Create basic information about the character. Create a heading for the following categories: NAME, AGE, WEIGHT, HEIGHT, HAIR and EYE COLOR, PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION. Leave enough space for each heading to provide sufficient information and be sure to include key PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS such as scars, tattoos, and birth marks. Also, be sure to include background information for each characteristic, as it would pertain to your story.
Write the headings WORK HISTORY, EDUCATION, OTHER ACTIVITIES. Explain why the character left each job, list his academic history and if he graduated with honors. Also, be sure to include information about the extracurricular activities he participated in. Under the heading "OTHER ACTIVITIES", list community and charitable involvement.
Write the heading "FAMILY". Under "FAMILY", explain if the protagonist has a spouse, children or pets. Also, include information about previous romantic partners and other spouses. Include a subheading for each person. For example: GAIL: AGE 37, TYPICAL NAGGING WIFE, WON'T LET HIM HAVE A MOMENT'S PEACE. SHE IS SLIGHTLY OVERWEIGHT, GENERALLY UNHAPPY, AND HAS A KNACK FOR BLAMING HER HUSBAND FOR EVERYTHING. Or, BRINA: AGE 12, DAUGHTER. 12 GOING ON 20. A BIT SPOILED (SHE HAS TO HAVE EVERYTHING NOW!) BUT IS GENERALLY COMPASSIONATE, KIND, AND SENSITIVE. Include more or less information depending on how vital they will be to the story.
Write down the heading CHILDHOOD. Under this heading, write a brief description of the protagonist's childhood. Follow with a subheading of the important people in her life. For example: ROXANNE LIVED AT HOME WITH HER PARENTS UNTIL HER MOTHER LEFT TO PURSUE A SINGING CAREER IN NEW YORK. WHEN ROXANNE WAS 15, HER DAD DIED OF LUNG CANCER. THIS IS WHEN SHE ENTERED THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, AND BEGAN MOVING FROM ONE HOME TO ANOTHER, OVER A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS. DURING THIS TIME, ROXANNE MET VINCENT. HE TAUGHT HER EVERYTHING SHE KNOWS ABOUT ROBBING HOMES. VINCENT: AGE 44, FRIEND. A VERY INTELLIGENT GUY. HE COULD HAVE DONE ANYTHING WITH HIS LIFE, BUT ULTIMATELY CHOSE TO STEAL FROM OTHERS. A PROFESSIONAL THIEF, VINCENT NEVER MARRIED. HE HAS A GROWN DAUGHTER, BUT THEY NEVER SPEAK. HE OFTEN REGRETS HOW HIS LIFE HAS TURNED OUT. HE IS HOPELESS FOR A BETTER FUTURE.
Create a heading for personality quirks. Use the heading to describe the type of person the protagonist is. Is he quiet and soft spoken? Or, an avid attention seeker? This is where your protagonist comes alive. Try to be detailed. Write down why your protagonist is the way he is. Remember to state the little things that make your protagonist an individual. Does he have a "tell-tell" sign whenever he lies? Get edgy when he hears a police siren? Constantly clear his throat? Or, bite his nails? The possibilities are endless, so be specific and get creative.