Character Survey Thread

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IheartNightWings
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by IheartNightWings »

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
As a matter of fact, yes, I do technically have a character that was originally based off of me, but I have changed her now, so she is not as much based off of me anymore. She started out being me, and now she's just her

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
I generally prefer using male characters as main characters, and then female as secondary main characters or side characters. I'm not entirely sure why, since I am a female, but I just almost always use male characters. Maybe it's the fact that I make most of them either adorable and likeable or quiet.

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
It depends on the character, but I'm extremely attached to most of my characters. I love them to death, and I usually feel bad about having them get hurt. Being too attached is a problem, especially when it hinders you from continuing the plot.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
Again, depending on the character, but usually I get extremely close with other's characters. Some characters, I just click with, and others I just don't.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
I sometimes do both, but I usually write the story before the characters.


6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
For me, new characters are made by either me doodling them or just accidentally thinking them up. One other way is making them while listening to music. For me, this is a pretty efficient method, especially since I'm doodling all the time.
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Human1011
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by Human1011 »

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
I do this a lot, but sometimes, I hardly notice until I'm done.
2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
It really depends on the plot of the story/roleplay/etc. but I find females to be ever so slightly easier when considering the present day (history is a different matter).
3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
Again, it really depends, but sometimes, I can get pretty attached. It's not a problem, as long as you still think/write about the characters you're not attached to.
4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
It really depends on the personality and other characteristics of the characters, and I only ever get attached to human characters, but sometimes, I do get pretty attached to other people's characters.
5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
I do both, depending on the plot of the story. When writing about the present day, I usually formulate the story to fit the characters, but when writing a historical story, it's usually the other way around.
6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
I have several categories that I write about for each character, and I set aside the character's profile when I'm done so that I can base the character's actions on the character him/herself. I usually don't make my characters as I write the story. I think my method is pretty effective. It helps you get an overview of the character without spending an eternity searching.
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DracoHandsome
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by DracoHandsome »

1. Are any of your characters based off of you?
Arguably all of them
2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
I find females generally more honest and sympathetic, and most male characters I write are kind of girly as a result
3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
Too much; yes
4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
Not that much
5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
It bounces back and forth
6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
Start with a basic archetype or gimmick; add more detail so that the gimmick isn't the only draw; it may end up that later on you change or take out the original gimmick, who knows

I'm not very productive in general so no =(
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by Chanilove »

Raneth wrote:1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
I'm not an interesting enough person to base an entire character off of, but a lot of my characters do reflect me in some form or another. I think that much is inevitable.
Raneth wrote:2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
I write a good balance of both. I have always had more male friends than female, but I am a mom with a daughter. As a result I am quite comfortable writing for either gender, though I'm told my male characters are more fun than my female ones.
Raneth wrote:3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
My characters are people. They have to be real to be interesting. Yes, I love them, I love them very much, even the twisted ones. As for whether or not it's a bad thing, I think that question can go both ways. As long as it isn't negatively affecting the story or other people's characters, no. I don't let my love for my characters get in the way of my duty as a writer. If my darling needs to take a bullet and die to take this to the next chapter then it will happen... though I might shed some very real tears.
Raneth wrote:4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
It depends! The realer the character is, the more I love them. Of course, this ultimately depends on the person playing them. I have a friend who is an excellent writer, someone I've been role-playing with for nearly ten years and love like a sister, and I love all her characters. If they're her brainchildren, I guess that makes them my brain-nieces and brain-nephews. It feels like it, anyway.
Raneth wrote:5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
Both, I suppose. When I start writing a story, I usually have at least a basic idea of the plot structure and setting. But, as I've said, my characters are real, and sometimes they will change things entirely. They mold the plot and setting just as much as the plot and setting mold them, I'd say.
Raneth wrote:6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
It depends on what my inspiration/motivation is. If I'm making that character for a particular role-play setting and plot, I flesh out the biography first and then create a relevant personality. I might have to go back and edit small details about his past as he comes to life. By the time that's over I usually have a pretty good image of him in my head, so figuring out what he looks like, what he wears, what equipment he carries, etc. is usually pretty easy. Sometimes I'll come across a character in a book, movie, game, or anime that has an interesting personality quirk, so the personality comes first and I try to write a biography to match it. All the while I keep a list of their favorites (colors, foods, season, etc.), quirks and habits, random memories, and special dates (birthday, anniversary, etc.) Of course I don't include those in the public biography - it'd end up way too long for anyone to consider reading - but I keep it all in a file on my computer for easy referencing later. I generally save the name and appearance bits for last. I do feel it's an effective way, but I don't think it's better than any other method. I think writing a character is a lot like drawing. You have to learn how to do it on your own and build a unique method with unique results.
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by sannesara »

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
I did have characters that were based off of me, but not completely. Maybe if what I'm writing is a sort of story about my life or something close to it, but I think that if I base them off of me, it defeats the purpose of escaping reality through writing a different world or perspective (which is what writing is to me). There are times that I slightly add in a slice of my personality to them, but I tend to avoid that most of the time.
2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
I'm more comfortable with female characters. Women are prone to experiencing a myriad of feelings, therefore making it easier for me to write as I can throw something in and most people won't notice so it gives me a little bit of time to rearrange if necessary. Their emotions can also lead to plausible plot twists that I may not have thought of while drafting the whole story. Also, I can't seem to understand how males' minds and feelings work. I don't want to be accused of stereotyping too, so I avoid focusing on male characters.
3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
I don't get that attached, but I don't steer far from them either. Getting attached is okay, but if it becomes too much, then it is not. Nothing is good when it's too much or little. It may lead the author to writing a biased perspective and sometimes, a Mary Sue or Gary Stu is born.
4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
If they're delivered well, I get pretty attached. Especially if the plot is amazingly thought out and they make a good combination together. Take Clannad (an anime), for example. It looks so simple and plain, but along the way, I get attached to them because of how good they are developing realistically.

Maybe also if I can relate to the character in a way that makes me sympathize with them.
5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
Can go both ways. There are times that I think of the plot first and create the characters, but there are also those moments that I'm all "If there was a character like this it would be great! And also if I add this... and then that..." then poof, there's the story laid out in front of me.
6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
Silly as it sounds, I've role-played online a lot and the habit of making CSs (Character Sheets) stuck to me. It's not as effective, but it's not bad as well. When I forget what to write, I can just skim through their CS and I'll remember almost immediately.

Well, everyone works in different ways. I'd say give this method a try, and if it isn't your thing, then aight, look for another one to try.
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by Iliad »

I'm planning on starting a story soon so this is gonna be a nice bit of fun!

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."

Yes, but typically only one of them in a certain story. Usually, he looks about the same as me, too, but... well, that can't last forever. I'm thinking about changing it up so that the only thing we have in common is our personality and our sparkling sense of humor.

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?

Male characters, probably because of the girl archetypes in books/movies/stories/whatever generally tending to make me groan, but nowadays I think writing girl/nb characters is pretty fun as well. As in... it's fun if you don't do the thing where it's like "I'm a girl! No matter what my personality is I'm going to end up falling for the main male character anyway while trying to keep up a semblance of independence because this is original".
Sorry, that probably sounded super snobby.

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?

//gross sobbing
I get way too attached all the time which makes me sad because I never finish any stories ever unless I'm writing them for class. It ends up with me salvaging really old OCs and sticking them into stories they weren't originally in, with varying degrees of success. Also yes it's a problem.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?

It's this weird sort of situation where it's quite hard to get me invested enough in someone else's characters for me to care, but once I'm interested, they're never getting rid of me. Never. I'm in for the ride and I'm going to hijack the car afterward.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?

I tend to make my characters first and develop personalities, and then decide where the story's going depending on how the characters would react to certain situations. Usually the beginning of the story is pretty commonplace, and I let the characters' reactions dictate where the story goes next, and somewhere along the way I figure out an ending that rarely is reached.
One of my friends does the opposite and while I've seen it work fine for other people it seems as though he just shoves characters into roles that don't fit them.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?

I base them off of other characters that I think are interesting, but nowadays I try to mix in so many characters that they become their own character. I also tend to borrow traits from friends or enemies (basically anyone I'm acquainted with and whose personalities I actually know) in order to make them more believable. Though I used to take one character and just totally copy them... throwback to 2011...
It's not super effective but... I guess it works.
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niintendo64
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by niintendo64 »

1. Are any of your characters based off of you?

No character I make is 100% me, but since character design is a passion of mine & fiction/media is a big part of how I like to process the world, every character I make has a little bit of me inside of them.

It's worth noting that as a younger child, when I was 12-13 years old, creating fiction was a coping mechanism for me & a way to think about my problems without stressing out or getting too worked up about it. So when I questioned my sexual orientation, I made a bunch of characters with different sexual orientations. Same thing when I questioned my gender identity; I made a character who was also trans, & I got to play with the idea in a way that felt less uncomfortably personal.

This was a wordy answer. "Sort of" suffices, though.

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?

Y'know, I love female characters, but I tend to write more male ones? Recently, though, diversifying my OCs has been a big mission of mine. I don't 'prefer' writing any gender, honestly, but I have more male OCs due to the fact that, back in my big RPing days, I was always the most willing to make the boy love interest.

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?

I don't get attached in the sense that I get really emotional about them, or anything like that. I love them a lot, & like to talk about them, but I never had an issue with being overly attached. I don't think it's a problem, but that might be because it has never been a problem for me.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?

Same thing as above, honestly?

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?

I write characters & then I never get a story together. I'm terrible in that way. I just like to make OCs & then leave them floating in the void. Whoops.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?

After I've gotten the base idea for a character ("I want to make a character with vitiligo" "I want to make a character with a psychotic disorder" "I want to make a character who is from Seychelles"), I always start with the flaws. The reason for this is; if you start with the good aspects of a character, you get attached to this perfect person, who is sweet & lovely & so good at heart. You're not gonna be able to think of a single meaningful flaw that could possibly coincide with all their goodness. So, make the flaws first. From there, add in the goodness (and yes, there should be goodness, I find completely virtueless characters just as boring as flawless ones - and they don't even have the benefit of being endearing).

Also, since I try to make diverse OCs, I do a lot of research, my personal favorite part. Names from different cultures, languages from all over the world, fashion styles, hair styles, genetics, disorders, illnesses, disabilities, etc. etc. etc. I want to treat all these things with respect, of course, which is why I do research. I want to make characters who reflect the real world. I never meaninglessly tack on a trait like a disability or a cultural upbringing, but I don't shy away from incorporating these identities into the characters I make.

But, I digress. In simpler terms with less of my soapbox preaching, my character creation processs is " Idea -> Flaws -> Virtues -> Lots & Lots of Research -> Quirks".
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by Tierliebhaber »

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?

1. No, I avoid basing characters off of myself. I do add names of people I know or parts of their (characters)personality off of people around me.
2. I prefer to write female characters, I as can understand them more male characters, although I do write male characters too.
3. I do get attached to my main character. I don`t see it as a problem, as I find it helps me to understand the character better.
4. I get quite attached- if I find the character relatable and likeable.
5. It depends. Sometimes an idea for a character pops into my head and I have to think hard about the plot. Sometimes it is the other way around. (But usually the character comes first and the plot/ story second)
6. I start of with the basic (Name, gender, age, history) then I look at their personality and clothes. Then I consider what part they play in the story and add/remove stuff from above
I then create flowcharts and relationship maps to show hoe the character develops throughout the story; its relationships with other characters/places; etc.)
Then, and only then do I start hammering out my first draft.
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by AsterTheBeastmaster »

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
I never base my characters off real people, especially myself.
2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
I don't have a personal preference towards any particular gender. I write a character as whatever gender sticks out to me when I create them.
3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
I love all of my characters, but I make it a point to keep a little bit of distance from them. I don't want them to be Sues/Stus.
4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
It varies from indifference to complete idolization. :lol:
5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
I prefer the former. I like it best when characters drive the story. It feels more organic and natural that way.
6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
I... Honestly don't know. Sometimes they just happen, and come forward very easily. Other times, it's a long and calculated process. I tend to treat characters as if they have a will of their own. Sometimes they're stubborn, and need convincing (or brute force). Sometimes they take to their roles like fish to water. Regardless of what I do to create them, I try to have fun and get to know them the only way I can. I don't know if it's the most practical way to do it, though.
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Re: Character Survey Thread

Post by Fable »

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."

I noticed with a lot of my characters they end up with a few traits I tend to have as well, but none of them are ever exactly like me. They're always their own person.

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?

Female characters, and I think the reason for this is simply because I find it easier to get into a female's mind set (being a female myself)

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?

I can get very attached to my own characters, however I think it's only a problem when you find you can't bare putting them through the troubles you had planned out for them.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?

I can get very attached to characters in books, in fact I can recall one time when I quite reading a good book because it killed off my favorite character in it.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?

I do a bit of both. I design the characters to grow with the story. However, sometimes I find that the original plot twist doesn't fit with the character(s)' personality and end up moving it around to better suite what I feel that the character would do.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?

Well that's not particularly an easy question for me to answer. Some characters I let make themselves so to speak as the story goes on while others I build a structured plan for. I find that having an idea of what you want but not restricting yourself too much helps build the best character, if you start with out even the faintest idea of who your character is you may find that you don't like how they are turning out whereas if you restrict yourself completely to a set plan the character may not grow or fit the story like you wanted.
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