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Published: 2009-02-04 21:55:48 +0000 UTC; Views: 178514; Favourites: 1230; Downloads: 279
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Description
Character Reference Sheet-nessBasically this reference sheet covers pretty much everything a person would ever need to know about your character.. and then some.
-Basics-
Let’s face it. If somebody were to just glance over the reference sheet, at least you can feel some reassurance in knowing that they got the bare minimum
Name (Nickname):
Age:
Please if you’re going to give your character some ungodly, few centuries old, age, make sure to include what age they looks like. Otherwise all shall assume they appear to be a rumpled piece of leather, ran over by some sort of moving vehicle, after being regurgitated by a cat. Obviously, this is a little pet peeve of mine.
Gender:
Race:
List three to five most important things about your character.
If nothing else, people will know this much. This section can also be moved to another part of sheet if preferable.
-Physical Details-
Next most important part, next to personality. Really essential if you’re using your character in a tournament or in some other way in which other people need to understand said character.
Everybody hates it when they have to work with some under-described character. Facts, people! Descriptions, we need ‘em.
Even if you’re not using your character for a competition, but for personal writing instead, a solid physical description helps wonderfully for your writing. It’s nice to have a clear picture in your head.
Build/Body Type/Physical Frame:
Height:
Weight:
Skin:
Or fur, scales, whatnot. Just make sure you describe it.
Hair: color/texture/length/cut
Eyes:
Other defining features/extra anatomy:
ears, teeth, tails, wings, scars, deformities, disabilities
Habits:
Good (smiles a lot) or bad (smoking, drinking)
Gestures/Mannerisms:
animated, none, sweeping, small
Demeanor/Carriage/Gait:
How does he/she carry himself/herself?
Voice:
slang, aristocratic tone, any speech patters
Style:
elegant, shabby, normal, etc.
Clothing:
Make sure to not just focus on style or simple descriptions, but also include any accessories (jewelry, glasses, piercings, tattoos, make-up)
On a side note: If the character has alternate forms, make sure to clearly describe/differentiate them. If they are strongly different and/or very important to the whole story, think about creating different sections for each form.
-Personality-
Really, I believe that personality is the key to making your character original, stand out, or just overall complete and well-rounded. I want to see the depth of his/her personality, want it to be believable. Nobody likes a character that is far less interesting than a wet mop.
If you are anything like me, at times you may struggle with fully explaining the personality of the character that you have so nicely visioned. It’s okay, you’re not alone in the feeling that you need to explain (in horrid and absolute detail) so that the character floating around in your mind makes sense on paper.
Because of this, the personality section, at least for me, tends to be quite long. I find that this process not only helps me expand and understand my character better, but also further develop him/her past the image in my head.
Part One: Basic Info
Loves/Favorites:
Plain ol’ makes ‘em happy.
Hates:
And other things he/she tries to avoid.
Hobbies:
What does he/she do in his/her spare time?
Talents/Skills:
What is he/she good at? Doesn’t even have to be super relevant.
Hopes/Dreams:
Fears/Nightmares:
Best Quality:
Only one. Come on, this is no bragging fest. Maybe two if they’re closely related.
Greatest Flaw:
Don’t you even dare say he/she doesn’t have one, because everybody does. Maybe his/her flaw is that they think they don’t have any. D<
Character Strengths:
And the coinciding weaknesses:
Quirks:
List a number of them. They can be funny, or possibly used to further divulge the characters behavior.
One thing he/she is and one thing he/she is not.
For example: smart, but not wise; nice, but not friendly; pessimistic, but not an asshole/jerk; fast, but not strong.. etc.
What he/she wants (ex: move towards) and doesn’t want (ex: move away from, avoid)
This part can go a couple different ways, depending on your take.. but I think you all can deal with it.
Part Two: In-depth Analysis (If you really want, this part can be omitted.)
How does the character picture himself/herself?
Strengths and weaknesses, upon other qualities, they may think they have.
How do others see him/her?
Behavior that is actually shown, and which others have interpreted.
Five adjectives that he/she would use to describe his/herself.
Five adjectives others would use to describe him/her.
Most valued possession:
Darkest secret and/or treasured memory:
Most proud accomplishment and or greatest failure:
Is he/she motivated by possibility or necessity?
This question dwells upon the character’s life. Is it hard and he/she does things because he/she needs to, is he/she comfortable, doing only things that please them? A bit of both?
Current motivation:
Greed, power, love, lust, revenge, money, to win/come out on top, hate, freedom, survival?
How does he/she view the future and/or the past?
aspirations, goals, objectives, regrets
What is his/her philosophy on life and death?
What kind of energy level do they usually have?
perky, somber, tired, aggressive, pumped, mood swings?
How does he/she show and/or handle: love, affection, grief, pain, anger, sadness, conflict, change, loss?
Does he/she have a temper?
If so, displayed actively or more passive aggressively?
How does he/she respond to the surrounding world, the ‘unfamiliar,’ and other people in general?
Empathetic, judgmental?
Polite or rude?
Stingy or generous?
Your choice to decide of what.
What kind of ‘public’ face does he/she display?
Put up a front, open emotions, two faced
Leader or a follower?
More happy by themselves or in a group?
Does he/she have any addictions/dependencies/fixations/fetishes/ or other strange behavior?
What is his/her sexual preference/experience/values?
Of course, couldn’t leave this one off the list. It’s just so darn fun. xD
-History/Background-
Now, we move onto the background of the character. What’s a person without their past? Our history makes us who we are today. Blah blah, inspirational mumbo jumbo.
There might not be a lot of sub-headings is this one, but the ‘backstory’ part is usually a mini story in itself. So, have fun. ^^
Setting:
Time period, current residence, any other basic descriptions needed
Occupation:
If eligible.. and if not, explain why.
Educational background/other learning experiences:
Intelligence Level:
Short Term Goals:
Long Term Goals:
Family:
Make sure to describe the family life and the relationships.
Friends:
Same goes.. make sure to describe the relationship.
Backstory:
Birth order, major events in his/her life. This part can be very detailed or really vague.
-Combat-
This is more of an ‘if applicable’ section. It’s really only important if you plan to use your character in a tournament or competition. But then again, sometimes it’s just good to know these things about your character for personal interest.
Physical Strength:
Coordination/Reflexes:
Fighting Style:
technique, talents, skills, predictability
Unusual Abilities/Powers:
rate these on some sort of scale
Weapons/Other Gear:
And if you are entering a tournament, please make sure to include an actual reason why.
Related content
Comments: 126
artestami [2015-07-01 04:26:26 +0000 UTC]
Haha, is the person smoked and/or drank, I would definitely not want them to smile!
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Willowfyre [2015-06-26 22:14:21 +0000 UTC]
Using this for my characters!!! I works really well.
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Eriakit [2015-04-28 22:54:05 +0000 UTC]
Wow, this is amazing! My RP and writing partner and I will be using this to keep our characters in order
Thank you!
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PencilHydra [2015-04-19 20:48:06 +0000 UTC]
pencilhydra.deviantart.com/art…
Used thank you for making such amazing help!!!
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MEG4LOVANIA [2015-03-17 13:44:16 +0000 UTC]
Not using to the last detail, but this was helpful for updating my own character reference sheet to make it more detailed! Thanks!
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fallpanda [2015-01-01 04:28:45 +0000 UTC]
fallpanda.deviantart.com/journ… there's mine(possibly may go over and re-do some things as I changed my mind of some parts part way through doing it XD) thanks for making this haha. I was needing one that had good detail and things on it ^^
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Lokipers [2014-10-12 18:02:54 +0000 UTC]
Thank you for this! I love the comment on age. I agree wholeheartedly! Definitely going to use this to help form my OC.
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yourweirdostalker [2014-04-12 08:31:41 +0000 UTC]
Thank you so much for this, I'm still having trouble forming my own character and this will definitely help.
Y'see, my character is going to be a part of this fan fiction I'm writing about Percy and Annabeth (from the olympian series by Rick Riordian) where they have two kids but actually the daughter's adopted and... Well...oh I'm getting carried away here
Anyway, I'm having a bit of trouble trying to formulate a personality for their daughter.
After all, the personal background forms the character right?
Any way, thank you a lot for this, it's really helpful
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MEG4LOVANIA [2014-01-06 00:15:36 +0000 UTC]
I'm going to use this! This a great reference sheet and I think it has every piece of information I'll need for my character and MORE.
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Raqonteur In reply to ??? [2013-12-31 13:01:47 +0000 UTC]
Hahahah
The comment about age is just brilliant.
I probably won't use this as i already have a written reference for my character and was looking for a visual sheet. But that comment just cracked me up so much I had to pop in and say how great it was
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SuperAdele [2013-12-24 23:58:09 +0000 UTC]
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING THIS. It's going to be so helpful! ♥
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RAWR-keikz [2013-09-17 03:23:17 +0000 UTC]
I LOVE THIS. i love all the detail and your insights lol. i'm a very detail-oriented person as well, so i love this stuff. i do have many problems coming up with personalities that aren't repetitive with other characters XD and backgrounds.
but i will definatley use this, and link back if you'd like.
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EmpressofIce12 [2013-08-04 22:28:12 +0000 UTC]
Used~! Hope it doesn't seem too bad XD And thank you for creating this! It really helped ^_^
empressofice12.deviantart.com/…
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BrnnJnSllvn [2013-03-27 05:13:59 +0000 UTC]
This is awesome! Thank you for this.. Now to fill it out (or parts of it that is.. ).. O.o
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PartyPoisonsgrrl56 [2012-11-24 05:24:16 +0000 UTC]
Used here =>[link] !
Hope it doesn't freak you out too bad.
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PartyPoisonsgrrl56 [2012-11-22 20:13:59 +0000 UTC]
Exactly what did you mean when you said "basics"? Does it mean like what the OC is or what he/she does for a living?
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Small-Brawler [2012-10-20 16:35:34 +0000 UTC]
This is very efficient and has helped me a lot. I will be using this in the future. C:
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KaraMinx [2012-08-16 19:05:21 +0000 UTC]
This is good for introducing characters, I use for most of my characters (with your credit) glad u made this sheet!
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FrankieTheKid In reply to ??? [2012-07-21 20:16:36 +0000 UTC]
Just starting out brainstorming OCs, but I will definitely be using this! Thanks a ton!
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GertrudeFin [2012-03-03 21:56:57 +0000 UTC]
used it! [link]
feel free to check her out! Thanks for the sheet! I might use it later for more characters!
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GertrudeFin [2012-02-02 01:55:05 +0000 UTC]
Awesome! This is perfect! I'll definitely be using this. Do you have any prompts for short stories for OCs? For more OC development? That'd be perfect!!!
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PandaChan14 [2011-11-06 14:37:29 +0000 UTC]
Oh this is very nice and detailed~
thank you so much this will really help my characters for Nanowrimo!
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IgneoBern [2011-09-12 05:38:45 +0000 UTC]
Oh my goodness this is so perfect! Now I have a new project-- filling this thing out. Thanks so much! This is just what I needed.
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Tarin-san [2011-09-11 21:48:01 +0000 UTC]
Im actually having problems with 8 lists of texts and 4 lists of pictures refference. Its too big to even fit. D:
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AlfadorTheCat [2011-04-11 04:52:12 +0000 UTC]
you're awesome. I will be using this a lot :3 OC's are usually easy for me to think of, but not really easy to explain to others...
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Kitsune100percent [2011-01-29 01:23:29 +0000 UTC]
This looks amazing, and just the kind of thing I need. I always find it difficult to explain everything, primarily due to not knowing what 'Others' need to know. I'm gonna use this for my oc Nye. *squeels*
*bows* Thank you for making this awsome thing
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reddog20 [2011-01-14 21:07:18 +0000 UTC]
You, you, you.
Thanks a mill'un for makin' this! I'll try my best to put it to good use.
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SkippyRulesTheWorld [2011-01-12 19:39:39 +0000 UTC]
ha! thanks for the guide-very helpful and appreciated
I loooove making OCs, and Im usually good at creating them-but I sometimes forget that ppl cant read my mind, and then forget to put a few details in XD Thanks!
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Bijou-Aure [2010-09-18 03:33:20 +0000 UTC]
This is amazingly complete and will be amazingly helpful. Thank you for sharing it!
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
AmandaLyn11 In reply to Bijou-Aure [2010-12-23 04:29:57 +0000 UTC]
And you're amazingly wonderful for saying so. ^^
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Kamala-Ophelia [2010-08-20 12:28:59 +0000 UTC]
This is really great searched half the web for something like this. Thank you for maging this! ^^
👍: 0 ⏩: 1
AmandaLyn11 In reply to Kamala-Ophelia [2010-12-23 04:29:28 +0000 UTC]
I'm happy it's proving to be of such use.
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