Character Development

Creating a character’s “bone structure” from Lajos Egri’s ‘The Art of Dramatic Writing’
Determine then write down the following characteristics of your chosen character. You need not fill in every category, but try to complete as many as possible. Many of these characteristics might never be stated in your story, but your awareness of them will shape how your character behaves in many situations, and may ultimately shape the story’s outcome.
Physical Characteristics:

1) Sex
2) Age
3) Height and weight
4) Posture
5) Overall appearance
6) Unusual Physical characteristics such as birthmarks, tattoos, unusual coloring or disabilities.

Social Characteristics

1) Socioeconomic class
2) Occupation and attitude toward their work
3) Education and educational ability
4) Home life: Parents status and influence on character; character’s own personal relationships or lack of them
5) Religious Orientation
6) Race/ethnicity
7) Place in the community
8) Political affiliations
9) Personal Interests

Psychological Characteristics

1) Sexual and moral standards
2) Personal ambitions
3) Key frustrations or disappointments
4) Attitude toward life
5) Fears, Inhibitions, Superstitions, Obsessions
6) Extroverted? Introverted?
7) Special abilities
8) Special personal qualities
9) Intelligence