Who Are You, Random Character?

I've talked in the past about getting to know your characters and how this adds depth and believability to your story. For example, This post talks about personality.

However, just like people, the characters of your story have vastly ranging wants, likes, dislikes, needs, desires and so forth. These are what propel the story forward, and, in essence, give you a story to tell in the first place.

It is the job of the writer to know as much about the protagonist and the people who surround him as she possibly can. Without knowing the inner depths of the protagonist, the story will be flat and lifeless. For example; if you don't know how a character will react when they order a hamburger and instead receive a cheeseburger, that's a problem. What if she's lactose intolerant? What if cheeseburgers remind her of a dead relative and cause her to burst into tears? What if she yells at the waiter? What if she doesn't care and eats the cheeseburger as is? There are so many possibilities since all people react differently to situations. You need to know your characters before you run into situations like this in the story. For them to be believable and for them to truly be relatable people, you need to keep them consistently unique.

I know this is a daunting task. When they first appear, characters are random people who have crossed paths with you. And you don't simply walk up to a random person and know everything about them. You barely know how your best friend is going to react sometimes.

Other than writing out a few practice scenes and having conversations with them in your head, try some pen-to-paper exercises that will help you better get to know your characters.

Here's a quick worksheet to try:

For each category, list 5 items your protagonist stores there.

In his or her wallet, purse, or pockets:


In the glove compartment or on the floor of his or her car:


In his or her refrigerator:


On his or her desk:


In his or her medicine chest:


On his or her bookshelf:


In his or her dresser drawer: 


Now, for each category, list 5 experiences your protagonist has undergone there.

At the doctor or in the hospital:


At the park:


In the post office:


At work:


At school:


In his or her car:


At the Laundromat:


This exercise may seem stupid at first. You're probably saying: What does it matter if there's a pencil rolling around in the glove box of the car? and Why does anyone need to know my protagonist went to the doctor at age 3 for an ear infection? but I promise that this exercise is beneficial if you take the time. Sure, most of these details probably won't make it into the story, but some sure will. This rattling pencil is a sensory detail, and that doctor's visit could produce a fear of doctors in the future. Anything is possible.

Even if no details from this exercise make it to your story, fear not. This much time spent asking your protagonist questions about himself will turn up something - even if it is nothing more than a better understanding of how he orders his burgers.