Hey -- this is a good article -- but I don't have time to proofread it -- and it looks like it's full of graphic mistakes -- like runon sentences and words and no paragraphs.
That's the thing I dislike about blogger. Oftentimes, when I write something and then public it, the blogger just runs everything together and doesn't leave any spaces.
We need spaces, too, in order to comprehend our writing. Remember that.
Anyway, here's Scott's article.
___________________________________
hauntedcomputer@yahoo.com
Here's the latest free writinga rticle for your unlimited use and publication, provided you run my name and the bio at the bottom.
Thanks and good luck with your writing!--------------------
What's In A Name?
By Scott Nicholson
Shakespeare said, "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by anyother name would smell as sweet."
Gertrude Stein said, "A rose is arose is a rose. "
John Davidson said, "O which is the last rose? Ablossom of no name."
An adolescent Scott Nicholson once wrote a snarkyline in a wretched poem that went "A rose is a rose is a risen."
So we could assume we could name every character "Rose" and it would make no difference. Tokyo Rose would be the same as Emily Rose, andRose Red and Rose Madder could be interchangeable titles in works byStephen King. The character of "Rose" in the world's most popularmovie, "Titanic," could have been "Sue," and Johnny Cash's song "A BoyNamed Sue" could have been called "A Boy Named Rose" and theoreticallythe universe would have continued expanding intact. But naming acharacter "Rose" doesn't connote blandness or homogeneity. The word comes loaded with a number of associations: a flower notoriouslychallenging for the home gardener; a pinkish-red color in the box ofCrayolas; a food source rich in Vitamin C; Shakespeare's quote; anoft-used symbol for the fleeting and ephemeral nature of love; and all theRoses you have personally known, as well as all the fictional Roses weencounter, whether the name is first or last.Names do matter, and one of the quickest ways that fiction spoilsitself is by having an unbelievable character. You don't want the nameto throw up a speed bump for the reader. The name should fit, gounnoticed and therefore easily accepted, or else be an intentionalploy to draw attention. These last can be tiresome: the big bikernamed "Tiny," the pathetic loser called "Romeo," etc. The name doesn'thave to do all of the work of character building, but it's animportant part of the package deal.Uncommon names are fairly common, as evidenced by a quick thumbingthrough your local phone book. A thirty-second scan of mine revealsRollin Weary, Edward Wax, Oletta Waycaster, Webb Weatherman, andForest Weaver. These real names would probably cause your reader topause upon initial encounter. This isn't necessarily bad, but evenreal names can be loaded. If your fictional Edward Wax is a candlemaker or your Webb Weatherman is a meteorologist, you'd better bewriting comedy or satire.One of the most common mistakes is making your character name soundtoo "namey." In other words, the name sounds like that of a fictionalcharacter instead of a real person. For all my admiration of DeanKoontz, I feel his character names sometimes sound artificial, as ifchurned out by some "random character generator" (Jimmy Tock, JuniorCain, Aelfric Manheim, Martin Stillwater, Harry Lyon, Joanna Rand).However, he is the only writer skilled enough to name a seriouscharacter "Odd Thomas" and get away with it.A fanciful name, even if memorable, can turn your readers away. Myfirst encounter with Kurt Vonnegut was through his short story"Harrison Bergeron," in which the "bad guy" is a woman named DianaMoon Glampers. I was a little too young to grasp the subtleties ofVonnegut's satire, and the name annoyed me so much that I put offreading his work again for years. Now I understand what he was doing,and I still remember that name though I haven't read the story since.The sound of the name adds tone to the character. While a stone-facedcharacter might well be called Stony, he's probably more interestingif he's a Chuck or Dirk, which are both punchy, "hard" names (MysteryScience Theater fans may remember "Biff McLargehuge"). A Richard isdifferent from a Dick is different from a Richie is different from aRicardo. Sue is not Suzannah, Suzie, or Susan. We expect an appliancerepairman to be named Danny, not Danforth, or Fred instead ofFrederick. An attorney or stockbroker will more likely be Charles thanCharlie, or Lawrence instead of Larry. We'd probably be more comfortedto have a doctor named Eleanor instead of Muffy, or an airline pilotnamed Virginia rather than Brittany.A character's name is often the first and most vital clue to acharacter's ethnicity, which may or may not be important to the story.Vinnie, Su, Ian, Darshan, Mohammed, Yoruba, Yasmine, and Felicia areprobably going to create reader expectations. Names also carrygenerational weight: we envision Blanche and Vivian as older, moreserious people than we do Dakota, Madison, or Mackenzie.On the other hand, just as stereotypes are often full of holes in reallife, you can use expectations in a delightful turn of the tables.Instead of a truck driver named Mac, he can be Milton, a sociologistwho enjoys traveling. Your New York cabbie doesn't have to be Armaan,who may or may not be a terrorist; he can be Orlando, studying actingin night school. Just make sure the people, and the motivations thatpropel them through the plot, are valid.Villains are in their own special nominal class. Dracula is probablythe perfect example. It's practically impossible to pronounce withoutsinister implications. Freddie Krueger, Darth Vader, and Gollum arefraught with darkness. Stephen King shines at this: Leland Gaunt,Randall Flagg, George Stark (actually a pseudonym for writer DonaldWestlake), Percy Wetmore, and probably the best one of all, "It."Of course, King also gets away with a character having the ubiquitousmoniker "John Smith," but even this name choice serves a purpose,because King's protagonist in "The Dead Zone" is an everyman Christfigure. You probably don't want to call your soul-stealing,heart-munching bad guy "Bradley Flowers," though you might sneak thatin as a mild-mannered, Walter Mitty-type serial killer. Real-lifekillers like Charles Starkweather and Richard Speck sound ominous,while other killers like Albert Fish and Ted Bundy sound likesomebody's kindly uncle, so your character names, like all otherelements of your fiction, have to be more real than reality.Female names offer their own opportunities for striking gold orstriking out. "Thelma and Louise" are two names that, to me, conjureup images of rough, trailer-trash women (I have an aunt named Louise,so that obviously colors my association). In the movie, they becomeself-reliant while simultaneously depending on each other. Though theyare doomed, they are also strong survivors. I don't think it wouldhave worked if the characters were "Cissie and Amber." Save that forthe Cameron Diaz and Reese Witherspoon road movie.In the 1950's James Bond world, you could get away with naming acharacter "Pussy Galore," a lesbian who can be "cured" intoheterosexuality by the right hired gun. That won't work today, noteven in genre fiction. Aside from the fact that the great majority ofbook purchasers are female, you don't want to look stupid. JanetEvanovich's cute, perky, yet often hapless bounty hunter is namedStephanie Plum, while Kathy Reich's tougher and darker-edged forensicanthropologist is called Temperance (Tempe) Brennan. You can tell justby the protagonists' names that the two series will have different tones.A recent trend in genre novels is the name-dropping of other writers.This immediately pulls me out of the story, reminds me I am staring atthe fabricated sentences of an actual human being, and I have to fightpast the "Nudge, nudge, wink, wink" if I bother continuing at all. Amanuscript I recently read had a pair of juvenile delinquents named"Anthony Bates" and "Norman Perkins." As if this wasn't painfullyobvious enough, after the introduction the characters repeatedly referto one another as Norm and Tony. I don't think the association isworth the cost. If it's plainly an homage or tribute, then it's fine,but it's already hard enough to keep the reader in a state ofsuspended disbelief. Save that kind of thing for the acknowledgements.So where do you get names? You can turn to the phone book, but you'llwant to mix and match first and last names so you don't inadvertentlycreate a character that's too close to home for some real personyou've never met and who might be litigious. I once encountered a realperson who had the same two names as one of my fictional characters,and it gave me pause. Using local surnames can add authenticity ifyour fiction is set in the area where you live. I often scour theobituaries because I use a lot of rural characters with long locallineages. "Baby name" books are great resources, especially if youhave multicultural characters, though you won't always find help withsurnames. The Internet is an obvious and easy tool, and don't forgetyour own imagination.Once you decide on a name, you can always change it later, thoughhaving the name will help you start building the character in yourmind. Whichever name you choose, sound it out, and make sure you wantit in your story. See if it matches the character and his or herpersonality and, more importantly, actions. Especially if it's theprotagonist, choose a name that can hold up for an entire story, book,or even a series.While the name you bestow on your character may not be as important asthe name you give your child, in some ways your fiction is just asmuch an offspring of your life as is your genetic contribution. Take it seriously, and make it matter.
-----------Scott Nicholson is the author of They Hunger, The Farm, and four othernovels, as well as numerous short stories and articles. He runs afreelance editing business through his web site http://www.hauntedcomputer.com/editing.htm
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
What Tom Berenger Looks Like in 2007
Here he is in 2007.
Isn't he just the most debonair creature you've ever seen?
These are the latest pix from the most recent Cigar Aficionado magazine.
Notice the large dial watch Tom is wearing. You can bet he can see THAT without his glasses!
Ah, those baby blues (eyes, that is) and ruby reds (lips, that is).
What a fine figure of a man (well, I guess he's gained a little weight around the middle)!
Still looks "fine" in those jeans, to me.
I just love a fellow in blue jeans and a white shirt.
Hey, Tom! Keep up the good work, and keep working. I love to see your movies. As a matter of fact, I just love to see you!
There's a new MySpace for Tom's fans at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=181076614&MyToken=ba1b595c-29b6-492e-a8f6-8cc1cfb464b7.
You can sign up for email notification on their blog updates. It's really cool!
Characterization Study
Characterization Study
___________________________________
Defining the Basics
What is the character's name?
Is the character male or female?
How old is the character?
When is the character's birthday?
What is the character's height?
What is the character's weight?
What is the character's hair color?
What is the character's eye color?
What is the character's racial orientation?
What is the character's religion?
Defining the Physical
Does the character have any disabilities?
What is the character's physical build?
How is the character's posture?
Is the character graceful or awkward?
Is the character comfortable with his/her body?
Is the character attractive? Does he/she think so?
Does the character have an accurate physical self-image?
Is there any part of the character's physicality that he/she is ashamed of?
Is there any part of the character's physicality that they are proud of and perhaps flaunt?
Defining the Past
Where was the character born?
Are his or her parents still alive?
How old were the parents when the character was born?
Was the character adopted?
Are there any brothers or sisters?
What is the birth order of the children?
Did the character have his/her own room while growing up?
Where was the character raised?
Did the family have a habit of relocating?
Was the character close to his/her mother when growing up? How about the father?
How close is the character to his/her mother now? Father?
Did the character suffer abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) at the hands of either parent?
Did the character suffer abuse from any of the siblings or other family members?
Are the parents still married? Was this their first marriage?
Were there any deaths in the family while the character was growing up? Any significant illnesses or accidents?
What illnesses did the character have as a child?
How religious were the parents in the upbringing?
What was the role of religion in the character's life?
What hobbies did the character have when he/she was growing up?
What was the family's financial situation when the character was growing up? How did he/she feel about it?
Defining the Present
Does the character live in the city or in the country? Where exactly?
In what environment does the character live (a house, an apartment, a military base)?
Does the character live alone? If not, with whom does he/she live?
Is the character married? (see RELATIONSHIPS WORKPLATE)
Does the character have any children? (Sexes and ages.)
Defining Education
How far did the character go in school? Did he/she go to college?
How was the character's scholastic performance?
Did they like school?
What were their favorite subjects? Least favorite?
What, if any, extracurricular activities did they engage in?
Was the character involved in athletics?
Were they popular in high school? College?
Did the character have any learning difficulties (attention deficit, conduct problems, etc.)?
Did the character have any problems with teachers or authority?
Defining Work
What was the character's first job?
At what age did the character start working?
What is the character's present job?
Does the character's occupation satisfy him/her?
Describe the character's financial situation.
Did the character choose this occupation, or was it thrust upon him/her?
Does the character do his/her job well?
Does he/she work extra hours?
Does any other part of the character's life (the home life) suffer due to devotion to the job?
Is there a possibility of advancement in the character's career?
Are the demands of the character's job intellectual?
Do they take their work home with them?
Defining Health
Does the character smoke?
Does the character exercise? How often and what kind?
What is the family history with regard to illness?
Is the character afraid of illness and disease?
Does the character take precautions against any diseases?
Does the character suffer from any allergies?
What are the characters eating habits?
Does the character have any eating disorders?
Does the character have a problem maintaining his or her weight?
Is the character on any medications? If so, what kind and for what ailment?
Does the character have any problems sleeping?
Does the character drink alcohol?
Does the character have a problem with alcohol? (see DRUGS & ALCOHOL
Does the character take any illegal drugs? (see DRUGS & ALCOHOL)
Defining Speech
Does the character have a speech impediment?
What is the character's native language?
What was his/her parents' native language?
Does the character speak with an accent?
Is the character articulate?
Does the character use slang?
Is the character's speech excessively formal?
Does the character think before speaking?
Does the character speak inappropriately, either using swear words or endearments?
Is the character loud? Is he/she soft-spoken?
Does the character listen well?
Does the character monopolize the conversation?
Does the character have a sense of humor??
Does the character ever have a joke at someone else's expense?
Is the character's humor always appropriate?
Is the character sarcastic? Silly? Playful?
Defining Cognition
Can the character keep a train of thought, or is he/she easily distracted?
Is the character's IQ high? Or low?
Does the character display a logical progression of thought?
Is the character stymied by any religious restrictions?
Is the character prone to daydreaming?
Does the character tend to think in concrete terms or in abstract?
Is the character prone to fanciful thought or language?
Defining the Personality Type
What personality type does the character most represent?
Narcissistic · Borderline · Histrionic · Antisocial · Schizoid · Masochistic · Obsessive/Compulsive · Paranoid ·
Other Mental Disorder
What aspects of that specific personality type does the character seem to adhere to?
How might have the characters childhood contributed to his specific personality type?
What personality types might have the character's parents been?
What type of relationships is the character attracted to?
Defining Behavior
Is the character more outgoing or reflective?
Does the character accept responsibilities readily, or does he/she avoid them?
Is the character harshly self-judgmental?
Is the character uncritical of his/her own behavior?
How would you rate the character's impulse control?
Does the character tend to be superficial?
Is the character decisive? Does he/she weigh and consider all options before acting?
Is the character honest?
Does the character trust others? Do others trust him/her?
Does the character find starting a conversation easy?
Who does the character find easiest to converse with? Who is the hardest?
Defining a Sense of Identity
Does the character possess the ability to distinguish between what is internal? And what is external or is there a pattern of delusional behavior?
Does the character expressing their fantasy life in a realistic fashion?
Does the character defend against their sexual or aggressive desires?
Is the character driven by impulses to the point where there is danger to self or others?
Can the character posses the ability for judgment and adequately anticipate the consequences of their actions?
Does the character see problems as having an internal origin or are all difficulties externalized and blamed on others?
Is the character utilizing such defense mechanisms as repression, projection, or denial?
Does the character espouse realistic ideals or is the character driven by unreachable fantastic goals?
Defining A Sense of Self
Is the character in possession of a durable sense of self? Or is it prone to fragmentation in response to the smallest slight from a friend or family member?
Does the character need to be in the spotlight? Do they need to continually receive affirming responses from others?
Does the character possess the ability to create long term relationships?
Is the character capable of a stabile lifestyle?
Is the character conscious of different social boundaries? Body boundaries?
Is the character capable of industry and enthusiasm? Or is the character subject to feelings of inferiority and inadequacy?
Has the character found "meaning" in their life and are they able to express this sense of meaning in their relationships or vocation?
Is there a defensive manner in the possibility of being observed and judged? Or is the character open to criticism?
How aware is the character of his/herself?
Does the character continually seek the approval of others?
Does the character seek stability in his/her life? Does he/she avoid it?
Does the character ever experience a separation of mind and body?
Does the character ever feel inadequate? When?
Defining Hope and Dreams
What is the worst thing that ever happened to the character?
What is the best thing that ever happened to the character?
What does the character do to relax?
What does the character do for a good time?
What are the character's life goals?
Does the character ever take risks? Does he/she ever take dangerous risks?
How realistic or achievable are the character's goals?
Who is the character's hero? Why?
Does the character ever wish he/she were someone else? Who?
What superstitions does the character have?
Does the character believe in destiny?
How would the character imagine a perfect life?
Is the character's life, as he/she would've imagined?
Does the character think that he/she has lived up to his/her parents' expectations?
Does the character remember his/her dreams?
Is your character an optimist or a pessimist?
Is the character confidant or shy?
If the character had three wishes, what would they be?
Have the character describe himself.
Defining Emotions
How aware is the character of his/her feelings?
How aware is the character to the feelings of others?
How comfortable is the character in expressing his/her feelings?
How does the character express his/her feelings?
What particular emotions is the character most comfortable with?
What particular emotions make the character uncomfortable?
What makes the character depressed? How often is he/she depressed?
What makes the character anxious?
Does the character cry easily? What would make the character cry?
What is the character afraid of? Is this a valid fear, or is it a phobia?
Is the character conceited or vain?
Is the character openly affectionate?
Do people tend to believe the character, or is he/she seen as a phony?
Is the character kindly?
Does the character have an emotional support system? If so, who?
How does the character take care of their emotional needs?
Is the character self-indulgent?
Is the character impulsive?
Defining Social Skills
Are the anti social aspects of the character realized?
Is the character capable of starting a conversation?
Is the character capable of completing a conversation?
Does the character choose the appropriate time and place when engaging in conversation?
Does the character pay attention when someone else is talking?
Does the character pay attention to instructions and carry them out appropriately?
Does the character appreciate things that others have done for them?
Does the character tell others that they are sorry after doing things that are wrong?
How does the character dress?
Which of the character's attributes does he/she accentuate? Which does he/she hide?
Is the character sloppy or neat?
Does the character dress appropriately for his/her age? For the situation?
Describe the character's personal style.
Defining Expression of Feelings
Is the character aware of their feelings?
Does the character appreciate the feelings of others?
Is the character capable of expressing feelings in a socially acceptable manner?
Does the character figure out the reasons for failing in particular situations?
What defenses does the character rely upon to hide their feelings?
Is the character critical of others?
How does the character respond to criticism?
Does the character tend to seek approval?
What does the character refuse to think about?
Who does the character hate and why?
What does the character do in uncomfortable situations?
Does the character have any habits?
Does the character engage in any repetitive behavior?
Does the character tend to avoid eye contact?
Defining Assertiveness
Does the character assert their rights by letting others know where they stand?
Does the character offer help to others who may need or want it?
Does the character tell others when they are responsible for creating a particular problem?
Does the character work towards a fair solution to someone else's complaint?
Is the character capable of controlling his or her temper?
Does the character carefully consider another person's position?
Does the character decide on their own what to do when others pressure him or her to do something?
Can the character communicate feelings and ideas assertively rather than aggressively?
Does the character effectively communicate where he/she stands on an issue?
Is the character fair when it comes to handling a dispute?
How persuasive is the character? What does he/she do to persuade others to come around to his/her way of thinking?
Is the character rash in making decisions?
Is the character realistic in judging his/her own abilities?
How much does the character think ahead and plan?
How much does the character act spontaneously?
Defining How a Character Problem Solves
Is the character capable of deciding which of the number of problems is most important and should be dealt
with first?
Does the character consider alternatives and make decisions in his or her best interest?
Does the character realistically decide what he or she can accomplish before beginning a task?
Does the character make those preparations, which will help get the job done?
Defining a Character's Anger
Can the character include anger as part of their personality and allow anger to be expressed naturally?
Is the character able to express anger in a direct fashion?
Are the characters feelings of anger exaggerated or unreasonable?
Can the character appropriately communicate anger to others?
Can the character communicate feelings assertively rather than aggressively?
Can the character regulate their feelings of anger?
When does the character get angry?
Is the character's anger always reasonable? When isn't it?
Does the character have a problem showing anger?
How does the character release his/her aggression?
How does the character show his anger indirectly?
Has the character ever solved a problem through violence?
Defining Mental Health
Is the character able to manage their anxiety? If unmanageable, is it expressed in a hysterical manner or a fixated phobic reaction-like agoraphobia?
Is the character living their life? Or are they in a depressed state of mind?
Does the character suffer from delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, or catatonia?
Is the character an alcoholic or substance abuser? If so, is their abuse impacting their lives? (see DRUG & ALCOHOL)
Does the character suffer from any sleep problems that are impacting their lives?
Are there any medical problems that are affecting the character's mental health behavior-such as Dementia, Cancer, and AIDS?
Has culture, social economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or genetics had a major impact on the character's development?
Has the character been a victim of child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence, or self-abuse-including suicide attempts?
Is there any major life factors (such as divorce, marriage, death, or job displacement) that have had a role in determining the character's well being?
Defining Drugs and Alcohol
What drugs does the character take? How often?
Has the character ever been in an alcohol or drug treatment program? Should they be?
When does the character use drugs or drink?
What prompts that indulgence?
Does the characters friends and family use drugs or drink too much?
Does the character ever lie about how often they use drugs or alcohol?
Does the character ever use drugs or alcohol to overcome shyness or gain confidence?
Does the character feel he/she should quit using drugs or alcohol, or at least cut down on the frequency or doing so?
Does the character drink too much at the wrong time?
Did the character ever drink or do drugs in the morning?
Are drugs or is drinking causing the character to have problems with his/her family?
Are drugs or is drinking causing the character to have problems at work or in school?
Does the character ever drink or do drugs to escape his/her problems?
Has the character ever been told that he/she drinks too much or has a problem with drugs?
Does the character hide their drinking or drug-taking from family and friends?
Has the character ever been in trouble with the police because or alcohol or drugs?
Has the character ever required medical attention because of drinking or drug taking?
Does the character have to keep using or drinking once they start?
Does the character ever have a blackout?
Does the character drink or do drugs at a particular time every day?
Do either of the character's parents have a problem with drugs or alcohol?
Has the character ever unsuccessfully tried to stop using drugs or alcohol?
Does the character drink or do drugs when he/she is alone?
Is the character getting a bad reputation because of drugs or alcohol?
Is the character's health suffering due to drinking or taking drugs?
Does the character ever go to work or school under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
Does the character ever feel guilty or sad because of drinking or drug taking?
Does the character have money woes because of drinking or drug taking?
Does the character have problems sleeping because of drinking or drug taking?
Does the character put him/herself in dangerous situations because of drugs or alcohol?
Defining a Character in Relationships
Has the character developed the capacity for healthy relationships?
Has the character developed the capacity for intimacy with an appropriate aged partner or is the character still
bound to satisfying parental needs?
Do the parent's marital problems play a factor in the character's personality?
Is the character always taking care of others who are less functional and more in need of care taking?
Is the character repeating an old relationship?
Is the character behaving like the person that he wished to be in his parent's eyes?
Does the character view others as being all good or all bad?
What is the character's sexual orientation?
Is the character very sexually driven?
How often does the character have sex?
Does the character find sex satisfying? Why and why not?
Does the character have any fetishes or peccadilloes?
Is the character dating anyone?
Is the character in love?
Is the character married?
Is the character's marriage reflective of his/her parents' marriage? Are the same problems repeating?
Is the character capable of sustaining long-term relationships based on commitment?
What does the character find attractive in another person?
What are the character's most attractive qualities?
Does the character have problems with intimacy?
Is the character monogamous?
Is the character jealous? Possessive?
Has the character ever abused a mate? How?
Has a mate ever abused the character? How?
Why did any previous relationships fail?
Is the character trying to be the person he/she thinks that his/her parents want them to be?
Who are the most important people in the character's life?
Does the character tend to avoid people?
Does the character hate to be alone?
Does the character have a problem with meeting people and making friends?
Is the character comfortable in social situations?
Is the character the life of the party?
Does the character have a lot of friends?
Who are the character's friends?
Who is the character's best friend?
Who is the character's hero? Why?
Does the character tend to enter into relationships where he/she must take care of the other person?
Does the character choose partners and friends who are harmful or manipulative?
Does the character ever display masochistic tendencies in relationships?
Is the character usually a victim?
Does the character tend to be self-destructive?
___________________________________
Defining the Basics
What is the character's name?
Is the character male or female?
How old is the character?
When is the character's birthday?
What is the character's height?
What is the character's weight?
What is the character's hair color?
What is the character's eye color?
What is the character's racial orientation?
What is the character's religion?
Defining the Physical
Does the character have any disabilities?
What is the character's physical build?
How is the character's posture?
Is the character graceful or awkward?
Is the character comfortable with his/her body?
Is the character attractive? Does he/she think so?
Does the character have an accurate physical self-image?
Is there any part of the character's physicality that he/she is ashamed of?
Is there any part of the character's physicality that they are proud of and perhaps flaunt?
Defining the Past
Where was the character born?
Are his or her parents still alive?
How old were the parents when the character was born?
Was the character adopted?
Are there any brothers or sisters?
What is the birth order of the children?
Did the character have his/her own room while growing up?
Where was the character raised?
Did the family have a habit of relocating?
Was the character close to his/her mother when growing up? How about the father?
How close is the character to his/her mother now? Father?
Did the character suffer abuse (physical, emotional, sexual) at the hands of either parent?
Did the character suffer abuse from any of the siblings or other family members?
Are the parents still married? Was this their first marriage?
Were there any deaths in the family while the character was growing up? Any significant illnesses or accidents?
What illnesses did the character have as a child?
How religious were the parents in the upbringing?
What was the role of religion in the character's life?
What hobbies did the character have when he/she was growing up?
What was the family's financial situation when the character was growing up? How did he/she feel about it?
Defining the Present
Does the character live in the city or in the country? Where exactly?
In what environment does the character live (a house, an apartment, a military base)?
Does the character live alone? If not, with whom does he/she live?
Is the character married? (see RELATIONSHIPS WORKPLATE)
Does the character have any children? (Sexes and ages.)
Defining Education
How far did the character go in school? Did he/she go to college?
How was the character's scholastic performance?
Did they like school?
What were their favorite subjects? Least favorite?
What, if any, extracurricular activities did they engage in?
Was the character involved in athletics?
Were they popular in high school? College?
Did the character have any learning difficulties (attention deficit, conduct problems, etc.)?
Did the character have any problems with teachers or authority?
Defining Work
What was the character's first job?
At what age did the character start working?
What is the character's present job?
Does the character's occupation satisfy him/her?
Describe the character's financial situation.
Did the character choose this occupation, or was it thrust upon him/her?
Does the character do his/her job well?
Does he/she work extra hours?
Does any other part of the character's life (the home life) suffer due to devotion to the job?
Is there a possibility of advancement in the character's career?
Are the demands of the character's job intellectual?
Do they take their work home with them?
Defining Health
Does the character smoke?
Does the character exercise? How often and what kind?
What is the family history with regard to illness?
Is the character afraid of illness and disease?
Does the character take precautions against any diseases?
Does the character suffer from any allergies?
What are the characters eating habits?
Does the character have any eating disorders?
Does the character have a problem maintaining his or her weight?
Is the character on any medications? If so, what kind and for what ailment?
Does the character have any problems sleeping?
Does the character drink alcohol?
Does the character have a problem with alcohol? (see DRUGS & ALCOHOL
Does the character take any illegal drugs? (see DRUGS & ALCOHOL)
Defining Speech
Does the character have a speech impediment?
What is the character's native language?
What was his/her parents' native language?
Does the character speak with an accent?
Is the character articulate?
Does the character use slang?
Is the character's speech excessively formal?
Does the character think before speaking?
Does the character speak inappropriately, either using swear words or endearments?
Is the character loud? Is he/she soft-spoken?
Does the character listen well?
Does the character monopolize the conversation?
Does the character have a sense of humor??
Does the character ever have a joke at someone else's expense?
Is the character's humor always appropriate?
Is the character sarcastic? Silly? Playful?
Defining Cognition
Can the character keep a train of thought, or is he/she easily distracted?
Is the character's IQ high? Or low?
Does the character display a logical progression of thought?
Is the character stymied by any religious restrictions?
Is the character prone to daydreaming?
Does the character tend to think in concrete terms or in abstract?
Is the character prone to fanciful thought or language?
Defining the Personality Type
What personality type does the character most represent?
Narcissistic · Borderline · Histrionic · Antisocial · Schizoid · Masochistic · Obsessive/Compulsive · Paranoid ·
Other Mental Disorder
What aspects of that specific personality type does the character seem to adhere to?
How might have the characters childhood contributed to his specific personality type?
What personality types might have the character's parents been?
What type of relationships is the character attracted to?
Defining Behavior
Is the character more outgoing or reflective?
Does the character accept responsibilities readily, or does he/she avoid them?
Is the character harshly self-judgmental?
Is the character uncritical of his/her own behavior?
How would you rate the character's impulse control?
Does the character tend to be superficial?
Is the character decisive? Does he/she weigh and consider all options before acting?
Is the character honest?
Does the character trust others? Do others trust him/her?
Does the character find starting a conversation easy?
Who does the character find easiest to converse with? Who is the hardest?
Defining a Sense of Identity
Does the character possess the ability to distinguish between what is internal? And what is external or is there a pattern of delusional behavior?
Does the character expressing their fantasy life in a realistic fashion?
Does the character defend against their sexual or aggressive desires?
Is the character driven by impulses to the point where there is danger to self or others?
Can the character posses the ability for judgment and adequately anticipate the consequences of their actions?
Does the character see problems as having an internal origin or are all difficulties externalized and blamed on others?
Is the character utilizing such defense mechanisms as repression, projection, or denial?
Does the character espouse realistic ideals or is the character driven by unreachable fantastic goals?
Defining A Sense of Self
Is the character in possession of a durable sense of self? Or is it prone to fragmentation in response to the smallest slight from a friend or family member?
Does the character need to be in the spotlight? Do they need to continually receive affirming responses from others?
Does the character possess the ability to create long term relationships?
Is the character capable of a stabile lifestyle?
Is the character conscious of different social boundaries? Body boundaries?
Is the character capable of industry and enthusiasm? Or is the character subject to feelings of inferiority and inadequacy?
Has the character found "meaning" in their life and are they able to express this sense of meaning in their relationships or vocation?
Is there a defensive manner in the possibility of being observed and judged? Or is the character open to criticism?
How aware is the character of his/herself?
Does the character continually seek the approval of others?
Does the character seek stability in his/her life? Does he/she avoid it?
Does the character ever experience a separation of mind and body?
Does the character ever feel inadequate? When?
Defining Hope and Dreams
What is the worst thing that ever happened to the character?
What is the best thing that ever happened to the character?
What does the character do to relax?
What does the character do for a good time?
What are the character's life goals?
Does the character ever take risks? Does he/she ever take dangerous risks?
How realistic or achievable are the character's goals?
Who is the character's hero? Why?
Does the character ever wish he/she were someone else? Who?
What superstitions does the character have?
Does the character believe in destiny?
How would the character imagine a perfect life?
Is the character's life, as he/she would've imagined?
Does the character think that he/she has lived up to his/her parents' expectations?
Does the character remember his/her dreams?
Is your character an optimist or a pessimist?
Is the character confidant or shy?
If the character had three wishes, what would they be?
Have the character describe himself.
Defining Emotions
How aware is the character of his/her feelings?
How aware is the character to the feelings of others?
How comfortable is the character in expressing his/her feelings?
How does the character express his/her feelings?
What particular emotions is the character most comfortable with?
What particular emotions make the character uncomfortable?
What makes the character depressed? How often is he/she depressed?
What makes the character anxious?
Does the character cry easily? What would make the character cry?
What is the character afraid of? Is this a valid fear, or is it a phobia?
Is the character conceited or vain?
Is the character openly affectionate?
Do people tend to believe the character, or is he/she seen as a phony?
Is the character kindly?
Does the character have an emotional support system? If so, who?
How does the character take care of their emotional needs?
Is the character self-indulgent?
Is the character impulsive?
Defining Social Skills
Are the anti social aspects of the character realized?
Is the character capable of starting a conversation?
Is the character capable of completing a conversation?
Does the character choose the appropriate time and place when engaging in conversation?
Does the character pay attention when someone else is talking?
Does the character pay attention to instructions and carry them out appropriately?
Does the character appreciate things that others have done for them?
Does the character tell others that they are sorry after doing things that are wrong?
How does the character dress?
Which of the character's attributes does he/she accentuate? Which does he/she hide?
Is the character sloppy or neat?
Does the character dress appropriately for his/her age? For the situation?
Describe the character's personal style.
Defining Expression of Feelings
Is the character aware of their feelings?
Does the character appreciate the feelings of others?
Is the character capable of expressing feelings in a socially acceptable manner?
Does the character figure out the reasons for failing in particular situations?
What defenses does the character rely upon to hide their feelings?
Is the character critical of others?
How does the character respond to criticism?
Does the character tend to seek approval?
What does the character refuse to think about?
Who does the character hate and why?
What does the character do in uncomfortable situations?
Does the character have any habits?
Does the character engage in any repetitive behavior?
Does the character tend to avoid eye contact?
Defining Assertiveness
Does the character assert their rights by letting others know where they stand?
Does the character offer help to others who may need or want it?
Does the character tell others when they are responsible for creating a particular problem?
Does the character work towards a fair solution to someone else's complaint?
Is the character capable of controlling his or her temper?
Does the character carefully consider another person's position?
Does the character decide on their own what to do when others pressure him or her to do something?
Can the character communicate feelings and ideas assertively rather than aggressively?
Does the character effectively communicate where he/she stands on an issue?
Is the character fair when it comes to handling a dispute?
How persuasive is the character? What does he/she do to persuade others to come around to his/her way of thinking?
Is the character rash in making decisions?
Is the character realistic in judging his/her own abilities?
How much does the character think ahead and plan?
How much does the character act spontaneously?
Defining How a Character Problem Solves
Is the character capable of deciding which of the number of problems is most important and should be dealt
with first?
Does the character consider alternatives and make decisions in his or her best interest?
Does the character realistically decide what he or she can accomplish before beginning a task?
Does the character make those preparations, which will help get the job done?
Defining a Character's Anger
Can the character include anger as part of their personality and allow anger to be expressed naturally?
Is the character able to express anger in a direct fashion?
Are the characters feelings of anger exaggerated or unreasonable?
Can the character appropriately communicate anger to others?
Can the character communicate feelings assertively rather than aggressively?
Can the character regulate their feelings of anger?
When does the character get angry?
Is the character's anger always reasonable? When isn't it?
Does the character have a problem showing anger?
How does the character release his/her aggression?
How does the character show his anger indirectly?
Has the character ever solved a problem through violence?
Defining Mental Health
Is the character able to manage their anxiety? If unmanageable, is it expressed in a hysterical manner or a fixated phobic reaction-like agoraphobia?
Is the character living their life? Or are they in a depressed state of mind?
Does the character suffer from delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, or catatonia?
Is the character an alcoholic or substance abuser? If so, is their abuse impacting their lives? (see DRUG & ALCOHOL)
Does the character suffer from any sleep problems that are impacting their lives?
Are there any medical problems that are affecting the character's mental health behavior-such as Dementia, Cancer, and AIDS?
Has culture, social economic status, gender, sexual orientation, or genetics had a major impact on the character's development?
Has the character been a victim of child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence, or self-abuse-including suicide attempts?
Is there any major life factors (such as divorce, marriage, death, or job displacement) that have had a role in determining the character's well being?
Defining Drugs and Alcohol
What drugs does the character take? How often?
Has the character ever been in an alcohol or drug treatment program? Should they be?
When does the character use drugs or drink?
What prompts that indulgence?
Does the characters friends and family use drugs or drink too much?
Does the character ever lie about how often they use drugs or alcohol?
Does the character ever use drugs or alcohol to overcome shyness or gain confidence?
Does the character feel he/she should quit using drugs or alcohol, or at least cut down on the frequency or doing so?
Does the character drink too much at the wrong time?
Did the character ever drink or do drugs in the morning?
Are drugs or is drinking causing the character to have problems with his/her family?
Are drugs or is drinking causing the character to have problems at work or in school?
Does the character ever drink or do drugs to escape his/her problems?
Has the character ever been told that he/she drinks too much or has a problem with drugs?
Does the character hide their drinking or drug-taking from family and friends?
Has the character ever been in trouble with the police because or alcohol or drugs?
Has the character ever required medical attention because of drinking or drug taking?
Does the character have to keep using or drinking once they start?
Does the character ever have a blackout?
Does the character drink or do drugs at a particular time every day?
Do either of the character's parents have a problem with drugs or alcohol?
Has the character ever unsuccessfully tried to stop using drugs or alcohol?
Does the character drink or do drugs when he/she is alone?
Is the character getting a bad reputation because of drugs or alcohol?
Is the character's health suffering due to drinking or taking drugs?
Does the character ever go to work or school under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
Does the character ever feel guilty or sad because of drinking or drug taking?
Does the character have money woes because of drinking or drug taking?
Does the character have problems sleeping because of drinking or drug taking?
Does the character put him/herself in dangerous situations because of drugs or alcohol?
Defining a Character in Relationships
Has the character developed the capacity for healthy relationships?
Has the character developed the capacity for intimacy with an appropriate aged partner or is the character still
bound to satisfying parental needs?
Do the parent's marital problems play a factor in the character's personality?
Is the character always taking care of others who are less functional and more in need of care taking?
Is the character repeating an old relationship?
Is the character behaving like the person that he wished to be in his parent's eyes?
Does the character view others as being all good or all bad?
What is the character's sexual orientation?
Is the character very sexually driven?
How often does the character have sex?
Does the character find sex satisfying? Why and why not?
Does the character have any fetishes or peccadilloes?
Is the character dating anyone?
Is the character in love?
Is the character married?
Is the character's marriage reflective of his/her parents' marriage? Are the same problems repeating?
Is the character capable of sustaining long-term relationships based on commitment?
What does the character find attractive in another person?
What are the character's most attractive qualities?
Does the character have problems with intimacy?
Is the character monogamous?
Is the character jealous? Possessive?
Has the character ever abused a mate? How?
Has a mate ever abused the character? How?
Why did any previous relationships fail?
Is the character trying to be the person he/she thinks that his/her parents want them to be?
Who are the most important people in the character's life?
Does the character tend to avoid people?
Does the character hate to be alone?
Does the character have a problem with meeting people and making friends?
Is the character comfortable in social situations?
Is the character the life of the party?
Does the character have a lot of friends?
Who are the character's friends?
Who is the character's best friend?
Who is the character's hero? Why?
Does the character tend to enter into relationships where he/she must take care of the other person?
Does the character choose partners and friends who are harmful or manipulative?
Does the character ever display masochistic tendencies in relationships?
Is the character usually a victim?
Does the character tend to be self-destructive?
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