Character Sketch Template

Whenever you set out to write a story, what you need to first understand is who or what your story is based upon. The protagonist, or an important character in the story that complements the role of the protagonist requires a detailed description, so that the reader can form a mental image of this person while reading. All readers need an anchor while reading in order to remain in the flow of the story. There has to be something about the protagonist or a supporting character that makes a reader want to know about her/him. Let us take Harry Potter as a character for instance. There are so many aspects to his personality, so much of his background, and intricate details from his childhood to this current status that have been maintained throughout the seven books that are a part of the series. Similarly, the supporting characters Ron and Hermione also have very prominent roles in the book, and very distinct personalities, in spite of which they are all best friends.

The best way to write a character sketch is to consider all such aspects that would affect the character and the story so that it unwinds beautifully. It is a good idea to draw inspiration from such strong characters in a book. Remember, the keyword here is 'inspire' not 'copy'. A distinct personality of the character you are trying to create is what you should build upon, so that it is memorable. Another great example of such a memorable character is Howard Roark of 'The Fountainhead'. The mere introduction of this character is gripping and makes the reader want to hang on to every word that follows in the book. Creating such strong characters takes time and a lot of thought, but if you do give it the necessary time, you will do justice to the eventual character that you bring to life. Here, we provide you a simple character sketch template that will help you create a rough character which you can keep refining in the process of writing.

Creating a Character with the Help of a Template

A template provides you guidelines that help you develop a character. Based on a variety of parameters, you can work on a character outline, and then base your story around any one such parameter. It is not necessary that your character has an important goal that should be fulfilled at the end of your story. It could be that your character has a habit that gets her/him in trouble, and the story is based around this one habit and all the incidents that occur as a result of it. Look at the template given here with an open mind, and outline your character. You may use this template even to create other supporting characters in your story. As mentioned earlier, you may refine the character as your story proceeds.

Basic Information about Character

Name: Age:

Physical Description

Height: (Tall, Short) Body Shape: (Large, Medium Frame, Tiny, Petite) Eye Color: Hair Color: Complexion: (Clear, Freckled) Prominent Scars, Marks, or Moles: Other Physical Features: (Buckteeth, Unibrow, Cleft in chin) Manner of Clothing: (Casual, Formal, Shabby)

Personality

Prominent Personality Trait: (Always ready to help, Always Scowling, Very Happy, Loud, Humble) Mannerisms: (Body Language, Always on Guard, Animated) Temperament: (Happy, Sad, Expressionless, Funny, Angry) Intriguing Characteristics: (Why is she/he the protagonist?) Habits: (Bites Nails, Extremely Hygienic, Panics about Small Things) Talent(s): Hobbies: Role Model: Scenes/Events that Describe Personality Traits:

Family

Parent(s): (Mother, Father, Step-Father, Step-Mother, Adoptive Parents, Guardians) Sibling(s): (Brother, Sister, Step-Sibling) Cousin(s): Grandparent(s): (Grand) Uncle/Aunt:

Childhood

Place of Birth: Place where She/He Grew Up: School & Educational Background: Important Childhood Incidents: Relationship with Parents/Siblings: (Good, Talk just for the heck of it, Don't talk at all) Effects of These Incidents & Relationships on Present:

Friends & Acquaintances

Best Friend(s): (Name, Age, Characteristics) Classmates: Colleagues: Other Characters: (Assistant, Boss, Teacher, Principal)

Character's Goals

Main Goal: (Shoot to Fame, Open Restaurant, Seek Revenge, Unite with Love, No Goal) Other Smaller Goals: (Change Personality, Make more Friends, Lose Weight) Incidents that Affected Choice of Goal: Methods of Goal Achievement: Obstacles in Goal Achievement:

Hopefully this character sketch template has proven helpful to you, and you have been able to create a strong, inspiring character for your story. Good luck!