Why Character Questionnaires Aren't Helpful

And the four questions you can use instead

No doubt you've seen them -- the charts that allow you to get to know your novel's characters by filling in the blanks. These character questionnaires prompt you with basic questions: Siblings? Age? Education? Some character questionnaires ask you to identify favorite colors and foods. Many writers diligently complete these charts and still don't really know their characters. I have been there myself!

These charts focus on surface-level details; the type of information that you might share at a cocktail party. They don't get at what makes the character tick.

This isn't to say that these details are unimportant, just that the charts are based on a false premise: complete this form and your problems will be solved. (We've all heard that one before!) There is an implication that knowing your character's favorite book is Pride and Prejudice will say something about them. I'm Team Lizzie too, but it doesn’t define me.

Well-rounded characters don't materialize from this kind of surface information. They come from understanding what motivates them. Which creates a bond between reader and character deeper than both sharing a love of red velvet cake. (I mean, I’m here for the red velvet cake!) Charts can be a good start, but get out your shovel. We're digging deeper.

So, what does work? Ask these four questions.

Ask your characters these four crucial questions, and don't let them off the hook. This includes your protagonist(s), major supporting characters, and antagonist(s).

1.What is your struggle?

This is a straightforward question, but it can be difficult to pinpoint the answer. Your characters may lead with something outside of themselves, such as world peace or world domination (as the case may be). Look to the internal struggle and be as specific as possible.

2.Why do you want this?

Behind every desire or struggle lies a reason why. Characters, like people, don't want things randomly. Try getting your characters to fill in the blank: I want this because I feel ___________________. There is an emotion tied to your character's desire, and it's your job to uncover it.

3.What will happen if you don't get what you want?

In other words, what are the consequences if your characters cannot overcome their struggles to get what they want? If there are no consequences, there isn't much risk in going after those desires. Also if the consequences aren't...consequential, your character may not really want what they say they want.

4.What will your life be like if you overcome this struggle?

Let your characters imagine their world on the other side. They take the risk, overcome the obstacles, and get what they want. Sure, they'll be "happy" and "at peace," but allow them to get specific. Will they live in a house on the beach? Will they be free from an addiction? Will they have a terrific job at a bookstore? Will there be a parade in their honor? Will there be red velvet cake? This is how the reader will know when the characters have reached their goal.

---

If you’d like to dig into your characters and really learn what makes them tick, consider registering for my four-week Zoom class Interiority Intensive: A Character Workshop, through GrubStreet which starts on March 15.

Would you like to get my eyes on your first page? Want to learn the finer points of what goes into a compelling hook? Consider becoming a paid subscriber. I’ll be offering bi-weekly page-one critiques for paid subscribers to show you how to start a novel, how to hook readers from page one, and how to avoid common first-chapter problems. Set your story up for success with a line edit of your work and benefit from reading in-depth critiques of other writers. I’ll draw on my decades of experience as an editor to help you write an irresistible beginning. And, you don’t need to share your name or the title of your work.