How to create a character

Every good story needs strong characters.

In this article you will learn:

• What a character is
• How to create a character

This resource is suitable for creative writing for primary school learners.

Watch this video to learn how to create characters in your creative writing.

A character is a person, animal, or figure in creative writing, like a story or a play.

You could write about characters you already know, from books, films or television, but it’s much more fun to start with a blank slate. Then you’re in charge of everything and you could start anywhere:

• your character’s name
• their job
• where they live
• what they look like

• Appearance – What does your character look like?
  • What colour of hair or eyes do they have?
  • What kind of features do they have? A scar, hairstyle or glasses?
• Don’t just list their height, build and features. Use descriptive language including plenty of adjectives. This will really explain what they look like and help bring your characters to life.
• Similes can help give your readers a clear image of your character too.

Her cheekbones as sharp as razors and her black eyes are like a sharks.

• Job – What is it that this character actually does? Could they be a ballet dancer or a bank robber?
• Clothing – What a character wears can reflect what they get up to in your story.
• Name – What do you think your character's name should be? It should be memorable.
• Setting – Think how your setting would match your character. Where would you character live?
• Likes and dislikes – What does your character like and dislike? Think about your character’s personality.

Now you have your character, what happens next is up to you. The reader should be able to close their eyes and imagine the character clearly.

• adjective – A word which describes something or someone. For example, you can use adjectives to describe your favourite film: 'It’s funny, colourful and interesting.'
• simile – A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to compare two different things. For example: 'He sat as still as a mouse and his heart was beating like a drum.'
• reflect – When you think deeply or carefully about something. For example: 'When he got home, he had to reflect on his behaviour at the football game.'
• menacing – An adjective that describes something dangerous or threatening. For example: 'They could hear the menacing growl as the wolf crawled nearer and nearer to the house.'
• memorable – Something that stands out and is easily remembered. For example: 'It was a memorable day out, when the sun shone at our family picnic.'
• imagine – When you create a picture of something in your mind. For example: 'Can you imagine that you were a bird, flying through the clear, blue sky?'

Create your own character

Find or draw a picture of a character you would like to use in your story.

Copy and complete the table below to describe your character. Try to give as many details as you can.

You can also try this the other way round.

Start by using the character plan to write about your character and then use the description to draw your character. You could even ask someone else to draw the character using your description like instructions.

This can help you to find out the areas you need to expand and add to.