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30 Uncommon Character Development Questions
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And here is mine! :DWhat is your character's name?: Kenon Valinquint
What book are they from?: The Calypsis Project
How old is s/he?: 40 (equivalent to an 18-year-old human)
Is your character a human, alien, creature/animal?: Alien (Drahkori)
Basic appearance: I'm just going to pop this link in to a work-in-progress shot of a picture I'm working on so you guys can see for yourselves . . .
http://oi61.tinypic.com/2rw17ip.jpg
1. What position does your character sleep in?
He doesn't really have much of a choice; he has to sleep on his side or risk detaching/damaging his blood transference system, which is explained in the next answer. :D
2. Does your character have any noteworthy features?
As a result of a peculiar condition discovered at birth, Kenon was surgically fitted with a blood transference system of sorts. However, this system was not without its flaws and required many refittings as he grew older, forcing him to endure many hours of physical therapy for the next thirteen years of his life.
3. Does your character have an accent? What does it sound like?
He does! It sounds like an English accent. Think something along the lines of Jim Sturgess as Soren in Legend of the Guardians (his voice is pretty similar overall as well. Same kind of tone).
4. Do they have any verbal tics? Do they have trouble pronouncing certain words or getting their thoughts across clearly?
Nope, no verbal tics or trouble speaking at all.
5. What are their chief tension areas?
The work he does in the mines on his home planet combined with the fact that he's almost always on-edge (causing him to hunch his shoulders unintentionally) leaves him with a lot of tension in his neck and shoulders.
6. If you were to pick one song — and only one song — to describe your character, what would it be and why?
I'm Still Here by the Goo Goo Dolls, for sure! Kenon comes from a broken family and has struggled all his life to find his place in the world. He doesn't feel he belongs, everyone wants him to change . . . so I feel the song really relates to him. :)
7. How does your character perceive themselves? Positive? Negative? Neutral?
Mostly negative thanks to the way most people treat him. But there are times where he is able to see himself in a more positive light.
8. Are they a quick thinker or do they need time to sort through their thoughts?
Quick thinker in most situations, though there have been a few where it's taken more time for him to figure things out.
9. Does your character dream or are their nights filled with an empty blackness? Describe a dream they’ve had or a night they couldn’t sleep and what they did to preoccupy their time.
Kenon's dreams are hazy, filled with fleeting images of locations and faces. He cannot recall them once he awakes, but they do leave him feeling somewhat disturbed and disconnected from the world. And when he can't sleep, he takes a walk through the forest to clear his head.
10. If they had a choice, would they prefer a subway or a bus for public transportation?
These things do not exist in his world, so he probably wouldn't even have a preference. Actually, there are no vehicles whatsoever. The only way his kind gets around is on foot or on the backs of creatures much larger than horses.
11. What do they think of creation? Do they believe in evolution or do they believe in God? What is their religion like?
The Drahkori believe they were created by the world--shaped from the soil and stone and water--and that a select few may ascend to godhood. However, these would-be gods were never any different from the rest of their kind. They simply had great ideas and changed their world for what they believed was the better.
12. Describe 5 unusual characteristics your muse has.
That right there is spoiler territory!
14. Are they a team player or do they prefer to be solo?
He is definitely more used to playing a solo part. But once he joins the Drocain Royal Empire and goes to war, he learns the true value of team work and how important it is to work together as a single unit.
15. Can they multi-task or must they focus on one subject at a time?
Kenon absolutely cannot multi-task at all.
17. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert? How do they handle big crowds of people?
Introvert, definitely. He feels rather overwhelmed and disoriented in a crowded area.
18. Are they a leader, do they prefer to follow, or would they rather just stay on the sidelines altogether?
Kenon prefers to follow as his leadership skills are almost non-existent, but he is later forced into a position of command and must learn to lead his people.
19. If your character was suddenly challenged, would they rather run away or stay and fight?
Stay and fight, even if for no other reason than to prove his strength to his peers. To turn down a challenge would deem him a coward.
21. Your character has been granted 3 wishes; what would they wish for and why?
To be accepted, to not have such a heavy burden resting upon his shoulders, and to have a kinder father. His father is a nasty piece of work--not just toward him, but his mother as well.
22. Does your character trust people right off the bat or does it take them some time to warm up to someone?
It takes a long time for Kenon to warm up to someone. Save for Alana (a human soldier who is part of the story's main cast), but there is a deep-rooted and spoiler-filled reason for that.
23. Do they prefer romance or affection? What is the quickest way to your character’s heart?
Affection. He's awkward, painfully self-conscious, and would be absolutely terrible at the whole romance deal. Quickest way to his heart would be to treat him as an equal.
24. Does your character have any enemies? If so, who and why?
Technically, being a warrior in the middle of a galactic war, he has hundreds. But on a more personal level, there would be his father and a character he trained with at a battle academy who I have not yet found a name for. (Plus another alien known as Sol D'Vare. Again, though, spoiler territory.)
26. How does your character prepare for bed? Do they sleep at all or can they stay awake for days on end without trouble?
Drahkori can remain awake for seventy-two hours, no trouble. After that, their brain starts to get lazy and their body basically starts to shut down (not in a dangerous way . . . unless they fall asleep on the edge of a cliff).
28. Are they afraid of death? Do they have any regrets?
Kenon fears what lies beyond death. There are many stories from all over his homeworld. Some say that an infinite nothingness awaits while others believe if they stay true to their gods' ways, they will be taken to a peaceful afterworld where they can spend forever with their loved ones. Of course, no one knows for certain.
29. Does your character get restless when things are too quiet or do they favor solitude and silence? Why?
Depends on the situation, but he found that peace and quiet was preferable on his home planet.
Mod
It's always fun to know/learn a little more about a character you enjoyed.
Thanks for sharing. :)
EDITED: Your link goes to a multitude of pictures but none relates. Are you sure the link is right? (Even male parts on page 2. Is that Kenon's feature? /ducks)
I have a chart that I use when I'm creating characters that includes some of these. A lot, though, I tend to figure out as I go along.
What is your character's name?: Ophelia “Lia” ThomasWhat book are they from?: The Desiccated
How old is s/he?: 22
Is your character a human, alien, creature/animal?: human
Basic appearance: (hair color, eye color, etc) blond hair, blue/green eyes, skinny frame, mostly from not eating regularly
1. What position does your character sleep in? ( i.e; stomach, side, back, etc. ) Describe why they do this — optional. She sleeps on her back. Any other way is feels like an invitation for trouble.
2. Does your character have any noteworthy features? (Freckles, dimples, a scar somewhere unusual, etc.) She has some old scars to her arms and one on the back of her neck.
3. Does your character have an accent? What does it sound like? Midwestern accent
4. Do they have any verbal tics? Do they have trouble pronouncing certain words or getting their thoughts across clearly? No, but she does hold back her words a lot.
5. What are their chief tension areas? Shoulders
6. If you were to pick one song — and only one song — to describe your character, what would it be and why? Beauty From Pain by Superchick. It took me awhile to come up with it, but it fits pretty well.
7. How does your character perceive themselves? Positive? Negative? Neutral? Negative
8. Are they a quick thinker or do they need time to sort through their thoughts? She has trouble making decisions
9. Does your character dream or are their nights filled with an empty blackness? Describe a dream they’ve had or a night they couldn’t sleep and what they did to preoccupy their time. She usually has nightmares. The most important one is one about jungle cats towards the beginning of the book.
10. If they had a choice, would they prefer a subway or a bus for public transportation? A bus
11. What do they think of creation? Do they believe in evolution or do they believe in God? What is their religion like? Her religion is Christianity, but she’s non-practicing. She stopped going to church when she was thirteen.
12. Describe 5 unusual characteristics your muse has.
My muse? As in the fictitious gremlin from where I draw inspiration? Okay…They work the graveyard shift. (I’m always inspired most in the that second between awake and asleep.) They constantly need attention. They prefer either sweet or salty snacks while they work (m&m’s snack mix is perfect for this.) They are horrible spellers, but they have a great sense of humor.
13. Have they ever been so overwhelmed they had to stop and take a break from something? Yes. She gets nervous/anxious easily.
14. Are they a team player or do they prefer to be solo? Solo
15. Can they multi-task or must they focus on one subject at a time? Multi-tasking, hence why she gets great tips.
16. What are their best school subjects? What are their worst? List five of each. In school she mostly stayed in the background. I’m not sure if she had best or worst. She will read now and then but it isn’t a passion and she can do enough math to get by.
17. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert? How do they handle big crowds of people? She falls somewhere in between. Her environment causes her to avoid people who ask too many questions.
18. Are they a leader, do they prefer to follow, or would they rather just stay on the sidelines altogether? On the sidelines. She isn’t a take charge person, but she hates being told what to do.
19. If your character was suddenly challenged, would they rather run away or stay and fight? At the beginning of the book she is more of a runner but that changes.
20. If your character was allowed to murder one person without any consequences, who would that person be and why? Her step-father because of his cruelty.
21. Your character has been granted 3 wishes; what would they wish for and why?
Money to pay for things, like her mother’s medical bills
A new car to get to work (plus anywhere else she wanted to go) and so she could stop bumming rides off E.J.
A better life for her sister
22. Does your character trust people right off the bat or does it take them some time to warm up to someone? Unless she’s known a person for most of her life she won’t trust them.
23. Do they prefer romance or affection? What is the quickest way to your character’s heart? Affection. Romance just seems like a bunch of fairytale crap. The quickest way to her heart is through her little sister.
24. Does your character have any enemies? If so, who and why? Her only “enemy” is probably her step-father because she doesn’t have enough courage to stand up to him and that has a huge impact in her life, even if she doesn’t realize it.
25. Do they have any weird bedroom habits? Any unusual kinks? The only things that stands out is her not looking at the other person
26. How does your character prepare for bed? Do they sleep at all or can they stay awake for days on end without trouble? She doesn’t sleep well. Her routine after work is a quick shower, pj pants and a top, shoes and purse tucked somewhere out of sight but within arms reach.
27. If your character had one thing to say to their parents before they died, what would it be? I don’t think she would say anything because in her mind it wouldn’t matter.
28. Are they afraid of death? Do they have any regrets? Lots of regret but no fear of death
29. Does your character get restless when things are too quiet or do they favour solitude and silence? Why? Quiet comes before chaos, so she prefers everyday noise. She likes to know other people are out there.
30. Finally; if your character was forced to eat one thing for the rest of their life, what would they choose and why? Mac and cheese, for nostalgic reasons.
Thanks Brittany! This was fun.
@G.G.: Glad you enjoyed the read! ^-^ And oh crap xD It must not have been a direct link to the picture, but to tinypic itself or something. I've replaced the link; try it now!@Michael: Same here! I also end up skipping a bunch of questions simply because I do not know yet what the character's answer will be -- not until I actually put him or her in that situation. :)
@Nadia: Interesting read! I'm glad you enjoyed it :D
Mod
Mod
What is your character's name?: Lutnalind Zhendar Xavelk or LX (Alex)
What book are they from?: The Legacy: Fate and The Legacy: Destiny
How old is s/he?: 400 Earth-years but it's the equivalent of a 30 year-old human.
Is your character a human, alien, creature/animal?: Alien (Xhartan)
Basic appearance: (hair color, eye color, etc) 6'2", dark brown hair, eye color changes with moods
1. What position does your character sleep in?
He often sleeps while sitting because it's easier to look around if he feels something is wrong.
2. Does your character have any noteworthy features?
He was born blind due to a curse. He's the product of an experimentation to improve his spell casting skills among other things. He has a scar in the shape of a star on his chest.
3. Does your character have an accent? What does it sound like?
LX has a slight accent, but nothing specific.
4. Do they have any verbal tics? Do they have trouble pronouncing certain words or getting their thoughts across clearly?
English idioms and contractions baffle him. He sometimes stammers when he can't find the right words.
6. If you were to pick one song — and only one song — to describe your character, what would it be and why?
That's a hard one. The first one that comes to mind would be 'Wheel in the sky' because he doesn't know if he'll ever make it home.
7. How does your character perceive themselves? Positive? Negative? Neutral?
As a child, he was bullied by others for his small stature, and for his strange eye behavior, which forced him to isolate himself. Although shorter than his kind by nearly a foot, he now accepts his 'handicap' as a gift. So the answer would be mostly positive.
8. Are they a quick thinker or do they need time to sort through their thoughts?
His job as a navigator is to study civilizations on different planets, which often means 'think fast or die'.
9. Does your character dream or are their nights filled with an empty blackness? Describe a dream they’ve had or a night they couldn’t sleep and what they did to preoccupy their time.
While he doesn't need more than a few hours of sleep, he still dreams a lot. When he's preoccupied and can't sleep at all, he'll exercise (swimming, running) if he can, or read if not.
10. If they had a choice, would they prefer a subway or a bus for public transportation?
He doesn't need any means of transportation since he can run as fast as lightning. However, personating a human, he would go for the bus. He hates being in places without an outside view, so the subway would be his last resort.
11. What do they think of creation? Do they believe in evolution or do they believe in God? What is their religion like?
He doesn't follow any religion. No one on his planet does. Most won't even acknowledge a Supreme Being. LX disagrees. After all, someone did create the universe, big boom or not.
13. Have they ever been so overwhelmed they had to stop and take a break from something?
He is quite often overwhelmed, but he never has the luxury of taking a break.
14. Are they a team player or do they prefer to be solo?
Solo.
15. Can they multi-task or must they focus on one subject at a time?
If he's in familiar territory, multi-tasking isn't a problem. Don't ask him to drive a terrestrial vehicle though, there are too many numbers and displays to check. ;)
16. What are their best school subjects? What are their worst? List five of each.
Everything he learned was in preparation for his line of work as a Navigator. The two planets have an entirely different kind of education.
17. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert? How do they handle big crowds of people?
Introvert. He tries to avoid big crowds whenever possible.
18. Are they a leader, do they prefer to follow, or would they rather just stay on the sidelines altogether?
His job requires taking initiative because he is all by himself.
19. If your character was suddenly challenged, would they rather run away or stay and fight?
He has sworn an oath not to harm or kill anyone so it would depend on the reasons for the challenge and if it endangers his mission or not.
20. If your character was allowed to murder one person without any consequences, who would that person be and why?
One man almost made him forget his oath once. He almost killed Rick, a vampire who has been a royal pain in the ass from the day they met.
21. Your character has been granted 3 wishes; what would they wish for and why?
His first wish would be to have a less complicated life in all aspects. Both second and third wish would be spoilers.
22. Does your character trust people right off the bat or does it take them some time to warm up to someone?
It usually takes him quite a lot to be able to trust someone.
23. Do they prefer romance or affection? What is the quickest way to your character’s heart?
Of course, like everyone else, he would have loved to marry for love, but he married for other reasons. It left his heart open for the right person, which complicated his life.
24. Does your character have any enemies? If so, who and why?
Destiny. She needs him to help her enslave the world.
26. How does your character prepare for bed? Do they sleep at all or can they stay awake for days on end without trouble?
He only needs a few hours of sleep to recuperate.
27. If your character had one thing to say to their parents before they died, what would it be?
"Why?"
28. Are they afraid of death? Do they have any regrets?
He doesn't fear death itself, but he fears dying before putting an end to Destiny's plan.
29. Does your character get restless when things are too quiet or do they favour solitude and silence? Why?
Solitude and silence are his friends. As a child, he often hid under a waterfall to be alone.
It helped him later in his carrier since he has to spend a lot of time alone in his spacecraft.
What is your character's name?: GuyWhat book are they from?: Strange Days in High Wycombe
How old is s/he?: early 30s
Is your character a human, alien, creature/animal?: human
Basic appearance: (hair color, eye color, etc): your everyday average white male, with a bit of a swishy hair-do and perpetual look of outrage
1. What position does your character sleep in? ( i.e; stomach, side, back, etc. ) Describe why they do this — optional. - starts on the side, ends up on stomach. Usually due to excessive alcohol consumption
2. Does your character have any noteworthy features? (Freckles, dimples, a scar somewhere unusual, etc.) - apart from being outraged at everything, not really.
3. Does your character have an accent? What does it sound like? - faux-posh. The king of person who puts on a tilt of upper-class.
4. Do they have any verbal tics? Do they have trouble pronouncing certain words or getting their thoughts across clearly? When exclaiming, they accentuate the last word. EG: "my GOD!"
5. What are their chief tension areas? mostly from their guide, Kriste
6. If you were to pick one song — and only one song — to describe your character, what would it be and why? Smooth Sailing by QOTSA. A song that gives an air of pomp in a world where there isn't
7. How does your character perceive themselves? Positive? Negative? Neutral? Positive, at first...
8. Are they a quick thinker or do they need time to sort through their thoughts? Thoughts tend to occur before the brain filters them
9. Does your character dream or are their nights filled with an empty blackness? Describe a dream they’ve had or a night they couldn’t sleep and what they did to preoccupy their time. - Dreams mostly revolve around lost memories of the night before, focussing on the more lurid details.
10. If they had a choice, would they prefer a subway or a bus for public transportation? - subway/tube. They hate buses. Full of, and I quote, "dirty folk".
11. What do they think of creation? Do they believe in evolution or do they believe in God? What is their religion like? - They haven't any real thoughts for or against it, although are quick to judge those who have.
12. Describe 5 unusual characteristics your muse has. - that would be telling all my secrets...
13. Have they ever been so overwhelmed they had to stop and take a break from something? - often! Such is the drinking lifestyle they lead...
14. Are they a team player or do they prefer to be solo? - definitely think they can go solo, but end up relying on a team around them.
15. Can they multi-task or must they focus on one subject at a time? - attempts to multi-task end in confusion and outbursts of an unsavoury nature.
16. What are their best school subjects? What are their worst? List five of each. - Guy considers himself a master of all subjects, and a failure of none.
17. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert? How do they handle big crowds of people? - gives an air of introversion, but will engage with a group if he feels they are worth his time. Not that they want his time, of course...
18. Are they a leader, do they prefer to follow, or would they rather just stay on the sidelines altogether? - thinks he's a leader, and probably believes it too, but finds himself following more often than not.
19. If your character was suddenly challenged, would they rather run away or stay and fight? - definitely run away, after pretending to start to fight.
20. If your character was allowed to murder one person without any consequences, who would that person be and why? - his guide, Kriste.
21. Your character has been granted 3 wishes; what would they wish for and why? - Good drink, good women, and the respect of everyone around him.
22. Does your character trust people right off the bat or does it take them some time to warm up to someone? - takes some time, due to his arrogant nature.
23. Do they prefer romance or affection? What is the quickest way to your character’s heart? - they can get love-struck quite quickly, with a coy wink and smile leading to amore.
24. Does your character have any enemies? If so, who and why? - given his attitude and overall nature, he makes plenty. Usually they are quick to cease bothering with him, though.
25. Do they have any weird bedroom habits? Any unusual kinks? - the story in Strange Days in High Wycombe about the military surplus store will answer that...
26. How does your character prepare for bed? Do they sleep at all or can they stay awake for days on end without trouble? - usually with a whisky.
27. If your character had one thing to say to their parents before they died, what would it be? - "it was the food!"
28. Are they afraid of death? Do they have any regrets? - They are not afraid of death, so to speak, but tend to regret their own actions in moments of self-reflection
29. Does your character get restless when things are too quiet or do they favour solitude and silence? Why? - Guy likes action around him, and will invariably cause trouble to get things going again.
30. Finally; if your character was forced to eat one thing for the rest of their life, what would they choose and why? - chips.
Two very intriguing characters! Makes me want to read both your works (and perhaps I will next time I go on a book-buying spree!) Aah, sometimes I wish this site had a like button so I could like both your posts. :D
Bisky's Twitterling's Scribbles!
Books mentioned in this topic
Strange Days in High Wycombe (other topics)The Desiccated (other topics)
I've added a few numberless questions onto the beginning as well, because I want to know some more details about your characters when I come back and read your responses! And if you're interested in reading mine, you can find it in the post below. c:
What is your character's name?:
What book are they from?:
How old is s/he?:
Is your character a human, alien, creature/animal?:
Basic appearance: (hair color, eye color, etc)
1. What position does your character sleep in? ( i.e; stomach, side, back, etc. ) Describe why they do this — optional.
2. Does your character have any noteworthy features? (Freckles, dimples, a scar somewhere unusual, etc.)
3. Does your character have an accent? What does it sound like?
4. Do they have any verbal tics? Do they have trouble pronouncing certain words or getting their thoughts across clearly?
5. What are their chief tension areas?
6. If you were to pick one song — and only one song — to describe your character, what would it be and why?
7. How does your character perceive themselves? Positive? Negative? Neutral?
8. Are they a quick thinker or do they need time to sort through their thoughts?
9. Does your character dream or are their nights filled with an empty blackness? Describe a dream they’ve had or a night they couldn’t sleep and what they did to preoccupy their time.
10. If they had a choice, would they prefer a subway or a bus for public transportation?
11. What do they think of creation? Do they believe in evolution or do they believe in God? What is their religion like?
12. Describe 5 unusual characteristics your muse has.
13. Have they ever been so overwhelmed they had to stop and take a break from something?
14. Are they a team player or do they prefer to be solo?
15. Can they multi-task or must they focus on one subject at a time?
16. What are their best school subjects? What are their worst? List five of each.
17. Is your character an introvert or an extrovert? How do they handle big crowds of people?
18. Are they a leader, do they prefer to follow, or would they rather just stay on the sidelines altogether?
19. If your character was suddenly challenged, would they rather run away or stay and fight?
20. If your character was allowed to murder one person without any consequences, who would that person be and why?
21. Your character has been granted 3 wishes; what would they wish for and why?
22. Does your character trust people right off the bat or does it take them some time to warm up to someone?
23. Do they prefer romance or affection? What is the quickest way to your character’s heart?
24. Does your character have any enemies? If so, who and why?
25. Do they have any weird bedroom habits? Any unusual kinks?
26. How does your character prepare for bed? Do they sleep at all or can they stay awake for days on end without trouble?
27. If your character had one thing to say to their parents before they died, what would it be?
28. Are they afraid of death? Do they have any regrets?
29. Does your character get restless when things are too quiet or do they favour solitude and silence? Why?
30. Finally; if your character was forced to eat one thing for the rest of their life, what would they choose and why?
I look forward to your replies! <3