The best characters have vibrant lives that exist both on the page and off. And Writer’s Relief knows that one of the best ways to learn more about your own character’s inner life is by freewriting or brainstorming using the following topics. This Q&A-style interview with your characters will lead you to the deep revelations that foster more believable characterization.

Describe Your Character’s Physical Traits

1. Height
2. Eye color
3. Build
4. Hair color
5. Skin tone
6. Ethnicity
7. Athletic abilities
8. Physical challenges
9. Favorite physical trait
10. Least favorite physical trait
11. How character sees his or her own looks

What Are Your Character’s Values And Priorities?

Sort these values in order of importance to your character.

12. Religious values
13. Personal happiness and satisfaction
14. Money/financial solvency
15. Family ties/responsibilities
16. Looks/personal appearance
17. Luxuries (fancy cars, large homes, etc.)
18. Giving to others/strangers/community
19. Political involvement
20. Friendships
21. Romance/love life
22. Reputation within the community
23. Professional aspirations
24. Creative fulfillment
25. Fun and games/kicking back

Brainstorm Or Freewrite About These Topics Related To Your Character’s Backstory

26. Favorite childhood memory
27. Least favorite childhood memory
28. Socioeconomic situation as a child
29. Socioeconomic situation now
30. Cultural/regional elements of upbringing
31. Relationship with mother/parent/guardian
32. Relationship with father/parent/guardian
33. Relationship with siblings
34. Academic track record
35. Childhood career aspirations
36. Actual career path
37. Deepest social insecurity (and the moment it was born)
38. Biggest fear/phobia (and the moment it was born)
39. First crush/love
40. Childhood best friend

No Time Like The Present: Describe Your Character’s Life Right Now

41. Financial situation
42. Living situation
43. Romance situation
44. Professional situation
45. Dietary preferences
46. Physical challenges
47. Family life situation
48. Favorite things to do when not busy

The Or Game: How Would Your Character Answer These Questions

The OR game is about making instinctive, split-second judgment calls. No explaining, deliberating—or saying “and.” Sometimes, characters come to life from the smallest details. Your answers to these seemingly frivolous questions about your character’s preferences may actually surprise you with new facets of his or her personality.

49. Stay in or go out?
50. Beach or mountains?
51. DIY or hire help?
52. Winter, spring, summer, or fall?
53. Lake or pool?
54. Museum or concert?
55. Fight or flee?
56. Speak up or keep mum?
57. Apologize or pretend it didn’t happen?
58. Five minutes late or five minutes early?
59. Half empty or half full?
60. Kiss up or kiss off?
61. Home-cooking or gourmet?
62. Plastic, wood, or metal?
63. Book or movie?
64. Minimalism or max it out?
65. Traveling or settling in?
66. Tent or hotel?
67. Crowds or solitude?
68. Breakfast: skip or savor?
69. First dates: Love or tolerate?
70. Roses or sunflowers?
71. Text or email?
72. Paper clips or staples?
73. Vanilla or cinnamon?
74. Heights or depths?
75. Print book or e-book?
76. Custom frames or Scotch tape?
77. Dogs or cats?
78. RSVP with guest or decline with regret?
79. Break or bend?

Now That You Know All About Your Characters…

If you want to write characters that readers will never forget, be sure YOU don’t forget any details you’ve learned about your characters! Here are our best tips for keeping track of important character-building details that will make your story’s population feel well-rounded and real.

Question: Add your character interview ideas to our list via our comments section!