HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT CHARACTER PROFILE

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  • čas přidán 7. 07. 2024
  • GET YOUR FREE PRINTABLE CHARACTER PROFILE TEMPLATE: eepurl.com/dGXFiH
    Welcome to episode #1 in my new series: HOW TO CREATE RELATABLE AND ADDICTIVE CHARACTERS. This week I go through the first part of my character profile template, the questionnaire! These are only the MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS that you NEED to know about your characters... remember, next week we're going to dive into creating JUICY INTERNAL CONFLICT and making your characters relatable on page ONE. Subscribe so you don't miss it!!
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Komentáře • 649

  • @emmakusmaul8832
    @emmakusmaul8832 Před 5 lety +998

    But I like knowing the eye color and hair color of characters!!!! :’(

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  Před 5 lety +405

      It's definitely good to include this so that readers don't construct a totally different mental image! so totally do it 💛

    • @varietyside9122
      @varietyside9122 Před 4 lety +117

      I draw them, it helps a lot. If you want to describe their image with jusr words, you can slip it in the story.

    • @anerdfrommars1566
      @anerdfrommars1566 Před 3 lety +65

      You can still incorporate hair and eye color into the story. For instance you have a rebellious young girl who has flamming red hair that's always unbound because she doesn't really care what others think about her. Or you have the old weathered ship captain that has grey eyes as he describes the worst storm he ever went through and the reader wonders if he's still going through a storm inside, Or something like that.

    • @heibai1173
      @heibai1173 Před 3 lety +36

      I'm obessesed with eye colors. To me it's SO important, haha. It's also just part of imagery

    • @zzdesolatezz
      @zzdesolatezz Před 3 lety +32

      @@anerdfrommars1566 that a bit cliche, a rebellious red head with a fiery personality, etc, is practically a trope at this point.

  • @Indestructable2219
    @Indestructable2219 Před 4 lety +765

    I need you to read audiobooks for a living. Your voice is so intense. I just know it would be great. I'd listen.

    • @ZoeyCLR78
      @ZoeyCLR78 Před 4 lety +9

      Same !! 😃

    • @jenbrinson125
      @jenbrinson125 Před 3 lety +5

      Fr

    • @mattkhourie4037
      @mattkhourie4037 Před 3 lety +3

      Agreed. Her voice is very emotive and appealing.

    • @donaldcash113
      @donaldcash113 Před 2 lety +3

      She does have a good voice. It goes from a medium tone to a deeper tone.

    • @cityman2312
      @cityman2312 Před 2 lety +1

      Madeyewlook on CZcams has a similar voice, but even more intense. I love listening to her, as well as watching her makeup artistry.

  • @cheshirewolf1574
    @cheshirewolf1574 Před 3 lety +225

    Man this video remains me of that one ticktock where it's like:
    What you want: "meeting my ocs would be so lovely and wholesome"
    The reality: "I BROKE these people so MUCH, the AMOUNT of loved ones I have killed! I WOULD NOT SURVIVE LEFT ALONE IN THE SAME ROOM AS MY OCS"

    • @Zer-ut6hd
      @Zer-ut6hd Před 3 lety +19

      Bruh everyone is calling me out today-

    • @thestrangeandstupidone8116
      @thestrangeandstupidone8116 Před 2 lety +13

      My OCs will not hesitate to strangle me and skin me alive! I'd run for my life if I were them

    • @foodislife6425
      @foodislife6425 Před 2 lety +7

      Even tho most of them are forgiving they would kill me 😍

    • @hasyarachmakautsar2174
      @hasyarachmakautsar2174 Před 2 lety +4

      I'm kinda impressed with myself beeing able to write quite sad backstory yet barely anyone involved died

    • @reecelongden3500
      @reecelongden3500 Před rokem +8

      I feel attacked by this comment..

  • @clintcarpentier2424
    @clintcarpentier2424 Před 3 lety +237

    Abbie - "What's your MBTI type?"
    Me - "Villain."

    • @marcusc3288
      @marcusc3288 Před 3 lety +9

      did you mean ENTJ?

    • @clintcarpentier2424
      @clintcarpentier2424 Před 3 lety +6

      @@marcusc3288
      Naw, that's my general.

    • @mehwishmanha9250
      @mehwishmanha9250 Před 3 lety +11

      @@marcusc3288 Or maybe ENTP, if you want ur character to be as annoying to the protagonist as possibe.

  • @Hanedie1
    @Hanedie1 Před 4 lety +400

    I'm binge-watching your videos like Netflix 🤣

  • @itarfer
    @itarfer Před 4 lety +751

    Fixed it!
    THE BASICS:
    Character’s name:
    Role in story:
    Physical description:
    Age:
    MBTI/Enneagram Personality Type:
    INTERNAL: THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR
    CHARACTER What is their greatest fear?
    Inner motivation:
    Kryptonite:
    What is their misbelief about the world?
    Lesson they need to learn:
    What is the best thing in their life?
    What is the worst thing in their life?
    What do they most often look down on people for?
    What makes their heart feel alive?
    What makes them feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way?
    Top three things they value most in life?
    EXTERNAL: NOT NECESSARY, BUT GOOD TO KNOW AND SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOUR
    CHARACTER
    What’s their favorite book, movie, and band?
    Is there an object they can’t bear to part with and why?
    Describe a typical outfit for them from top to bottom.
    What names or nicknames have they been called throughout their life?
    What is their method of manipulation?
    Describe their daily routine.
    Their go-to cure for a bad day?
    CHARACTER GOALS:
    How is your character dissatisfied with their life?
    What does your character believe will bring them true happiness or contentment?
    What definitive step could they take to turn their dream into a reality?
    How has their fear kept them from taking this action already?
    How does your protagonist feel they can accomplish their goal while still steering clear
    of the thing they are afraid of?
    THE BACKSTORY SCENE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
    THE SCENE WHERE…
    What does your character go into the scene believing and how are they surprised by the
    outcome?
    How does your character struggle to hold onto their old beliefs?
    What is their conclusion/new belief?

    • @aa-vz1zu
      @aa-vz1zu Před 2 lety +22

      appreciated thank u!

    • @issashreyaa
      @issashreyaa Před 2 lety +8

      Omg thank uuuu❤️❤️

    • @rutepereira7628
      @rutepereira7628 Před 2 lety +27

      thank you for this!! i couldn't find a way to download the template, you just saved me lmao

    • @chloem8613
      @chloem8613 Před 2 lety +6

      Ah you beautiful person, thank you for this

    • @Douma_UppermoonTwo
      @Douma_UppermoonTwo Před 2 lety +4

      Sadly we cannot copy and paste thats what I hate about youtuber comments :

  • @youknowcleo9056
    @youknowcleo9056 Před 5 lety +635

    The eye color in my story is one of the most important things to remember about the characters!!! The eye color is the color of their magical power. For example, one of the main character's eye color is an icy, baby blue. He has ice magic.

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  Před 5 lety +192

      OOOH THAT'S SO COOL 😍

    • @danbee998
      @danbee998 Před 4 lety +58

      @YouKnowCleo J.K. Rowling gave Harry Potter green eyes in the novels. When the movies were made, Daniel Radcliffe (who played Potter) could not wear the green contacts (due to severe irritation). The movies are without that element. There are other ways to do this sort of thing, such as clothes or gemstones they carry, perhaps.

    • @DawnzeenaMcGill
      @DawnzeenaMcGill Před 4 lety +27

      YouKnowCleo ! Eye color is actually very important for two specific characters in one of my stories, well a manga I’m making as well. The reason it’s important is because after the one character Will is forced into marrying someone in order to protect their younger sister after their love interest Lilly who had been MIA and suffering amnesia for two years interrupts the wedding they ask the person blackmailing Will what his favorite color is they state their favorite color, lilac, because that was the color theme of the wedding. Will reveals that his favorite color is actually jade green like Lilly’s eyes. In turn Lilly’s favorite color is violet like Wills eyes, which is something unique to his biological family and that is exclusive to their bloodline.

    • @HarryPotter-bw5mz
      @HarryPotter-bw5mz Před 4 lety +5

      stefan didn’t they just choose their robe colors on a whim like citra made hers turquoise bc of a dream her brother had and rowen did black bc it you weren’t supposed to and he didn’t go along with the rules

    • @Zoovilifts
      @Zoovilifts Před 4 lety +3

      That's really cool!

  • @RoseCadenza
    @RoseCadenza Před 3 lety +99

    "What is the best thing in his/her life?"
    Man, starting to get tough now.

    • @LitaMoraes
      @LitaMoraes Před 3 lety +16

      It's easier to know the bad things, right? xD

  • @m.a.kelleher1632
    @m.a.kelleher1632 Před 3 lety +331

    One thing I've learnt from a few books I've read, if you're going to describe your characters face, you have to do it early on. Otherwise, the picture you've had of that character through the whole book will suddenly be destroyed and it's a REALLY HARD to think about these characters the same way ever again. Love this video, love your channel.

    • @isaiah3735
      @isaiah3735 Před 2 lety +10

      This is facts

    • @patscorner7183
      @patscorner7183 Před 2 lety +14

      Just like watching the movie after having read a thick novel of 700 pages of the same title 😅

    • @m.a.kelleher1632
      @m.a.kelleher1632 Před 2 lety +5

      Yeah. They never get the details right

    • @hyera251
      @hyera251 Před 2 lety +5

      yeah....

    • @thomasmccaughey689
      @thomasmccaughey689 Před 2 lety +9

      I thought I was the only one who experienced this and was annoyed about it lol

  • @rajeshwarimehrotra9706
    @rajeshwarimehrotra9706 Před 3 lety +704

    Character Name:
    Role In Story:
    Physical Description:
    Age:
    MBTI Personality Type:
    INTERNAL:
    Fear:
    Believe:
    Best Thing For Them:
    Worst:
    Turn on and off:
    Passion, talent:
    3 most valued things:
    who makes her feel love:
    Daily Routine

    • @catsaretoocute5554
      @catsaretoocute5554 Před 3 lety +5

      Rajeshwari Mehrotra ya didn’t write the answers

    • @miraculouswinxer8837
      @miraculouswinxer8837 Před 3 lety +94

      @@catsaretoocute5554 it is written there so we can know what questions we need to answer , this is actually very helpful.

    • @eboi255
      @eboi255 Před 3 lety +49

      I narrowed it down to and added
      Physical description (4-5 sentences)
      Age
      Mbti Test
      Main color/scheme
      Wants?
      Fears?
      Dislikes?
      Passions?
      Top 3 Valubals?
      Fav Band, Book, Movie?
      Nickname?
      Sex/Gender?
      Sexual Orientation?
      Extra physical or mental features?
      I know this kind of looks weird but for the story I'm doing you kind of need to do all this stuff.
      Also if you making characther group remember the rule of 3, five man band, and elite eight rule

    • @user-hq4iv9we1t
      @user-hq4iv9we1t Před 3 lety +2

      This is so ridiculous. It's completely biased.

    • @eatthis6227
      @eatthis6227 Před 3 lety +23

      @@user-hq4iv9we1t uhm no

  • @LoreFriendlyMusic
    @LoreFriendlyMusic Před 4 lety +63

    "What is his or her favourite book, movie and band?... Not applicable if you write fantasy or something that exists in another world..." ...You seriously underestimate my overplanning when it comes to worldbuilding :p

    • @FrizzyXD
      @FrizzyXD Před 2 lety +7

      Now _that's_ dedication.

  • @princessthyemis
    @princessthyemis Před 4 lety +86

    If this makes sense, I've never really questioned NOT doing character's eye colors....never questioned WHY it was always the go-to thing authors described. but you're totally right! Why not reveal personality through something else, which you can't do by eye color anyway?! Can't BELIEVE I never thought of this.

  • @BUGHUNTER6
    @BUGHUNTER6 Před 2 lety +31

    I'm starting to realize that understanding how to write a good character is very much about understanding psychology. So learning how to do this is almost like therapy for me, asking these questions about myself and how my life has shaped who I am, my preferences, everything. It's freeing in a way. Not feeling as guilty about certain things. I always knew there was a deep psychological aspect to storytelling that pulled me in, but I couldn't quite wrap my head around it. Thank you for making these videos, I'm definitely going to continue watching. I wanna write at least one awesome story

  • @emcyar7805
    @emcyar7805 Před rokem +12

    A bonus I like to add to character's: a theme song. But beware, it can be time-consuming to find THE song for your character. But it allows you later to get in this character's mindset very quickly.

  • @bimbatoo9467
    @bimbatoo9467 Před 3 lety +47

    Something that I like to do is, before I create a character, peg down a random MBTI type and kinda infuse that personality type into their ark, then infuse their ark into the story.

  • @justyoureverydaycasualship146

    if you want fun, silly ones that just build up your understanding of your characters. try making a vine compilation for them, or find some of those "incorrect quote" things/imagine your OTP things and assign them to your characters. these of course are just for fun. but another really fun one I found recently, assign your characters Daemons. like if their world were similar to that of the dark materials series, or they themselves lived in that world, what would their Daemon take form as and why (you can also give the Daemon a name if you want, for fun.)
    Hogwart house sorting your characters is also very fun. maybe even what their godly parent would be if they were a demigod in the Percy Jackson universe.
    basically play fandom with your characters and make a bunch of useless au's for them. cause its fun!

    • @AsifHassan
      @AsifHassan Před 3 lety +5

      You sir, need a medal for your words.

    • @meatiest1989
      @meatiest1989 Před 2 lety +1

      I do that

    • @cookiehatkingdom
      @cookiehatkingdom Před rokem

      I love making pointless AUs for my characters, but unless it's something like a Hogwarts AU then someone ends up dying- (My biggest body count so far is the entire population of Earth apart from two people)

  • @frostyhannah
    @frostyhannah Před rokem +5

    "We don't need to know your character's favorite brand of laundry detergent"
    Idk why I found that so hilarious

  • @angeliquejackson9262
    @angeliquejackson9262 Před 4 lety +24

    First off, your background is GORGEOUS! You hit the nail on what I need to do. It wasn't long enough where I have to stop for a bathroom run. Straight to the point with LOADED information! Thank you!

  • @jennat.c.287
    @jennat.c.287 Před 5 lety +153

    YEEEESSSSSS! I needed a questionnaire that didn't have meaningless questions. Thanks, Abbiee! ❤️😀

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  Před 5 lety +22

      I'm so happy you liked this video and the questionnaire, Jenna!! 😊💛 thank you for watching!

    • @louisthelemur1238
      @louisthelemur1238 Před 2 lety

      Xocusifi

  • @Altarior
    @Altarior Před rokem +4

    I'd honestly say describing the eyes has a fair bit of importance. The eyes are the "windows to the soul", that's why they're so huge in animation, too. When I read a book, one of the first things I try to visualize in a character is their face, starting with the eyes. Knowing something as mundane as what a character's eye color is honestly helps me imagine the character in my mind a lot easier. Plus, you can definitely tell stuff about the character through the description of their eyes. Are the eyes tired, lively, bright, glazed over, etc.?

  • @MelTorrefranca
    @MelTorrefranca Před 5 lety +73

    So ready for this series!! 😱 It’s crazy because I’ve literally just been working on character descriptions in my book and BOOM your video is in my feed. Also, I’m glad someone else thinks some of those random questions are kind of stupid. I understand it helps understand your characters better, but they’ll just never be used! Thank you for sharing :)

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  Před 5 lety +12

      oh my gosh that is great timing Mel! I'm so happy you enjoyed this video and found it helpful!! 💛✨ YES I TOTALLY FEEL YA ABOUT THE STUPID MEANINGLESS QUESTIONS. 😂 it's such a waste of time omg. Thank you for watching!

    • @totu7071
      @totu7071 Před 3 lety +1

      Mel, were you writing 'Leaving Wishville' at the time?

  • @BLUENECK
    @BLUENECK Před 3 lety +2

    I filled this out and now the story I have been working on for 18 months is insanely personal. Thank you Abbie!!

  • @StopMotionPerson20
    @StopMotionPerson20 Před rokem +2

    In my story eyes actually matter so much, they're almost the only way to tell different magical species apart :)

  • @FireLordKuzon
    @FireLordKuzon Před 4 lety +16

    I've watched this video over and over and Over ALL DAY just so I can figure out how I ant my characters' personalities to be and make sure they have conflicts that are interesting and make sure the audience has lot to chew on and theories without blatantly being told the answers
    This is the first time I've ever written a story... I've made fan fictions but nothing...nothing that has involved..ALL OF THIS

  • @rodschmidt8952
    @rodschmidt8952 Před 4 lety +16

    It seems to me the thing that matters here is how the characters make decisions. Character change is expressed in the characters' decisions (especially in difficult circumstances, of course). So the character profile should include a list of scenarios and "what would the character do?"
    You see a message from a damsel in distress but you are needed on the farm. An obnoxious old lady wants to kill your dog. Your dead business partner shows you he wears the chains he forged in life. Your beloved baby brother has been captured by a great disembodied brain. You have an opportunity to fly away to a land where you never have to grow up. What do you do?

  • @kyleefrench6017
    @kyleefrench6017 Před 3 lety +7

    CAN I JUST SAY, I just researched MBTI types, identified my MC's type, and am already feeling more confident in knowing who she really is. It's weird, I keep reading "if you do this if you're ESTP", and I'm thinking, "YES my character does this!" and I kind of didn't even know it before. It just fits lol. This is for sure going to help me continue to develop her and other characters!!

  • @idkanymore790
    @idkanymore790 Před 2 lety +1

    creating characters is my favourite part about being a writer. i feel like a god.

  • @plushistoriae
    @plushistoriae Před 2 lety

    OH MY GOODNESS! This helped me so much, thank you. Honestly, I don't know how I would write my character without this. For anyone who knows what D&D is, it really helps if you make a D&D character, and then base your character in your story around that one.

  • @isa-belva
    @isa-belva Před 2 lety +2

    i'm not a fam of mbti but i use it for my characters too because it's so helpful!! it really is!! it helps to remind me how a character would make a decision and that decision making is literally makes the story most times

  • @petersalexis07
    @petersalexis07 Před 5 lety +63

    Thank you for this, Abbie! I'm starting my novel over from scratch and I'm currently working on characters, so this is much appreciated! Always love your videos! (:

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  Před 5 lety +6

      I'm so glad you liked this video and found it helpful, Alexis!! 💛 thank you for watching! 😊

  • @ZackRekeSkjell
    @ZackRekeSkjell Před 3 lety +5

    MBTI type sounds like a good idea because it says a lot about how they will react in different situations.

  • @MusicallyMeLHTB
    @MusicallyMeLHTB Před 2 měsíci +1

    Thank you! This helped me so much! I just started with a new novel idea revolving around Greek mythology (specifically Aphrodite) and this made me understand the characters more. Thank you once again Abbie!

  • @juliai3956
    @juliai3956 Před 3 lety +2

    Searched 'character development' and I was thinking, 'where's my girl?'
    You've given the best advice (that's advanced my writing) and I trust you as much as one writer should trust another. :) Thanks for the help and awesome content.

  • @erikagehm2805
    @erikagehm2805 Před 2 lety +1

    Eye color is important. We see people's eyes ALL the time. Thank you so much for this.

  • @hannahjcattanach3324
    @hannahjcattanach3324 Před 4 lety +12

    Oh, breaking characters is my favourite thing, I can't wait to get to that part in writing my novel!

  • @baldwinfilms
    @baldwinfilms Před 3 lety +1

    This was so incredibly useful. I often tick most of these boxes on the surface level but this structuring of character building seems to really make sure I keep it consistent! Really cool! Great channel

  • @chleag.h7185
    @chleag.h7185 Před 3 lety

    This is such a gem!!!! Ive been struggling with good characters for years!!!

  • @evanqs9352
    @evanqs9352 Před 3 lety +19

    am i the only one who makes my character exactly like me, physical, and personality wise and i just make them do what i would do- sjsjsks

    • @lady_victoria2008
      @lady_victoria2008 Před 3 lety +3

      You could make a character similar to you ( it might be easier to write that type of character) but not every character in the book has to be like you.
      Lol XD
      ( Also, I know what you meant but I just wanted to make this comment )

    • @ayoobmohammed4906
      @ayoobmohammed4906 Před 2 lety +1

      Yeah. When I think what other type of people would do in the same context, it just doesn't make sense. I think my worldview is biased.

    • @StefanyDjuba
      @StefanyDjuba Před 2 lety +1

      yep I write just to live out my Mary Sue fantasies

  • @Sol-pc1jb
    @Sol-pc1jb Před 4 lety +1

    I'm currently binging all of your videos and-woah-are they a treat! These are so incredibly helpful in countless ways. Thank you, thank you and thank you again for such amazing content and the top-notch advice!

  • @dancersupreme3023
    @dancersupreme3023 Před 4 lety +1

    I was able to fill out some questions for my main character while watching this! I’m so glad that I learned how much I never really shaped my characters so I can do that now and improve them so my story can be awesome.

  • @Hami54321
    @Hami54321 Před 2 lety

    OMG i paused your video to do the personality test for a character ive been struggling with and it was so so so so so helpful, thank you so much. Youre my new writing buddy.

  • @remnants9974
    @remnants9974 Před 3 lety

    I used MBTI for my characters before, but after learning about the Enneagram I find it even more inspiring. As it deals with inner fixations and fears, as well as lines of growth (or your inner soul child) and disintegration, it almost has an inbuilt narrative within each type. And it can get pretty deep the more you study it as there's also a spiritual component, and is basically about how the types' defense mechanisms creates all these distortions you take for granted, causing you to "fall asleep" to yourself.

  • @jessicaevans4666
    @jessicaevans4666 Před 2 lety

    i did this as you went over the questions and now i have a two page long character profile thank you!!

  • @rachelgooden9981
    @rachelgooden9981 Před 3 lety +1

    The mtbi, is so useful. It allows me to make characters hate certain things about each other. And what each person may pride themself on.

  • @andrewhayward9428
    @andrewhayward9428 Před 3 lety

    Thank you. I am so happy to fine you on CZcams. Keep the output coming.

  • @dennismccoy291
    @dennismccoy291 Před 5 lety

    She has got me thinking critically about my character which is great bcuz character hook the readers not the plot

  • @jacklawrence2212
    @jacklawrence2212 Před 2 lety

    Abbie, love your videos. So insightful and done with real approachability and humour. Rock on!

  • @princeagrawal946
    @princeagrawal946 Před 3 lety

    Omg!!! I just feel like listening to u for the whole day coz I recently got interest in these topics...though I had them in mind before. Ur every sentence is so meaningful and valuable...I just love it. ❤ thanks for all this 😄😄👍🏻

  • @haloum
    @haloum Před 4 lety +1

    Your videos are honestly so helpful

  • @maggiecard5732
    @maggiecard5732 Před 3 lety +1

    This template is so helpful. I was so excited when I saw the enneagram question because I have been getting so obsessed with enneagram results and if you know how it all works and what numbers and wings mean - you can add so much more depth to your characters and they way they interact with each other.

  • @NateBaudoux
    @NateBaudoux Před měsícem

    THIS IS GOLD!!!! Thank you so much!

  • @EmilyGrenierhumbugs
    @EmilyGrenierhumbugs Před 4 lety

    Starting to write a book, and your video has helped the most in creating my characters! Keep doing what you're doing and stay funny!

  • @emmalovesadventures8911

    Thank you, this was so helpful! I have made like a hundred character profiles before, but there are a lot of things here that I never even thought of!

  • @jhacieallyssamaedivina9511

    Thank you for the character profile template. It really helps a lot!😍
    Love your videos!

  • @nolanimates1595
    @nolanimates1595 Před 4 lety +9

    I had so many OH! moments watching this and doing the questionnaire, thanks!
    Also this channel is underrated. I think it will grow a lot in the future. Remember I was part of the first 35k
    Also I've been binging this channel all day and jotting notes down in docs. I'm so happy I stumbled across it by accident.

  • @jasondilan3082
    @jasondilan3082 Před 3 lety

    I teach a creative writing class at my high school and this has been very useful you have my thanks and appreciation. I also shared your channel with the other ELA teachers at my school .

  • @dion789
    @dion789 Před 4 lety +13

    I'm writing a crossover fanfic and only when looking closely at all tge characters did I realise that half the Guild Hunter characters have green eyes.

  • @flowersforjohn
    @flowersforjohn Před 4 lety

    the template was so good and very helpful for detailing my characters. thanks so much for doing these videos!

  • @lynaepetersen3032
    @lynaepetersen3032 Před 4 lety +3

    Eye colors are important if your character has a love interest though. Especially if u write from the love interests perspective from time to time

  • @XxShade_FrostxX
    @XxShade_FrostxX Před 2 lety +2

    I write a werewolf story and eye colour is pretty important seeing as their eyes change, like they are purely black when they wolf has taken over, their eye colour is brighter when in wolf form and it’s overall an important thing.

  • @taliw7736
    @taliw7736 Před 2 lety

    Just what I need love these!!! Gotta find the right one for me ❤️

  • @desskill-2264
    @desskill-2264 Před 2 lety +2

    To anyone who draws ocs i really enjoy doing it this way but put your ocs and questions all on separate small peices of paper and then make like a little pocket on one side of a sketchbook page.Put your charecters in there and then draw your charecters on the separate page all together see how well they fit it really helps

  • @sheunderstandsmuslin8494

    I absolutely love your bookshelf.... Its beautiful!!

  • @xjoy1163
    @xjoy1163 Před 2 lety +1

    Oh my gosh i never thought about using MBTI personalities. So i took the test as my character and omg its so great! Its fun too.
    All i need to do is pick what i like about the personality and boom my character is fleshed out. Such a handy tool.
    My character is a charismatic good guy that loves drama… ENFJ! And the personality is there down to how they interact with others.

  • @jonathankey6444
    @jonathankey6444 Před 10 měsíci

    Knowing their attachment style is super important

  • @saisankeerthredybommana754

    minute 3:50. Eye colors help us tell a lot of information or tease the audience or give hints for later twists or changes in personality in Sci-Fi, Horror genres especially

  • @oliviagiordano5987
    @oliviagiordano5987 Před 5 lety +3

    Aww wow girl!! This was so amazing! Thank you so much for a practical character questionnaire. Really, I was doubtful when you said it would be the perfect one, but you were SO right. It's short, yet includes the really important stuff you need. :) Thanks again!

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  Před 5 lety +1

      I'm so glad you found this helpful, Liv!! It's seriously so hard to find practical questions for your characters that actually draw out the information you need to know. I'm so glad you liked this video! 💛✨ Thank you for watching!

  • @alemonybooknook1212
    @alemonybooknook1212 Před 2 lety

    I smile the whole time I watch your videos.

  • @florenciasime9362
    @florenciasime9362 Před 2 lety +11

    THE BASICS:
    Character’s name:
    Role in story:
    Physical description:
    Age:
    MBTI/Enneagram Personality Type:
    INTERNAL: THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER
    What is his/her greatest fear?
    Inner motivation:
    Kryptonite:
    What is his/her misbelief about the world? Lesson he/she needs to learn:
    What is the best thing in his/her life?
    What is the worst thing in his/her life?
    What does he/she most often look down on people for?
    What makes his/her heart feel alive?
    What makes him/her feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way?
    Top three things he/she values most in life?
    EXTERNAL: NOT NECESSARY, BUT GOOD TO KNOW AND SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER
    What’s his/her favorite book, movie, and band?
    Is there an object he/she can’t bear to part with and why?
    Describe a typical outfit for him/her from top to bottom.
    What names or nicknames has he/she been called throughout their life? What is his/her method of manipulation?
    Describe his/her daily routine.
    Their go-to cure for a bad day?
    CHARACTER GOALS:
    How is your character dissatisfied with their life?
    What does your character believe will bring them true happiness or contentment?
    What definitive step could they take to turn their dream into a reality?
    How has their fear kept them from taking this action already?
    How does your protagonist feel they can accomplish their goal while still steering clear of the thing they are afraid of?
    THE BACKSTORY SCENE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
    THE SCENE WHERE...
    What does your character go into the scene believing and how are they surprised by the outcome?
    How does your character struggle to hold onto their old beliefs?
    What is their conclusion/new belief?

  • @catherinec9331
    @catherinec9331 Před 4 lety +1

    everyone's on here commenting about character traits and I'm squinting at your bookcase trying to figure out what books you have :) I get so distracted when people record their bookcases. I recognize quite a few covers, though, which is always exciting! I'm now off to trawl your channel for a video where you show us your books up close and give recommendations. If you haven't done that yet, I would love to see it! (also, the video was excellent, thank you for sharing. that probably should have come first, but - books! ooh, shiny)

  • @ejwilly2309
    @ejwilly2309 Před 3 lety +1

    Every time I fill out a character bio, I re watch this video, so I have it completely memorized.

  • @PriyaFlorenceShah
    @PriyaFlorenceShah Před 3 lety

    I love your videos, Abbie! Learning sooo much with your awesome insights.

  • @EspoirDuVide
    @EspoirDuVide Před 2 lety

    This was such an awesome helpful video!! I've seen the other characters question sheets but they have like 75 useless questions that I don't know the answers to! This was so much fun AND understandable, thank you so much!!

  • @Daniela-gr3tp
    @Daniela-gr3tp Před 5 lety +1

    yessss, I've been waiting for this one

  • @makeros1963
    @makeros1963 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Thank you for this video I really enjoyed it and it really helped me understand how to make a good character basis❤

  • @coffeesweatersbooks9340
    @coffeesweatersbooks9340 Před 4 lety +1

    Literally this is the best writing advice I have ever gotten!!!!!!! I am binging your vids like crazzyyy. You deserve so many more subs then you have, I literally am following all your steps for my novel!

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  Před 4 lety +1

      Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean so much to me, and I am thrilled that the content I make encourages you to chase your dreams and make your story MATTER!

    • @sarmadraza4554
      @sarmadraza4554 Před 2 lety

      @@AbbieEmmons please fill the questioners as a reference to follow and not make mistakes

  • @Meg_intheclouds
    @Meg_intheclouds Před rokem

    Rewatching this as I work on a new project- and just want to say that this is the video that got me into MBTI! 4 years later and I am Obsessed! (ENFP HERE). Now I know the system very well along with the enneagram and omg does it help with writing.

  • @anandahuja4319
    @anandahuja4319 Před 3 lety

    Wow, I just love your videos - they’re so informative and amazing - I’m applying them. Thank you so much 😊

  • @theartofcaliforniapizzakitchen

    I love how your videos are helpful but also make me laugh. Like when you said something about making the readers cry and had that evil look on your face I was just 😂😂😂

  • @jackycat5053
    @jackycat5053 Před 2 lety

    Gosh, I love this channel SO MUCH!!!

  • @forevercatholic243
    @forevercatholic243 Před rokem

    This is awesome, Abbie! I am trying a bit of a different approach for striking up a story idea. Before anything else, I'm designing my characters. We'll see how it works. I just couldn't think of any ideas, or I did but then I couldn't fit my character ideas into the box I had already created.

  • @TK-hj9by
    @TK-hj9by Před 3 lety

    Thank you for this video! This was very helpful I am currently trying to write a story and this video help me to get to know my characters frears and all that so thank you for your time in making this video.

  • @jula-maytaylor7893
    @jula-maytaylor7893 Před 3 lety

    I thought I was the only person who categorized my characters into MBTI! I mean it makes sense it's away of categorizing people's responses to certain situations so you can create a consistent character.

  • @oliviaelderberry9423
    @oliviaelderberry9423 Před rokem +1

    So I take my characters descriptions very seriously. Some of the questions on your list I hadn't thought of, so I'll add them to my probably near fifty other questions. I know that's not necessary... But I can't resist the temptation of knowing everything I can think of about my characters. Yes, that does include there favorite washing detergent.

  • @singingwithtanya
    @singingwithtanya Před 4 lety +2

    You're amazing! Thinking of writing my first book! Ahhhhhh

  • @MrPisster
    @MrPisster Před 3 lety

    I liked that intro coach. You're pretty intense in this video. You must have been feelin' it on this day.

  • @phmo4519
    @phmo4519 Před rokem

    Two things to add to this. Habits they have (like running a hand through their hair when they’re lying) and, if this applies to your story, magic. In my book there are many diferente types of magic (water, fire, light, etc.)

  • @brhathipradeep7842
    @brhathipradeep7842 Před 3 lety

    OMG your question sheet was sooooooooo helpful

  • @UserName-xi8rm
    @UserName-xi8rm Před 3 lety

    I showed the first draft of the first page of my first book to my friend and she cried , that was a great moment

  • @readsmoke
    @readsmoke Před 4 lety +1

    Thanks Abbie, this is extremely helpful-!

  • @a.866
    @a.866 Před 5 lety +1

    THIS IS AMAZING omggg thank you for this x

  • @livingcrazybrave3941
    @livingcrazybrave3941 Před 4 lety +1

    OMG..YOU ARE FUNNY! Good to have someone to laugh with while I'm racking my brain! Thank You.

  • @anirex3919
    @anirex3919 Před 2 lety +1

    Another important thing to consider when writing protagonists is how they’re gonna reinforce your theme/message statement

  • @lenoffers3933
    @lenoffers3933 Před 3 lety

    More than just impressive. Bravo!

  • @PremKr0007
    @PremKr0007 Před 4 lety

    Yours style is amazing

  • @Iwasgiventheabiltytoedit

    I’m writing a new fantasy power (Reeks) and my people in the book were BORING this lev them up so much! Thank you

  • @CyborgSlayerNila
    @CyborgSlayerNila Před 4 lety

    This helped SOOOOOO MUCH

  • @gailasprey7787
    @gailasprey7787 Před rokem

    What I like to do is make my characters have weird quirks once they have their goals set up and their story. Giving them something weird not only can tie into that but also just make people care more about your characters emotionally. Once you’ve got the basics you can start to think about these things and see how much of it you can add in small scenes. Also another thing: your character isn’t always going to follow their personality. Basically, a generous person can be selfish and an intelligent person can say something stupid, a kind person can be mean, a selfless person can be selfish and that will make your characters feel real.

  • @yazmeenascreamer
    @yazmeenascreamer Před 4 lety

    Thank you for another amazing, informative and entertaining post, Abbie! :D And for the template, I literally cannot wait to get started on fleshing out my characters now :)

    • @ebru2582
      @ebru2582 Před 4 lety

      Were you able to download the template? For some reason all I can do is to subscribe to her mailing list (which I already have) but I don't get the template...

  • @meltiredmom
    @meltiredmom Před 3 lety

    Thank you for this sooo much it help A LOT!