Character Development

This is a summary of an article at terribleminds by Chuck Wendig.

Set the Character Logline.

Describe the character in 140 characters or 23 words or less. What do I really need to know about him?

Identify the Character's Problem.

Shorter is better. You may have included the problem in the logline. This is why this character is here. This drives the plot.

Identify the Character's Solution to the Problem.

This is his solution, not yours. The character will try to use the solution to solve his problem.

Establish the Conflict.

This is the inherent conflict between the Character's Problem and the Character's Solution. Obstacles abound.

This is the difference between what the character wants and what he cannot have.

Identify the Limitations.

Limitations are generally internal. They get in the way. They are part of the conflict. Limitations help define the character's traits. They might be flaws or frailties.

Identify the Complications.

Complications are usually external. They are entanglements outside the character that make things difficult.

Identify his Greatest Fear.

This is useful to torment the character later on.

Write a Character Description

This is a lot like a logline and all of the above are description. Keep it short. 140 characters or less. Focus on the unique or odd characteristics.

Take a 1000 word test drive.

Write a piece of flash fiction to see how he acts. Have him talk to people. Give him a new problem. Get inside his head.

Now, Rewrite the Logline.

You idea of him may have changed.