Written by August 15th, 2013

Writing Prompt: Character Sketch

Today our prompt is a little different. When writing one often gets stuck with figuring out what a character will do next. The better one knows a character, the easier it is to write what happens next.

One of the ways I get a better handle on my characters is to create a cheat sheet. I make a one page list of very basic questions, print out a couple copies, and then fill out a questionnaire for each of my major characters.

Then, when I am writing I refer back to the sheet if I forget any of the details about them, or if I feel stuck for where to go next. All the information on the sheet does not make into the book, that is not the point, but it always informs my understanding of the character.

A very basic example of the questionnaire is included below if you want to start with a template.

Feel free to alter it as you wish, or to start from scratch.

Enjoy the exercise!

Character Sketch Questionnaire

  • Full Name:
  • Height:
  • Weight:
  • Age:
  • Hair Color:
  • Distinguishing Features:
  • Tattoos/Scars:
  • Hometown:
  • Current City:
  • Education:
  • Relationship Status:
  • Siblings:
  • Favorite Food:
  • Favorite Book:
  • Favorite Word:
  • Favorite Movie:
  • Favorite Childhood Memory:
  • Pet Peeves:
  • Hobbies:
  • Medical Issues:

 

 

 

 

 

We Send You Publishers Seeking Submissions.

Sign up for our free e-magazine and we will send you reviews of publishers seeking short stories, poetry, essays, and books.

Subscribe now and we'll send you a free copy of our book Submit, Publish, Repeat

5 Paying Literary Magazines to Submit to in July 2025

5 Paying Literary Magazines to Submit to in July 2025

Magazines paying for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

The Marrow: Now Seeking Submissions

The Marrow: Now Seeking Submissions

An online journal that pays for all kinds of poetry.

The Art of Rewriting: Where Good Writing Goes to Die (and Get Resurrected)

The Art of Rewriting: Where Good Writing Goes to Die (and Get Resurrected)

5 tips for a stronger second draft.

39 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for July 2025

39 Themed Submission Calls and Contests for July 2025

These are calls and contests for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Some of the call themes are: games; phantom worlds; work; solarpunk; soilpunk; food (and fairy tales); of love & dragons; ghost stories; personal histories; regret; and obsession. THEMED CALLS Graywolf Press: Graywolf Lab – Games“Graywolf Lab is an online platform for interdisciplinary conversations and new…