However, did you ever wonder what it would be like to do a character sketch of yourself? I thought this exercise might give you more insight in helping you further develop your story characters.
Let's give this a try, shall we?
A character sketch is a written description of another person, in this case you. It's going to help you really get to know yourself and in turn, help you learn how to really develop story characters.
If you think it might help, try writing your character sketch from another's point of view. It can be extremely revealing to see yourself through the eyes of another.
Barbara Sher's Wishcraft: How to Get What You Really Want, suggests investigating your home as if you were a private detective trying to figure out the sort of person living there.
Think about it: You're going to be going through clothes closets, kitchen cabinets, bookshelves, entertainment videos and such. You'll review the furniture, rugs, curtains, pictures, food in the refrigerator, and right down to the colors on the wall. Don't forget to notice clutter if it's there or if the "person" you are investigating is a "neat freak."
Ask yourself these questions: Would you say that the person who lived there is organized or scatterbrained? Sociable or solitary? Sensual or intellectual?
Now, write a sketch of the person living in your house, or write the sketch from a different point of view. But, get the point across about the type of person living there and personality.
You might be surprised about how well you knew or didn't know about yourself. You might find that missing object you've been looking for all these months. And, you might find the perfect character for your next novel.
You can do this exercise with others as well. Sit with a group of writers, with whom you've worked well, and write sketches of each other. It would be interesting to see how others see you, wouldn't it?
Enjoy!
