Character chart

[TxRad]

I think that in the time it took me to fill in that chart for each of my characters I could actually write another story.

How about for a novel or three, which is what the full version is for. It can be cut down for shorter work or just used as a reference card for future work with the same character.

 

[Handley_Page]

I heard one author on the Radio talking about a well-confused cast list, who said that he used a Card Index file for this information.
But I do like this one. . .

 

[oggbashan]

I can see a use for something like the character chart in the OP, but I wouldn't use anything like all the categories.

I have tried using a chart that includes back history, events, actions and relationships which I would find more useful. I found that completing the details for all the characters was time consuming and not an effective tool because it detracted from the writing.

I have made errors because I haven't charted details. I usually find those errors on the first edit but I have posted flawed stories. The readers have spotted the errors and told me.

For one of my stories I had to draw a family tree with dates of birth, dates of marriage etc because I had to have an event occuring during the Depression. At that point there had to be a small child's death. My first draft had to be replotted since the child's mother from other information given in the story must have been years below Lit's age limit for sexual activity. Eventually I sorted the time line out satisfactorily.

The character chart, like all writing tools, is useful if you find it a help. The various categories are hints about what to record but I wouldn't recommend completing every item for every character.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

LOVE this, darling Tex!

Working on two novels right now, and my Lynette is working on one, so I think this chart will be great to use! I was talking to her about doing a character profile from scratch, but I love having a list I can just fill in.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

Copied and pasted. Thanks.

You might really like using Scrivener. It was originally developed on Mac, but there is a Windows version now, too. You have the ability in this software to create character sketches and setting sketches. You can even import pictures into those for inspiration. The character sketch template in Scrivener isn't as comprehensive as this one you've sent, but you can create your own.

From Scrivener, you can compile your work into any number of formats, including .mobi for Kindle, or .doc for Lit. And the features for managing research for non-fiction works is fabulous.

Downloading my free trial of Scrivener right now! Thanks!

 

[SevenSquared]

For one of my stories I had to draw a family tree with dates of birth, dates of marriage etc because I had to have an event occuring during the Depression. At that point there had to be a small child's death. My first draft had to be replotted since the child's mother from other information given in the story must have been years below Lit's age limit for sexual activity. Eventually I sorted the time line out satisfactorily.

Yes, sketching out a family tree can be useful. Drawing a timeline containing all the key events in the history of the main characters (especially those concerning their relationships with each other) can also be a lifesaver.