
17) How do they relax?
18) Who do they look up to?
19) What kind of music do they listen to? (Favourite singers / bands?)
20) What are their favourite Movies?
21) What TV Shows do they enjoy?
22) What genres of fiction do they enjoy?
23) Favourite celebrities? Fictional characters?
24) If they read, what do they read?
25) Favourite books?
26) Think about what their voice might sound like.
(Think about voices you've heard in real life, do any of them compare to your character?)
27) How confident do they sound when speaking?
28) Are they more outspoken or quiet?
29) Do they have an accent, how strong is it?
30) What phrases are they likely to use in everyday conversation? (speech patterns can reflect on their personality.)
31) Have they got anything to hide?
32) What are their deepest darkest secrets? (Something they haven't shared with anybody)
33) What would happen if their secret was to get out ?
34) How do they cope in large crowds?
35) Do they take the elevator or the stairs?
36) Do they have any medical conditions? Physical or mental?
37) How does the confusion affect their daily life?
38) Any allergies?
39) Do they have any scars, and where did they get them from?
40) What is their general attitude toward other people?
41) How do they cope with confrontation? (What lengths do they go through to avoid this?)
42) Who are they friends and acquaintances with?
43) Who are their closest friends?
44) How do they know them?
45) What makes them happiest?
50) What possessions do they treasure?
51) What seemingly insignificant items are special to them?
52) When presented with a big problem, do they panic?
53) Who's the first person they call when in trouble?
54) Who do they love / care for the most?
55) If they were to receive news that that special person has died, how do they react?
56)What frightens them, and why?
57) Childhood fears?
58) Have they lived through any traumatic experiences?
59) If so, how did this affect them later on?
60) Do they cry often? (What is likely to make them cry?)
61) Are they addicted to anything?
62) How often do they use their phone?
63) What is their sexuality?
64) Who is their ideal partner?
65) Is there anyone special in their life?
67) How do they behave around them?
68) How do they feel about relationships?
69) Who are they scared of?
70) Do they have a family? Are they close?
71) Do they have siblings? (Do they stay in touch?)
72) Where do they live? (Do they like it there?)
73) Do they live alone, or with others?
74) What are they saving up to buy?
75) When is their birthday?
76) What is written on the top of their Christmas list?
77) What are they like with money? (Are the responsible?)
78) Are they liked by others? (What do people like and dislike about him?)
79) Who are their enemies?
80) What are their flaws?
81) What are their strengths?
82) Do they get on well with kids? (Do kids like them?)
83) What is their relationship with exercise, sports, the gym, etc.?
84) What do they dislike about themselves? (What would they change?)
85) They see someone accidentally drop money from their pocket, do they take it for themselves or give it back?
86) What are their favourites foods? (Do they prefer sweet or salty?)
87) Do they prefer tea or coffee?
88) How much milk/cream and sugar do they take?
89) Can they cook?
90) How often do they invite people over?
91) What are their nightly and morning routines?
92) Are they an early bird or a night owl?
93) How do they see themselves?
94) What is the first thing other people notice about them?
95) Do they like animals? (Favourite animals? Pets?)
96) What nicknames do other people have for them? (This can range from friendly pet names to bullying)
97) What is their life long dream?
98) What is their biggest achievement?
99) How do they die? Who are they with?
100) Were they satisfied with their life? What did they regret?