Character Planning

I interview my characters, always looking for where they offer some energy.

Dale

I probably won't be much help - I just think about my characters a lot. I start playing a game that it takes no effort or brainpower to play, and think about my plot and characters instead. It works for me, but I guess it's not that useful a technique.

Kewl Dale. Thanks for sharing.
jade

I made a checklist of things to know about my characters and usually let them tackle them at their own pace, own angle. Much like in a job interview. The more stuff you toss on to know, and the more you go into detail about these things, the more they seem to come alive. Only did this for my protagonist in 2006 and he terrified me because he seemed so real.
Bringing him back this year for a more of a supporting role.

The logic I use for these things is that almost everyone has these things. I'm not too fond of the Hopes and Dreams question because so many have that but will rarely or never really strive for them, in my experience, except maybe early on in life. Regrets, frustration and desires tend to out themselves with most characters anyway. At least mine.

Where he/she has lived
Friends, Foes and Family
Romantic Past and Present
Sexual Identity
Academic career
Hobbies
Job history
Favorite band / musical genre
Fear
Relationships with animals
Most treasured memory
Least treasured memory
Other miscellenia

Here is a page of questions to consider:

http://www.writingclasses.com/InformationPages/index.php/PageID/106

They waltz into my head fully formed and refuse to go away no matter what I do.

Which isn't very useful, I suppose. ;) Of course, just because they're there doesn't mean that they're willing to just tell me everything on the spot, or that some things aren't malleable. Sometimes I have to coax it out of them, and often wind up with some great idea that leaves me going "Oooooh" and suddenly the plot actually _works_...

Brainstorming in general is always good... Personally I think that even more important than knowing the personalities of your characters is to understand how each character interacts with every other character. AKA - everyone acts differently depending on who they're interacting with.
Often I get a better feel for the characters as I work on the actual story. I don't see anything wrong with doing "interviews" and "character bibles" or things like that, but it's something I don't use much. I mainly like to just try to create characters that aren't well-established "types."

My ML gave us this list as a handout last year and it was very helpful: http://www.eclectics.com/articles/character.html

(If you're interested in this as a ready-to-print doc file, shoot me a PM.)

I pick out the flaws of the character first, then pick their virtues second. The physical stuff I put in as the characters dictate them to me.

Through this method I get pretty strong characterizations with stronger voices for the narration. Most people are able to pick up on the flaws of the character first when they read, so right off they know this person is not a Mary Sue or a Gary Stu. If I get that, I can get snappy dialogue.

I dislike the lists, because often my characters disagree with what's on there and I have to scrap them. Also I am personally prone to making "perfect" characters with those lists. But perfect protagonists are boring to read.

That's why I choose out the most annoying trait of the character, let them breathe it and then find out their pluses from their flaws later. For enemies, I believe one should do the reverse. What are their virtues?

This year's Nanowrimo I'm starting the whole novel with a booty call with the main character's boss, which shows lots and lots of potential for flaws in the main character. Of course you'll see the flaws in the character, but you'll also ask why is she doing this? Is she ugly and so on.

I only revisit the characterization when I get stuck and something isn't clicking.

Generally what I find the most useful is just talking to someone about them. Discuss their motivations, background, relationships, whatever you think is necessary with a fellow writer, making things up as you go, not worrying about what you had originally planned. You'd be surprised how fully-formed your characters are even now, before they exist. Also, do this dialogue in e-mail, so you can refer back to it later.

Can you give an example or two of the kinds of flaws you choose?

And the virtues? Do you choose virtues that relate somehow to the flaws, or are they completely independent?

Thanks,
Dale

Everyone does it differently. For me, what works best, is trying to form a clear mental image of them first. I get down their physical appearance - either through a bare bones description of by finding a picture I like and saying, "That is what [character] looks like." When I have enough characters, I'll throw them into a situation and see how everyone reacts.

With the ones I'm using for this year's novel, that situation was just: "it's time to get up and get ready for school". I found out that one of them doesn't like getting up in the morning and that he wears glasses. I found out that the other is a morning person. I found out that they like to tease each other. I found out that one of the characters doesn't like bacon and eggs for breakfast, but he likes pancakes, cereal and fruit - usually not all together, though.

I don't sit down and list out their flaws and virtue any more than I would do so for myself or my friends. When I try to do that, the character rebels and whatever flaw I've decided they have, they turn around and do the opposite. If I think they should be afraid of everything, they turn into these tough guys that fear nothing. Instead of doing that, I try to figure out their personality - both the one the show people and the side they keep hidden. I find the hidden side by writing a scene from their viewpoint and the side they show through how other character percieve them.

My typical outline is: Name, age, physical appearance, clothing, personality and notes. Sometimes, I'll add things like what their special powers are, if they have them, or a codename/nickname or (for my school kids) what their extracurricular activities are and what classes are their favorites.

With Main Characters I typically tailor them to fit their roles. For secondary characters I use a couple generators (appearance, personality, etc.) and tarot (past, present, future)--works well with MCs too, when you can't think of anything. Take the random info, meld it together into a coherent character, talk to them or visualize them in situations to understand them, then fit their role to them. I enjoy throwing as much randomness as possible into it, allows the creation of characters I'd likely never have otherwise.

you may want to check out grumpydragon.com and check out their character outlining sheets by sending the coordinator an email.

Hey guys, I thought I would share.

Here is a list I found that has worked wonders, and is sort of like Kimberly Dawn's approach of working with flaws first. The thing I like about this chart the best though, is these are traits that are mostly flaws, but it can go either way, because sometimes I have a hard time coming up with good flaws that aren't over done.

The following I found on a website, but it's no longer there, so you will have to bear with me on the long post. Sorry. Also, for those of you who hate generators or think it's hackish to use them, I would puruse the list and pick out some traits that you like. As I said before, these traits are very well balanced, and don't produce characters who are too perfect or so inept it's a wonder they can get out of bed in the morning without strangling on their shoelaces.

Also, this list was for making a character in this website creator's rpg world, so there will be some references to places we have never heard. Skip that and add appropiate informantion.
I roll dice to generate random numbers.

One final note....something that I have found works interesting....take a personality traits attributed to a certain gender, and then apply it to the opposite gender. I am not just talking about a tomboy, but what about a character who was chaste? Who was very proper and demure? What if the character was a male?

The Character Personality Generator

Not really a generator but a simple little method for building a character from scratch when you really don't have a clue as to what you are looking for.

1) Pick 5 numbers between 1 and 58, all different. (make sure you right them down)

2) Pick 2 more numbers between 1 and 38. (write these down as well, so you don't forget)

3) follow the first link on the bottom of this page and write down the Personality Traits which correspond to your first 5 numbers. [Poster's note: I attached the Quirks page right after the Traits page]

4) Follow the second link and write down the Personality quirks which correspond to your second 2 numbers.

5) Now, imagine what a person with these characteristics would be like. Work to incorporate all of the traits into the personality, but if certain traits are at odds remove the one that is the least like the others, or if two are exactly opposite allow them to cancel each other out.

5a) If you end up with too little to work with because the traits just couldn't be melded and you had to drop too many, pick a few more numbers at random and begin again.

6) Once you have a basic personality you can begin to work on the characters background by determining what events might have led to the development of such a personality and using any and all other techniques you know of.

The Personality Trait Chart
Personality traits stem from your character's background. The things that shaped your characters life shape his personality as well. If you have done an extensive background on your character you probably already have a well developed personality formed. Use this list to give you a few ideas to further your established direction with your character.

As you develop your character's personality never forget to determine why your character is the way he is. Never just say he is mean. There MUST be a reason why he is mean. There is rhyme and reason to everything no matter that no one else will know why he acts that way. You must know why he acts that way to play him to the best of your abilities.

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1. Addict- Your character has an addictive personality making them prone to such things as alcoholism or being overly devoted to the wrong person. What ever the object of the addiction your character is almost obsessive
2. Aesthetic- A character with this trait will have a well developed sensitivity to beauty, especially art of any form.

3. Agressive - An aggressive character may either have a great driving energy and initiative towards a goal, being aggressive in hunting or practising magic for example; or he may be aggressive in the sense that he is bullying, and quick to fight. Some mixture of both is quite likely

4. Altruist - A character with this trait has an unselfish interest in the welfare of others. Beyond merely caring for other people this character would hold the welfare of others above his own interests as a principle.

5. Callous - Your character is rathered hardened when it comes to emotions and even relationships. May not have much sympathy for other people.

6. Charismatic - A charismatic character will be able to influence people by sheer force of personality. Difficult to Roleplay it takes a lot of effort to be charismatic. Leadership and the ability to engender enthusiasm in others is a must.

7. Charming - A charming character has a personality that is pleasing to others. Being charming entails being well mannered and pleasant to others, perhaps a bit chivalrous if a male or demure if a female, though not neccessarily

8. Chaste - A chaste character is innocent, modest and pure. Perhaps she led a sheltered life or a had a particular religious upbringing. It may even be a personal belief based on the manner in which she was raised. A chaste character might have very deeply ingrained

9. Chivalrous - A chivalrous character lives by a code of honor, is courteous, generous and honest. Most Paladins accept some sort of chivalrous code of honor to guide them through life, though you need not be a Paladin to believe or follow a chivalrous ideal.

10. Clumsy - A clumsy character may be described as accident prone. The character will trip over, bump into, and drop things

11. Composed - Your character is calm, cool and collected. Not even emminent danger of the worst kind can shake his reserve. He is not easily shaken or disturbed by the actions of others. The composed character rarely loses his self control or his temper.

12. Courteous - Your character is well mannered, respectful, civil and polite. Usually very aware of what is proper and what is not.

13. Crude - Your character lacks social grace, taste, and tact. A character with this trait is likely to do or say inappropriate things. She may find herself insulting or offending people without meaning to.

14. Curious - Having a compulsive desire to investigate and learn. The unknown must be known, the confusing understood. Ifthis character hears a noise in the dark or out of sight, smells something, sees a flash of light in the woods, hears a legend orrumor, etc. they will have an urge to investigate. This is of course not always very healthy for the character.

15. Cynical - Your character sees the worst in other people. Most of their actions will be attributed to selfish motives. He is not likely to be very trusting.

16. Dishonest - Your character is untrustworthy and deceitful, perhaps even corrupt. He may not care much for other peoples feelings or just lies as an easy way out of blame and to make himself look good.

17. Disloyal - A character with this trait is not committed or faithful to a government, cause, ideal, or person. This character will follow the road that best suits their personal needs in total disregard for the effects it has on any allegiance he may have spoken or were dictated to him through terms of service. Not the trustworthy type though somehow they usually get others to believe they are.

18. Dolt - Your character just isn't all that bright, to say the least. Some concepts may be very difficult for her to grasp, but other simple things she may understand just find. This goes way beyond a mere lack of intelligence. The dolt is a very simple and childlike person. Perhaps you may wish to play this further as an idiot savant where your character excels at one particular, sometimes useless skill.

19. Fanatical - When your character hooks on to something he hooks on excessively. Your character has a tendency towards this sort of behaviour in general and there is usually one thing in his life to which he has an intense uncritical devotion be it a god a belief or the hunt.

20. Flamboyant - Your character loves attention and is more than willing to play up to it by being showy and colorful in their dress, speach and behaviour.

21. Flippant - A character with this trait treats serious situations, people or events that are due respect lightly and with disrespect. May dismiss what others have to say with little regard for the other person or the situation, particularly if it does not affect him.

22. Folksy - Your character is sociable and friendly. Very informal in manner. May have been raised in a smaller town or village where such familiarity is common.

23. Fortitude - A character with this trait can meet danger or bear pain with courage. Often ignoring either or both. Not likely to run into the empaths guild screaming for healing when he merely has a minor wound.

24. Genial - Cheerful and kindly, your character is most gracious to others and a very friendly sort

25. Genius - Extraordinary intellectual power. Your character is far above the average adventurer in mental abilities. Such a trait may have made her feel isolated and different from others. Or, if she was raised in an environment more suitable for the young genius, may very well look down on those she considers her mental inferiors.

26. Impetuous - Impulsive in nature. Your character may make rash and emotional decisions. Your the girl who sees the lever and pulls it while saying, "What's this do?"

27. Impudent - Contemptuous of others, cocky. Your character may be described as being insolent as well as impertinent. Not the most polite person in Elanthia.

28. Inconsiderate - Careless of the rights or feelings of others. Your character is thoughtless when it comes to others, though not necessarily purposefully they still don't spend much time considering how the people around them are affected by their actions

29. Indifferent - Your character has no particular interest, loyalties or liking of anything. It may simply be a cultivated impartiality to most things or as deep as apathy where your character has a general lack of emotion or concern for anything,

30. Lackadaisical - Lacking life, spirit, or zest. Your character is sluggish in character and action.

31. Mad - Insane, not mentally stable. There are many levels to madness. Your character maybe slightly odd, to full blown schizophrenic. Perhaps she appears to be normal but has an underlying mental illness such as a form of sociopathic behaviour.

32. Maverick - Non conforming. Your character is an individual, almost to a fault, may find following his own path preferable to following the right path.

33. Mercurial - Your character tends to moodiness and unexpected changes in character and behaviour. Usually there is an underlying cause to this, the changes are not random. Your character may be psychotically insane, manic/depressive or even trying very difficult to be something they are not and when their true character shows through others are surprised at the change.

34. Meticulous - Extremely careful in attending to details. Your character wants things done right and usually wants it done right the first time. Measure twice (or five times) and cut once is her motto.

35. Namby-Pamby - Your character is weak, indecisive, and cowardly, basically a Character that lacks character. She'll be ineffectual at reaching goals or sticking to any plans.

36. Narcissist - Beyond vain, your character is practically in love with himself. Nothing is too good for him, no one is more beautiful, attractive or charming. Your character is likely to be egotistical and self-centered as well.

37. Nefarious - Your character is fragrantly wicked. Most evil people aren't evil in their own minds but your character probably takes pleasure in being wicked and impious. A certain amount of style and charm usually hides the nefariousness of your character from the eyes of the common folk who happen upon him, but he plots and schemes with no regard for any but himself. Be sure other players are aware of your intentions before being too nefarious, of course.

38. Obsequious - Humbly or excessively attentive, fawning. Your character finds it much more agreeable to be in service to someone who will provide him with all his needs and is not against a bit of grovelling to make sure he gets all that he feels he deserves. A bit weasly, but if he plays his cards right, a comfortable weasle.

39. Opportunist - Your character tends to exploit opportunities with little regard for the consequences of his actions. He may not take principles or even other people into consideration either.

40. Ornery - Your character is quite irritable and easily aggravated.

41. Panache - Not quite as flashy as the flamboyant character, your character nevertheless makes quite a stylish sight.

42. Paranoid - Mental disorder marked by delusions and irrational suspicion. Your character has a hard time trusting anyone and is willing to leap at the slightest indication that people are not trustworthy.

43. Passive - Submissive, patient, non-violent. Your character may not be all of these things its up to you to determine how passive he is.

44. Pensive - Musingly or dreamily thoughtful. Your character may constantly muse over sad and depressing things. A rather introverted type.

45. Pious - Your character is marked by an extreme reverence for religioun and the Gods. Your character is determined to do what is right by the gods. Generally not applied to those who follow the more evil aspects of the gods, but of those who follow the light aspects.

46. Pompous - Your character is arrogant, pretentious and/ or ostentatious. He is of the priveledged and makes no bones about showing it off. He is not likely to think well of those of a lesser class.

47. Quick Tempered- Easily angered, your character has a hot temper and is easily provoked

48. Rambunctious - Undisciplined, unruly and marked by mostly uncontrolled exuberance. Your character is somewhat like a puppy, lots of energy, little direction and basically good natured.

49. Rapscallion - Your character is a little rascal, a little rogue and a little ne'er-do-well. She's likely to be very charismatic and maybe even playful and mischievious. Still she might just sell her grandmother if the price was right.

50. Rover- Your character has a touch of the wanderlust. She never likes to stay too long in one place and is much happier out on the open road living where ever she happens to stop rather than settled down in a home of her own.

51. Sadistic - Your character takes an abnormal delight in cruelty. He'll kick the smelly cat when no one is looking, push old beggars to their knees for the fun of it, and will feel no remorse while doing it. She cares only for her own pleasure and will lie and misrepresent their interest to hurt others both emotionally and physically. The overly sadistic character must be prepared to be hated by other characters, be sure other players are aware of your motives if you choose this path so it never hurts the player as well.

52. Short-sighted- Your character doesn't see the far reaching affects of his actions and decisions. May have a very narrow view of situations as well since they can't seem to discern any consequences in most things.

53. Steadfast - Firm in belief, determination, or adherence. Your character is very loyal. When he makes an oath he keeps it no matter what the cost to himself. Can be a tragic figure if he has married an unfaithful and coldhearted woman, or be the basis for great heroics and commitment to a worthwhile cause.

54. Stoic - Your character may appear very cold to the outside world. He rarely shows feeling or passion in response to events especially in regard to pain and distress. He may just be indifferent or perhaps very self-controlled. Either way he can put up with far more than the ordinary person.

55. Subservient - Willing to serve in subordinate capacity. The subservient character balks at being placed in positions of leadership and power. He does not want that kind of responsibility. He may be deathly shy or just a follower by nature.

56. Valorous - Your character is a hero waiting to be. When courage and heroics are needed your character will step forward with no thought to consequence, only to what is right and noble.

57. Wayward - Your character is rather capricious. Impulsive and unpredictable in his actions. Follows his inclinations with no concerns as to what is right and wrong.

58. Wily - Your character is full of guile and cunning. If a bit of trickery is called for your character will not only think up a good one but carry it through to the end. He may have a touch of roguishness or could just be an astute and shrewd business man

The Quirk Chart

Quirks are generally not meant to be a driving force in your character's personality. Though for certain character's one or more of these quirks very well may be a large part of their personality, these are intended to be "on top" of what you have already established.

Keep in mind when selecting Quirks and Personality Traits that you should toss out combinations that won't work together. Clownish and Stoic for example.

On the other hand, some things that at first appear at odds with each other it may make an interesting combination. Musically Inclined and Tone Deaf, for instance. A big Tog happily singing off-key may be an interesting thing to roleplay

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1. Accent- Your character has an accent. Decide whether it is a regional accent or if your character originally spoke another language. Determing how heavy you want to play it.

2. Allergies- Your character is alergic to one or more things. Decide what things and what the reaction is. Magic? Cats? Do they make you itch? Sneeze? Sniffle?

3. Animal Lover- Your character loves animals. Determine how far this love extends. Will your character refuse to hunt animal like creatures? Will your character pounce lovingly on familiars and companions paying little heed to their affects on the poor creatures?

4. Bald- Obviously, if you choose this and your character is not already bald you may want to visit the hair shop in Leth. Play it as if your character is going bald by selecting Thinning at first if you want to make a big deal of your character going bald.

5. Blind- Your character cannot see at all. This is difficult to play with any consistency. Try squelching all the room descriptions at first to learn how to ignore game descriptions when you first

6. Clownish- Much like the class clown, your character is always looking for a way to make people laugh. Though, she may cross the line at times when it comes to appropriateness.

7.Deaf- Not able to hear a sound, your character wouldn't hear other players words or any sounds from the environment as well. Maybe he would be able to read lips to a certain degree, but you would have to be careful to remain consistent with this one.

8. Drunkard- Drinking to excess is something your character is well practiced in. Always carries a handy flask or bottle to indulge his taste for the drink at a moments notice. Your character might be a happy drunk or a melancholy one depending on his character. Note also that some people are exactly opposite in personality when they have been drinking.

9. Egotistical- Your character thinks very, very highly of herself, to the point that she probably dismisses other peoples beliefs or ideas if she doesn't happen to agree with them. She may be a bit opinionated as well

10. Fetish Item- Similar to a rembrance item, but your character also attaches some magical qualities to it. A good luck charm or a warder of evil influences. The item probably holds some significance to the character beyond the magical qualities as well.

11. Food Fetish- There is one particular food item your character can just not pass up. Be it chocolate, tarts or even spicy sausages. He might take silly risks or go miles out of his way to procure a fresh backed tart. Your character probably tends toward other addictive behaviours as well.

12. Facial Tick- An annoying little spasm that can cause some embarassment. Maybe brought on by stress or nervousness. Perhaps its in one cheek or the forehead its up to you to decide why, where and also how noticeable it is.

13. Gaudy- When it comes to over done your character corners the market. Garrish colors, too much jewerly and accessories as well. Your character may not be aware of how gaudy she is, or perhaps she is well aware and uses it to suit her purposes as a gypsy might swirl her skirts and flaunt her colorful beads to distract an unwary traveller while she dips into his purse.

14. Glutton- Your character loves to eat, and he'll eat to the point of excess. Too much is never enough if your character likes something. Perhaps it stems from a childhood where food was scarce and now that he has it he eats as if it will be taken away again.

15. Habitual Liar- If one lie will suffice ten are even better. Sometimes your character may lie just for the sake of lying. This does not necessarily mean that your character is a cruel to others. The lying may be limited to the "tall tale" type of lie. Telling a young adventurer still wet behind the ears that Trolls are good place to start off hunting is a liar with a will to hurt and not your run of the mill habitual liar.

16. Hobby-Alchemy- Almost everyone has a hobby you enjoy, your character loves alchemy. The mixing of potions and drying of herbs makes him beam with delight.

17. Hobby-Origami- Another hobby one might pursue. Folding bits of paper into little shapes is a pastime your character loves to indulge in. He may find it a relaxing change from the hectic days on the battle field. Or perhaps it is a way for him to express his artistic side.

18. Illiterate- Unable to read. Perhaps the Common tongue is your characters second language and he never learned to read it, or maybe your character was never educated at all. What ever the reason, most catalogs, road signs, scrolls, etc are beyond the understanding of your character.

19. Insomniac- Your character has trouble sleeping. Difficult to play up in DR, but still possible. Your character may appear to be haggard and worn out much of the time.

20. Limp- Your character walks with a limp. What ever the cause, an old wound a birth defect it will affect your characters behavior and perhaps a good deal of his background.

21. Musically Inclined- Your character has a love of music and at least some ability to back it up. Though, it may require training in the skill to get there. She may prefer singing to an instrument.

22. Nervous Habit- Your character is afflicted with some form of nervous habit be it biting her nails or playing with a strand of hair. Decide what the habit it is and work it into your characters daily activities. She would probably not be all that conscious of doing it.

23. Opinionated- Arguing with your character is like arguing with a brick wall. Your character is set in his ways and will happily try to convince everyone of the veracity of his point of view. You probably enjoy arguing and may not realize how frustrated others are with you.

24. Phobia- Some kind of irrational fear lurks within your character. Is it spiders? Deep water? Strangers? Determine how overpowering it is and stick it to it. Its not always fun to back out of an activity, but if your character knows of the wolf spiders beneath Theren Keep he sure isn't going to be up for a trip down there with his friends. Unless of course he's putting up a facade of nonchalance, but he should break into a cold sweat at the appropriate times nonetheless.

25. Picky Eater- There are just somethings that will never cross the lips of your character. In fact, there are a lot of these things. Your character may make bones about how he feels either. He'll turn his nose up at anything if it doesn't suit him, and may not care who's feelings get hurt in the process.

26. Remembrance Item- A special item that your character treasures and always has near him, or perhaps keeps it underlock and key in his home or vault. Its a reminder of some past event that left a mark on your characters life. It might be the personal possession of a dead friend or parent; some token from a lost love; perhaps a flower from the garden of the women you loved who married another when you chose a life of adventure.

27. Refuses to Wear Glasses- Perhaps its vanity perhaps its just refusing to admit age or weakness, either way your character doesn't see well, and won't wear glasses to correct the problem. You need to decide if your character is near-sighted or far-sighted and how bad his vision is.

28. Restless- Your character can't sit still for too long before he starts fidgeting and looking for something else to do. She wouldn't be the type to listen to long classes without annoying her instructor to death. Wandering maybe just the sort of life style this character is born to.

29. Sickly- Your character suffers from some kind of illness or disease, or just has an overall lack of good health. There may be overt symptoms or perhaps your character just tires easily. Perhaps he has periods where he gets better and then once again descends into illness.

30. Sloppy Appearance- Your character may be a plain old slob, or maybe just an absent-minded sage type. Messy hair, worn and stained clothing are the norm. The shop in Shard will surely be the best place for you to pick up a wardrobe.

31. Smokes Cigars/Pipe- Nothing like lounging around with a good smoke. Does your character prefer a particular type of tobacco or cigar? Does he just smoke or does he like to blow rings and such?

32. Squeamish- Your character cannot stand the sight of blood or gore. Hanging out with the empaths is probably their least favorite past time. Hunting for a living isn't going to be their first choice, or probably their second, either.

33. Superstitious- There are many superstitions you can choose from, or even make one up. In fact, come up with a lot of them. A superstitious person doesn't usually stop with one strange belief. What might your character think is good luck? Bad luck? Any Omens, portents or signs they may believe in?

34. Tone Deaf- When you start to singing the dogs start to howling. You can't sing, though you probably don't recognize the fact that your painfully off-key.

35. Unlucky- When bad things happen, they happen to you. You lose things, drop things, fall down, miss the ferry etc. Though some of this really is bad luck, you can play up the many misfortunes of your characters and make up some of your own.

36. Vain- If there is a mirror around guess who is standing in front of it? You're character may tend toward a lot of primping and may look down on other characters they don't feel are as attractive as themselves. Your character does neccessarily have to be attractive themselves though.

37. Vegetarian- Your character does not eat meat, or perhaps only eats fish. Is there a moral reason why she won't eat meat? Cultural? Health?

38. Wear's Glasses- Is your character far-sighted or near-sighted? Your character may not be able to afford glasses right away so play it accordingly. Losing your glasses on occassion can be fun as well.

I'm probably a lot more organic on characters. My favorite to pick out is to take things to extremes or just a weird quirk.

So charismatic becomes disgustingly so such that it's apparent. (Ouran All About School Club has such a character.) Such you are charmed, but can't trust them one bit.

People dislike extremes in people.

I'm fond of weird obsessions too.

I also tend to like timid characters that watch the world fall around them and are trying to figure out what to do.

But extremes are really easy to pick on. Persistence can turn into stubborn as a mule.

Loyal can turn into clingy.

Intelligent can turn into a know it all.

Taking a virtue to extremes is easy to make into a fault. People pick up on that.

I also have a tendency towards immature characters as well. ^^;; I was told that a character in their early 20's sounded 8... But dude! They were having a snowball fight. I don't know anyone who acts mature during a snowball fight. --;; I am sorry, but I will hit you with a snowball... enough ranting.

Also blunt people are fun to weave in--but that's me.

In everyday humans have real virtues and real vices that sometimes relate or sometimes don't relate. The important thing to make these virtues and vices is to have a character history that makes it believable. You don't have to have one on the outset, but eventually there should be some rhyme or reason to it.

For example, my most pesky character, Launye, started out as a joke Mary Sue. She has green eyes, blonde hair, is a powerful fairy, but is also an ex-witch and an ex-princess. (You can get the joke by now).

She's sassy, she hates men, she doesn't seem to care about anything around her, she's blunt, and sharp-tongued though she never swears.

When I started with her, I knew I wanted her as an anti-Mary Sue. There is such a thing as *too* perfect. So I cracked her by first figuring out that as a former witch and a former princess she's most likely to hate men. Hate men most likely from the witches. ^^;; Play on the word that rhymes with a b. I expanded that in that area in post. I did that because she was acting caustic to everyone. Then she has issues from being a former witch and hates women and has a possessive streak. From there she ran and took over. She *does* have virtues, but she's the type to bury them because she doesn't like looking weak. She equates being weak as anything like having concern for others or the outside world.

I have a love-hate relationship with her. I call her something like, She's no Tinkerbell. >.<;; Far from.

Henry is an Indiana Jones gone wrong. Has this cowboy thing for him, but is far from virtuous himself. He's quite immature, quick to temper and likes looking up women.

But what Undine listed--all of those can be taken as virtues or vices.

I just prefer vices first because people remember those better in books. Hermione by J.K. Rowling is called a know-it-all. Does Hermione have virtues? Sure she does, but the one that even the author remembers is a vice!

I'm fond of quirky characters too. Like the wizard who has so many books he never helps with a fight because he's too busy looking up what to do and ends up delivering the information too late. Brits are fond of quirky characters as are the Japanese. Like a super rich diva who owns a fashion company and decides to date a poor man. That is such a Japanese plot. Doctor Who is a classic quirky character, especially the David Tennant version. He wears plimsoles, interrupts himself often, and has catch phrases. He's likable, but very quirky around the edges. I would say his biggest fault is that he often misses what the Tinman wanted... a heart and something to ground him. But what makes the character are the quirks (Captain Jack from Torchwood is classic quirky character... pansexual... can charm people, etc.) You can go this way too, but you have to remember to include the quirk.
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Telling someone you're a writer is like telling them you're an obsessive compulsive bipolar schizophrenic that goes to AA meetings once a week.