Character Prompts for Authors

You know what makes a story pop? Characters, my friend. They’re the secret sauce that turns a bland tale into a mouthwatering adventure. Characters are the heart and soul of any story. They make us laugh, cry, and root for them. Without them, stories would be as exciting as a soggy sandwich. Imagine Harry Potter without Harry, Hermione, and Ron – just a lonely wizard and an empty castle. Boring, right?

Now, whether you’re into wizards, superheroes, or talking animals, there’s something universal about stories. It’s that human touch. It doesn’t matter if your character is a wizard with a lightning bolt scar or a friendly neighborhood spider-hero – they all tap into our human experiences and emotions.

Ever met a character that felt like a cardboard cutout? Yawn. Crafting characters that feel real, that could be your buddy or your neighbor, is where the magic happens. Relatable characters make us connect, they make us care, and they keep us flipping those pages.

We’re about to serve up a ton of character prompts that will get your creative juices flowing. We’ll give you the lowdown on how to create characters that leap off the page and into your readers’ hearts. Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or just dipping your toes into the world of writing, we’ve got something juicy for everyone. 

How Important Characters Are to a Story

Remember Halloween? You know, the one with Michael Myers and all the spooky stuff? Well, let’s see how John Carpenter’s genius brought this tale to life.

Picture this: John Carpenter, the mastermind behind Halloween, sitting in his director’s chair. He knew that to make a killer horror flick, he needed killer characters. Michael Myers became a household name in the horror world, all thanks to Carpenter’s knack for crafting a bone-chilling character.

Remember when Laurie Strode walks out of school with her pals? That scene wasn’t just a random stroll. It was a sneak peek into her character. While her friends chat about boys and parties, Laurie is the responsible one, the girl next door. That contrast sets the stage for the tension that follows.

Watching characters grow, face challenges, and change is what keeps us glued to the screen or the page. John Carpenter knew it when he gave us Michael Myers and Laurie Strode. So, next time you’re crafting your own tale, remember the magic that characters bring. 

Know Your Characters

Now that we’ve established how crucial characters are, let’s get to know them inside and out. Think of it as a backstage pass to your story’s stars.

The Interplay Between Character and Plot

Characters and plot? They’re like dance partners, you can’t have one without the other. How do you unravel the mysteries of your characters? Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Some writers like to grill their characters with a million questions, while others let them reveal themselves through action. Try different approaches and find what clicks for you.

The better you know your characters, the more authentic and relatable they become. Explore their fears, dreams, quirks – make them your best pals.

Facilitating Character Autonomy in Storytelling

Ever heard of characters taking on a life of their own? It happens, and it’s a good thing! Let your characters breathe, let them make choices, even if it messes with your plot outline. Sometimes, they’ll surprise you and lead the story in exciting directions.

Why Character Prompts?

Sometimes a character suddenly does something totally out of character. As a reader, you’re left scratching your head. It’s like watching a cat bark. That’s what happens when characters are forced to fit the plot. It’s a big no-no.

Characters should be reliable. If they love dogs in chapter one, they shouldn’t be allergic to fur in chapter five, unless there’s a darn good reason. Consistency in character actions makes them feel real and relatable. Characters need room to grow, but they also need to stay on track with the plot. I

This is where prompts help. They keep your characters true to themselves while navigating the twists and turns of your plot. When you find your characters acting up, give those prompts a whirl. Your story will thank you, and your readers will stay immersed in your world.

50 Awesome Character Prompts

We put together a treasure trove of prompts to help you mold your characters into literary rockstars. Whether you’re crafting a hero, a villain, or someone in between, these prompts will be your trusty companions on this adventure.

Want an example? 

If you’re struggling with your character’s background, try this: “What’s your character’s most embarrassing childhood memory?” It might reveal some hidden quirks or fears that make your character pop.

Or how about this one for motivation: “What keeps your character up at night, tossing and turning?” Explore their deepest desires and fears to uncover what drives them.

Now for the prompts. Pick and choose which ones suit your story best. Mix them up, adapt them, or create your own. There are no rules here.

1. What is your character’s biggest fear, and why does it terrify them?
2. What is your character’s most treasured possession, and why is it important to them?
3. What does your character do to relax and unwind?
4. What is your character’s favorite childhood memory?
5. What is your character’s go-to comfort food?
6. Does your character have any unusual or quirky habits?
7. What are your character’s political or religious beliefs, if any?
8. What kind of music does your character listen to, and why?
9. Does your character have any phobias or irrational fears?
10. What is your character’s guilty pleasure?
11. Describe your character’s relationship with their parents or guardians.
12. What are your character’s hobbies or interests outside of the main plot?
13. What is your character’s favorite season, and how does it affect their mood?
14. How does your character handle stress or difficult situations?
15. Does your character have any siblings, and what is their relationship like?
16. What is your character’s dream job or career?
17. Has your character ever experienced a traumatic event, and how did it shape them?
18. What is your character’s preferred mode of transportation?
19. What type of clothing does your character feel most comfortable in?
20. Describe your character’s favorite place to relax or escape to.
21. Does your character have any health issues or medical conditions?
22. How does your character react to criticism or negative feedback?
23. What is your character’s favorite book, movie, or TV show, and why?
24. What is your character’s sense of humor like?
25. Does your character have any close friends, and how did they meet?
26. What is your character’s greatest achievement or proudest moment?
27. How does your character handle conflict with others?
28. Describe your character’s dream vacation destination.
29. What is your character’s favorite way to spend a rainy day?
30. Does your character have any recurring dreams or nightmares?
31. What motivates your character to keep going when things get tough?
32. What does your character value most in a romantic partner?
33. What is your character’s greatest regret in life?
34. How does your character perceive themselves physically?
35. Is your character introverted or extroverted, and how does this affect their social interactions?
36. What is your character’s favorite childhood book or bedtime story?
37. Does your character have any pets, and what are their names?
38. How does your character react to surprises or unexpected events?
39. What is your character’s favorite holiday tradition?
40. Describe your character’s relationship with technology.
41. What is your character’s stance on environmental issues?
42. Does your character have any recurring nightmares or traumatic memories?
43. What kind of car does your character drive, if any?
44. How does your character handle failure or setbacks?
45. What is your character’s favorite way to give back to the community?
46. Describe your character’s preferred method of communication (e.g., text, email, face-to-face).
47. What is your character’s favorite childhood game or activity?
48. How does your character handle romantic relationships and dating?
49. What does your character daydream about when they have free time?
50. What is your character’s life philosophy or motto? 

These character prompts will help you flesh out your characters and write your best book. Share your favorite prompts with your author friends and pay it forward.