I just found this site that has writing prompts, and I’m excited to find this section, as I’m realizing that creating backstory for my characters is something I need to work on. There are six areas, I’ll do three today and three next time!
Here’s the link again for where I got these Writing Exercises.
Developing Your Character
1) Write ten ‘factual’ statements about your character, then ten lies, then ten odd/bizarre statements.
Truths
1- She is 15
2- She loves to read
3- She longs to explore the world
4 – She can’t please her mother
5- Proper etiquette eludes her
6- She doesn’t worry over fashion statements
7- She has 3 brothers
8- She is tall
9- She hates practicing piano
10 – Favorite time of year is when her aunt visits
Lies
1- She is an impeccable dresser
2- Her mother is her best friend
3- She doesn’t have any friends
4- Her hair is straight
5- She’s an only child
6- She never wants to leave her hometown
7- Her only goal in life is to be a homemaker
8- She is fat
9- She has a close relationship with her father
10- Reading is boring to her
Odd/Bizarre –
I tried to fill these out, but i drew a blank
every time, so I decided to skip it. no use wasting time. Shrug.
2. Write a back-story – very important
Your character should have a back-story, because this can help you decide how s/he might behave in present situations. Here are some questions to answer about your character:
Background:
Gender: female
Race: white
Social class : middle in small town, upper in city
How many siblings: 3
Parents’ relationship: strained/polite
Neighbourhood: nice but not high class
Health/disability: healthy
Religion: ??
Level of education: ??research
Present circumstances:
Age: 15
Political views:starts having some as she gets older
Appearance: red hair, rather tall, pretty
Habits : reading,
Fears/ phobias : disappointing her aunt, not getting to travel, heights?
What s/he gets upset about :
What s/he gets excited about : the theater, good books, travel, writing
What s/he really dislikes in other people : superficiality, dishonesty
What s/he admires in others : being true to themselves, even against society
3. Give your character a few contradictory traits.
No-one is ever that straightforward:
Currently Is:
Imaginative Apologetic Innocent Likeable Loyal Clumsy Caring Curious Insecure
Dutiful Easy Going Graceful Shy Thoughtful Trusting Adventurous Sensitive
Is going to be:
Determined Responsible Wary Ambitious Independent Bold Calm Cautious (in relationships)
Opinionated
Stays:
Adventurous Loyal Caring Curious Thoughtful Likeable Innocent Sensitive
Imaginative Clumsy Insecure
And that’s it for today! Come back later in the week for the last part, if you want of course.
~Laura
the start of a good life 