Creating characters - the process

Creating characters is one of the most enjoyable things to do as a writer! How I do that and fit the character in a scene is actually very simple and not complicated at all. (Well, not unless you make it complicated :) I'll show you the process I use and create a character as I go in three easy steps.

Step one: Think of a name. I keep a list of names that I could use in my writing that I sometimes pull one from. Other times, I just think of a random name at the top of my head and stick with that. I'll just use the name Felix.

Step two: Create your character's personality. Is he/she extroverted and outgoing, or more introverted and quiet? Does he/she tend to think, listen, and process information thoroughly, or does your character tend to rush into things without giving it much thought? The personality ideas are endless, so have fun with them!

Felix is right on the border line between an introvert and an extrovert. He can be very determined and stubborn, and will stop at nothing to accomplish a goal he has in mind. He is also not one to back down from a challenge, and loves a good laugh.

Step three: Create your character's physical features. You actually don't have to do this step, but I think it's good to, and is my favorite part of creating a character. It helps you and your readers visualize your character. What kind of hair does your character have? What color are his/her eyes? Is your character tall, short, or average height? How old does he/she appear to be? You can even make your character an animal, real or made up, if that's what you want to do!

Felix is rather tall for his age, and has thick, auburn red hair that is always somehow messy. He has an innocent, lop-sided grin that is actually disarming and usually helps him out of trouble. His dark green eyes are wide, and they notice everything in his field of vision.

There! I just made a character! That was fun!

Now, writing a short scene for your character takes a little more thought, but equally fun! I really don't have a process for this, because I really just think of it randomly in my head. A question to start off with is: do you want to write your character in a mild, calm scene, or in the middle of a huge action scene? Or is your character in mid-conversation? If you can choose a certain setting, that would help to organize your ideas. I'll write just a very quick action scene with Felix here...

Felix leapt over a very small tree that had fallen and landed neatly on his feet. He clutched the small round object in his jacket pocket and took off at a dead run. Felix risked a glance behind his shoulder to see his pursuer leap over the fallen tree, and land flat on his face. He laughed a little. If only his father could see him now! He had finally gotten the thing his family had been looking for years, and now everything was about to change!

Felix broke through the woods and onto a narrow road and began following it at his fastest speed. He rounded a corner, then without warning, a man in a dark cloak jumped in front of him and grabbed him. It all happened so quickly that Felix had no time to react as the man pulled him back into the woods.

I hope all of this was helpful!