Let's make a character!
Explore your curiosity to develop an authentic character idea
What is your character?
This is the part where you’ll decide if your character is an animal, human, alien, robot, rock, etc.
If you keep a sketchbook, flip through and list the things that you loved drawing. Do you notice any patterns? Your character should be something you like to draw (because you’ll be doing that a lot).
Mine goes like this: Lion, penguin, penguin, gorilla, raccoon, gorilla, gorilla, bear, hedgehog, bear, cat, dog, lion, gorilla, woman and bunny, woman and lamb, child and chicken, child and cat, chicken and child, etc. You get the picture.
Going back to even older sketchbooks, every other page is primates. Their shapes, expressions, hands, feet, and poses are simply fun to draw. So creating a gorilla character feels like an authentic choice for me.
Which characters are you drawn to?
Think about your favorite TV show. Which characters do you get excited about being on screen? Make a list of their personality traits and what you like about them.
For me, it's Jasmine from 90-Day Fiancè. Because she’s:
Funny
Unpredictable
Energetic
Poorly Behaved
Considering your favorite characters so they’re coming from an authentic, believable place. They should feel familiar and interesting to you. They're coming from your brain, after all.
Prompt
Make a list memorable TV & storybook characters, then their personality traits that stand out to you. Are they funny? Strict? Who do they interact with most and what is that like?
I go through some ways you can explore your curiosity to create an authentic character in the video below for paid members.
If you get stuck at any time, take a break, then head over to the Character Development section of the contents page!