HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT CHARACTER PROFILE

[@Indestructable2219]

I need you to read audiobooks for a living. Your voice is so intense. I just know it would be great. I'd listen.

[@ZoeyCLR78]

Same !! 😃

[@jenbrinson125]

Fr

[@mattkhourie4037]

Agreed. Her voice is very emotive and appealing.

[@donaldcash113]

She does have a good voice. It goes from a medium tone to a deeper tone.

[@cityman2312]

Madeyewlook on KZbin has a similar voice, but even more intense. I love listening to her, as well as watching her makeup artistry.

[@clintcarpentier2424]

Abbie - "What's your MBTI type?" Me - "Villain."

[@marcusc3288]

did you mean ENTJ?

[@clintcarpentier2424]

@@marcusc3288 Naw, that's my general.

[@mehwishmanha9250]

@@marcusc3288 Or maybe ENTP, if you want ur character to be as annoying to the protagonist as possibe.

[@pikathemimikyu6655]

This is such an underrated comment 🤣🤣

[@itarfer]

Fixed it! THE BASICS: Character’s name: Role in story: Physical description: Age: MBTI/Enneagram Personality Type: INTERNAL: THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER What is their greatest fear? Inner motivation: Kryptonite: What is their misbelief about the world? Lesson they need to learn: What is the best thing in their life? What is the worst thing in their life? What do they most often look down on people for? What makes their heart feel alive? What makes them feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way? Top three things they value most in life? EXTERNAL: NOT NECESSARY, BUT GOOD TO KNOW AND SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER What’s their favorite book, movie, and band? Is there an object they can’t bear to part with and why? Describe a typical outfit for them from top to bottom. What names or nicknames have they been called throughout their life? What is their method of manipulation? Describe their daily routine. Their go-to cure for a bad day? CHARACTER GOALS: How is your character dissatisfied with their life? What does your character believe will bring them true happiness or contentment? What definitive step could they take to turn their dream into a reality? How has their fear kept them from taking this action already? How does your protagonist feel they can accomplish their goal while still steering clear of the thing they are afraid of? THE BACKSTORY SCENE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING THE SCENE WHERE… What does your character go into the scene believing and how are they surprised by the outcome? How does your character struggle to hold onto their old beliefs? What is their conclusion/new belief?

[@aa-vz1zu]

appreciated thank u!

[@issashreyaa]

Omg thank uuuu❤️❤️

[@rutepereira7628]

thank you for this!! i couldn't find a way to download the template, you just saved me lmao

[@chloem8613]

Ah you beautiful person, thank you for this

[@Douma_UppermoonTwo]

Sadly we cannot copy and paste thats what I hate about youtuber comments :

[@m.a.kelleher1632]

One thing I've learnt from a few books I've read, if you're going to describe your characters face, you have to do it early on. Otherwise, the picture you've had of that character through the whole book will suddenly be destroyed and it's a REALLY HARD to think about these characters the same way ever again. Love this video, love your channel.

[@isaiah3735]

This is facts

[@patscorner7183]

Just like watching the movie after having read a thick novel of 700 pages of the same title 😅

[@m.a.kelleher1632]

Yeah. They never get the details right

[@hyera251]

yeah....

[@thomasmccaughey689]

I thought I was the only one who experienced this and was annoyed about it lol

[@youknowcleo9056]

The eye color in my story is one of the most important things to remember about the characters!!! The eye color is the color of their magical power. For example, one of the main character's eye color is an icy, baby blue. He has ice magic.

[@AbbieEmmons]

OOOH THAT'S SO COOL 😍

[@danbee998]

@YouKnowCleo J.K. Rowling gave Harry Potter green eyes in the novels. When the movies were made, Daniel Radcliffe (who played Potter) could not wear the green contacts (due to severe irritation). The movies are without that element. There are other ways to do this sort of thing, such as clothes or gemstones they carry, perhaps.

[@DawnzeenaMcGill]

YouKnowCleo ! Eye color is actually very important for two specific characters in one of my stories, well a manga I’m making as well. The reason it’s important is because after the one character Will is forced into marrying someone in order to protect their younger sister after their love interest Lilly who had been MIA and suffering amnesia for two years interrupts the wedding they ask the person blackmailing Will what his favorite color is they state their favorite color, lilac, because that was the color theme of the wedding. Will reveals that his favorite color is actually jade green like Lilly’s eyes. In turn Lilly’s favorite color is violet like Wills eyes, which is something unique to his biological family and that is exclusive to their bloodline.

[@HarryPotter-bw5mz]

stefan didn’t they just choose their robe colors on a whim like citra made hers turquoise bc of a dream her brother had and rowen did black bc it you weren’t supposed to and he didn’t go along with the rules

[@Zoovilifts]

That's really cool!

[@emmakusmaul8832]

But I like knowing the eye color and hair color of characters!!!! :’(

[@AbbieEmmons]

It's definitely good to include this so that readers don't construct a totally different mental image! so totally do it 💛

[@varietyside9122]

I draw them, it helps a lot. If you want to describe their image with jusr words, you can slip it in the story.

[@anerdfrommars1566]

You can still incorporate hair and eye color into the story. For instance you have a rebellious young girl who has flamming red hair that's always unbound because she doesn't really care what others think about her. Or you have the old weathered ship captain that has grey eyes as he describes the worst storm he ever went through and the reader wonders if he's still going through a storm inside, Or something like that.

[@heibai1173]

I'm obessesed with eye colors. To me it's SO important, haha. It's also just part of imagery

[@zzdesolatezz]

@@anerdfrommars1566 that a bit cliche, a rebellious red head with a fiery personality, etc, is practically a trope at this point.

[@cheshirewolf1574]

Man this video remains me of that one ticktock where it's like: What you want: "meeting my ocs would be so lovely and wholesome" The reality: "I BROKE these people so MUCH, the AMOUNT of loved ones I have killed! I WOULD NOT SURVIVE LEFT ALONE IN THE SAME ROOM AS MY OCS"

[@Zer-ut6hd]

Bruh everyone is calling me out today-

[@thestrangeandstupidone8116]

My OCs will not hesitate to strangle me and skin me alive! I'd run for my life if I were them

[@foodislife6425]

Even tho most of them are forgiving they would kill me 😍

[@hasyarachmakautsar2174]

I'm kinda impressed with myself beeing able to write quite sad backstory yet barely anyone involved died

[@reecelongden3500]

I feel attacked by this comment..

[@rajeshwarimehrotra9706]

Character Name: Role In Story: Physical Description: Age: MBTI Personality Type: INTERNAL: Fear: Believe: Best Thing For Them: Worst: Turn on and off: Passion, talent: 3 most valued things: who makes her feel love: Daily Routine

[@catsaretoocute5554]

Rajeshwari Mehrotra ya didn’t write the answers

[@miraculouswinxer8837]

@@catsaretoocute5554 it is written there so we can know what questions we need to answer , this is actually very helpful.

[@eboi255]

I narrowed it down to and added Physical description (4-5 sentences) Age Mbti Test Main color/scheme Wants? Fears? Dislikes? Passions? Top 3 Valubals? Fav Band, Book, Movie? Nickname? Sex/Gender? Sexual Orientation? Extra physical or mental features? I know this kind of looks weird but for the story I'm doing you kind of need to do all this stuff. Also if you making characther group remember the rule of 3, five man band, and elite eight rule

[@柳-r4l]

This is so ridiculous. It's completely biased.

[@eatthis6227]

@@柳-r4l uhm no

[@Hanedie1]

I'm binge-watching your videos like Netflix 🤣

[@pnwfisher2144]

Same!

[@aquisuii]

Heh, me too

[@earniespace4849]

Same!!! lol

[@rachelgooden9981]

Me toooo

[@kenny4138]

lol same

[@frostyhannah]

"We don't need to know your character's favorite brand of laundry detergent" Idk why I found that so hilarious

[@emcyar7805]

A bonus I like to add to character's: a theme song. But beware, it can be time-consuming to find THE song for your character. But it allows you later to get in this character's mindset very quickly.

[@Xeno_Solarus]

That's a great idea.

[@BUGHUNTER6]

I'm starting to realize that understanding how to write a good character is very much about understanding psychology. So learning how to do this is almost like therapy for me, asking these questions about myself and how my life has shaped who I am, my preferences, everything. It's freeing in a way. Not feeling as guilty about certain things. I always knew there was a deep psychological aspect to storytelling that pulled me in, but I couldn't quite wrap my head around it. Thank you for making these videos, I'm definitely going to continue watching. I wanna write at least one awesome story

[@annaanderson9421]

I feel the exact same way OMG! I wanna be as deep in my character's head as possible. It very much feels like therapy

[@RoseCadenza]

"What is the best thing in his/her life?" Man, starting to get tough now.

[@LitaMoraes]

It's easier to know the bad things, right? xD

[@princessthyemis]

If this makes sense, I've never really questioned NOT doing character's eye colors....never questioned WHY it was always the go-to thing authors described. but you're totally right! Why not reveal personality through something else, which you can't do by eye color anyway?! Can't BELIEVE I never thought of this.

[@MelTorrefranca]

So ready for this series!! 😱 It’s crazy because I’ve literally just been working on character descriptions in my book and BOOM your video is in my feed. Also, I’m glad someone else thinks some of those random questions are kind of stupid. I understand it helps understand your characters better, but they’ll just never be used! Thank you for sharing :)

[@AbbieEmmons]

oh my gosh that is great timing Mel! I'm so happy you enjoyed this video and found it helpful!! 💛✨ YES I TOTALLY FEEL YA ABOUT THE STUPID MEANINGLESS QUESTIONS. 😂 it's such a waste of time omg. Thank you for watching!

[@totu7071]

Mel, were you writing 'Leaving Wishville' at the time?

[@LoreFriendlyMusic]

"What is his or her favourite book, movie and band?... Not applicable if you write fantasy or something that exists in another world..." ...You seriously underestimate my overplanning when it comes to worldbuilding :p

[@FrizzyDrawsThings]

Now _that's_ dedication.

[@angeliquejackson9262]

First off, your background is GORGEOUS! You hit the nail on what I need to do. It wasn't long enough where I have to stop for a bathroom run. Straight to the point with LOADED information! Thank you!

[@justyoureverydaycasualship146]

if you want fun, silly ones that just build up your understanding of your characters. try making a vine compilation for them, or find some of those "incorrect quote" things/imagine your OTP things and assign them to your characters. these of course are just for fun. but another really fun one I found recently, assign your characters Daemons. like if their world were similar to that of the dark materials series, or they themselves lived in that world, what would their Daemon take form as and why (you can also give the Daemon a name if you want, for fun.) Hogwart house sorting your characters is also very fun. maybe even what their godly parent would be if they were a demigod in the Percy Jackson universe. basically play fandom with your characters and make a bunch of useless au's for them. cause its fun!

[@AsifHassan]

You sir, need a medal for your words.

[@meatiest1989]

I do that

[@cookiehatkingdom]

I love making pointless AUs for my characters, but unless it's something like a Hogwarts AU then someone ends up dying- (My biggest body count so far is the entire population of Earth apart from two people)

[@Soaring_Penguin]

I'd honestly say describing the eyes has a fair bit of importance. The eyes are the "windows to the soul", that's why they're so huge in animation, too. When I read a book, one of the first things I try to visualize in a character is their face, starting with the eyes. Knowing something as mundane as what a character's eye color is honestly helps me imagine the character in my mind a lot easier. Plus, you can definitely tell stuff about the character through the description of their eyes. Are the eyes tired, lively, bright, glazed over, etc.?

[@kyleefrench6017]

CAN I JUST SAY, I just researched MBTI types, identified my MC's type, and am already feeling more confident in knowing who she really is. It's weird, I keep reading "if you do this if you're ESTP", and I'm thinking, "YES my character does this!" and I kind of didn't even know it before. It just fits lol. This is for sure going to help me continue to develop her and other characters!!

[@jennat.c.287]

YEEEESSSSSS! I needed a questionnaire that didn't have meaningless questions. Thanks, Abbiee! ❤️😀

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so happy you liked this video and the questionnaire, Jenna!! 😊💛 thank you for watching!

[@louisthelemur1238]

Xocusifi

[@aidenjohnson-young8755]

I did it so you don’t have to… Physical: Character’s name: Role in story: Physical description: Age: MBTI type: Internal: What is his/her greatest fear? What is his/her misbelief about the world? What is the best thing in his/her life? What is the worst thing in his/her life? What does he/she most often look down on people for? What makes his/her heart feel alive? What makes him/her feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way? What are the top three things he/she values most in life? External: What is his/her favorite book, movie, and band? Is there an object he/she can’t bear to part with? Why? Describe a typical outfit for him/her from top to bottom. What nicknames has she/he been called throughout their life? What is his/her weapon of choice? Describe his/her daily routine. What is their go-to cure for a bad day?

[@petersalexis07]

Thank you for this, Abbie! I'm starting my novel over from scratch and I'm currently working on characters, so this is much appreciated! Always love your videos! (:

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad you liked this video and found it helpful, Alexis!! 💛 thank you for watching! 😊

[@erikagehm2805]

Eye color is important. We see people's eyes ALL the time. Thank you so much for this.

[@bimbatoo9467]

Something that I like to do is, before I create a character, peg down a random MBTI type and kinda infuse that personality type into their ark, then infuse their ark into the story.

[@aa-vz1zu]

nice idea

[@hannahjcattanach3324]

Oh, breaking characters is my favourite thing, I can't wait to get to that part in writing my novel!

[@dailyantidotess]

Hi there! Just want to thank you for mentioning the mbti personality type! Took multiple tests with each of my characters in mind and I can confirm is a total game changer. I'm forever grateful 🙏

[@MusicallyMeLHTB]

Thank you! This helped me so much! I just started with a new novel idea revolving around Greek mythology (specifically Aphrodite) and this made me understand the characters more. Thank you once again Abbie!

[@rodschmidt8952]

It seems to me the thing that matters here is how the characters make decisions. Character change is expressed in the characters' decisions (especially in difficult circumstances, of course). So the character profile should include a list of scenarios and "what would the character do?" You see a message from a damsel in distress but you are needed on the farm. An obnoxious old lady wants to kill your dog. Your dead business partner shows you he wears the chains he forged in life. Your beloved baby brother has been captured by a great disembodied brain. You have an opportunity to fly away to a land where you never have to grow up. What do you do?

[@isa-belva]

i'm not a fam of mbti but i use it for my characters too because it's so helpful!! it really is!! it helps to remind me how a character would make a decision and that decision making is literally makes the story most times

[@ZackRekeSkjell]

MBTI type sounds like a good idea because it says a lot about how they will react in different situations.

[@FireLordKuzon]

I've watched this video over and over and Over ALL DAY just so I can figure out how I ant my characters' personalities to be and make sure they have conflicts that are interesting and make sure the audience has lot to chew on and theories without blatantly being told the answers This is the first time I've ever written a story... I've made fan fictions but nothing...nothing that has involved..ALL OF THIS

[@idkanymore790]

creating characters is my favourite part about being a writer. i feel like a god.

[@saisankeerthredybommana754]

minute 3:50. Eye colors help us tell a lot of information or tease the audience or give hints for later twists or changes in personality in Sci-Fi, Horror genres especially

[@juliai3956]

Searched 'character development' and I was thinking, 'where's my girl?' You've given the best advice (that's advanced my writing) and I trust you as much as one writer should trust another. :) Thanks for the help and awesome content.

[@justanotherwriter-ms5rl]

QUESTIONS:- here are the questions. i found it from someone's comment down below: THE BASICS: Character’s name: Role in story: Physical description: Age: MBTI/Enneagram Personality Type: INTERNAL: THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER What is their greatest fear? Inner motivation: Kryptonite: What is their misbelief about the world? Lesson they need to learn: What is the best thing in their life? What is the worst thing in their life? What do they most often look down on people for? What makes their heart feel alive? What makes them feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way? Top three things they value most in life? EXTERNAL: NOT NECESSARY, BUT GOOD TO KNOW AND SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER What’s their favorite book, movie, and band? Is there an object they can’t bear to part with and why? Describe a typical outfit for them from top to bottom. What names or nicknames have they been called throughout their life? What is their method of manipulation? Describe their daily routine. Their go-to cure for a bad day? CHARACTER GOALS: How is your character dissatisfied with their life? What does your character believe will bring them true happiness or contentment? What definitive step could they take to turn their dream into a reality? How has their fear kept them from taking this action already? How does your protagonist feel they can accomplish their goal while still steering clear of the thing they are afraid of? THE BACKSTORY SCENE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING THE SCENE WHERE… What does your character go into the scene believing and how are they surprised by the outcome? What is their conclusion/new belief?

[@StopMotionPerson20]

In my story eyes actually matter so much, they're almost the only way to tell different magical species apart :)

[@BLUENECK]

I filled this out and now the story I have been working on for 18 months is insanely personal. Thank you Abbie!!

[@desskill-2264]

To anyone who draws ocs i really enjoy doing it this way but put your ocs and questions all on separate small peices of paper and then make like a little pocket on one side of a sketchbook page.Put your charecters in there and then draw your charecters on the separate page all together see how well they fit it really helps

[@XxShade_FrostxX]

I write a werewolf story and eye colour is pretty important seeing as their eyes change, like they are purely black when they wolf has taken over, their eye colour is brighter when in wolf form and it’s overall an important thing.

[@nolanimates1595]

I had so many OH! moments watching this and doing the questionnaire, thanks! Also this channel is underrated. I think it will grow a lot in the future. Remember I was part of the first 35k Also I've been binging this channel all day and jotting notes down in docs. I'm so happy I stumbled across it by accident.

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you so much for being here!!

[@Meg_intheclouds]

Rewatching this as I work on a new project- and just want to say that this is the video that got me into MBTI! 4 years later and I am Obsessed! (ENFP HERE). Now I know the system very well along with the enneagram and omg does it help with writing.

[@makeros1963]

Thank you for this video I really enjoyed it and it really helped me understand how to make a good character basis❤

[@xjoy1163]

Oh my gosh i never thought about using MBTI personalities. So i took the test as my character and omg its so great! Its fun too. All i need to do is pick what i like about the personality and boom my character is fleshed out. Such a handy tool. My character is a charismatic good guy that loves drama… ENFJ! And the personality is there down to how they interact with others.

[@coffeesweatersbooks9340]

Literally this is the best writing advice I have ever gotten!!!!!!! I am binging your vids like crazzyyy. You deserve so many more subs then you have, I literally am following all your steps for my novel!

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean so much to me, and I am thrilled that the content I make encourages you to chase your dreams and make your story MATTER!

[@sarmadraza4554]

@@AbbieEmmons please fill the questioners as a reference to follow and not make mistakes

[@plushistoriae]

OH MY GOODNESS! This helped me so much, thank you. Honestly, I don't know how I would write my character without this. For anyone who knows what D&D is, it really helps if you make a D&D character, and then base your character in your story around that one.

[@rachelgooden9981]

The mtbi, is so useful. It allows me to make characters hate certain things about each other. And what each person may pride themself on.

[@oliviaelderberry9423]

So I take my characters descriptions very seriously. Some of the questions on your list I hadn't thought of, so I'll add them to my probably near fifty other questions. I know that's not necessary... But I can't resist the temptation of knowing everything I can think of about my characters. Yes, that does include there favorite washing detergent.

[@the_dancerjen1773]

Haha! Characters name, "Something I can pronounce please!" YES! This is a gripe I have with MANY authors character names. lol!

[@lynaepetersen3032]

Eye colors are important if your character has a love interest though. Especially if u write from the love interests perspective from time to time

[@Hami54321]

OMG i paused your video to do the personality test for a character ive been struggling with and it was so so so so so helpful, thank you so much. Youre my new writing buddy.

[@remnants9974]

I used MBTI for my characters before, but after learning about the Enneagram I find it even more inspiring. As it deals with inner fixations and fears, as well as lines of growth (or your inner soul child) and disintegration, it almost has an inbuilt narrative within each type. And it can get pretty deep the more you study it as there's also a spiritual component, and is basically about how the types' defense mechanisms creates all these distortions you take for granted, causing you to "fall asleep" to yourself.

[@florenciasime9362]

THE BASICS: Character’s name: Role in story: Physical description: Age: MBTI/Enneagram Personality Type: INTERNAL: THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER What is his/her greatest fear? Inner motivation: Kryptonite: What is his/her misbelief about the world? Lesson he/she needs to learn: What is the best thing in his/her life? What is the worst thing in his/her life? What does he/she most often look down on people for? What makes his/her heart feel alive? What makes him/her feel loved, and who was the last person to make them feel that way? Top three things he/she values most in life? EXTERNAL: NOT NECESSARY, BUT GOOD TO KNOW AND SAYS A LOT ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER What’s his/her favorite book, movie, and band? Is there an object he/she can’t bear to part with and why? Describe a typical outfit for him/her from top to bottom. What names or nicknames has he/she been called throughout their life? What is his/her method of manipulation? Describe his/her daily routine. Their go-to cure for a bad day? CHARACTER GOALS: How is your character dissatisfied with their life? What does your character believe will bring them true happiness or contentment? What definitive step could they take to turn their dream into a reality? How has their fear kept them from taking this action already? How does your protagonist feel they can accomplish their goal while still steering clear of the thing they are afraid of? THE BACKSTORY SCENE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING THE SCENE WHERE... What does your character go into the scene believing and how are they surprised by the outcome? How does your character struggle to hold onto their old beliefs? What is their conclusion/new belief?

[@catherinec9331]

everyone's on here commenting about character traits and I'm squinting at your bookcase trying to figure out what books you have :) I get so distracted when people record their bookcases. I recognize quite a few covers, though, which is always exciting! I'm now off to trawl your channel for a video where you show us your books up close and give recommendations. If you haven't done that yet, I would love to see it! (also, the video was excellent, thank you for sharing. that probably should have come first, but - books! ooh, shiny)

[@baldwinfilms]

This was so incredibly useful. I often tick most of these boxes on the surface level but this structuring of character building seems to really make sure I keep it consistent! Really cool! Great channel

[@jessicaevans4666]

i did this as you went over the questions and now i have a two page long character profile thank you!!

[@gabrielloaiza9069]

Oh man lol early Abby is so intense 😅

[@chleag.h7185]

This is such a gem!!!! Ive been struggling with good characters for years!!!

[@dennismccoy291]

She has got me thinking critically about my character which is great bcuz character hook the readers not the plot

[@Sol-pc1jb]

I'm currently binging all of your videos and-woah-are they a treat! These are so incredibly helpful in countless ways. Thank you, thank you and thank you again for such amazing content and the top-notch advice!

[@Iwasgiventheabiltytoedit]

I’m writing a new fantasy power (Reeks) and my people in the book were BORING this lev them up so much! Thank you

[@dion789]

I'm writing a crossover fanfic and only when looking closely at all tge characters did I realise that half the Guild Hunter characters have green eyes.

[@ilyjawanni]

This helped out a lot, truly appreciate it!

[@alemonybooknook1212]

I smile the whole time I watch your videos.

[@evanqs9352]

am i the only one who makes my character exactly like me, physical, and personality wise and i just make them do what i would do- sjsjsks

[@lady_victoria2008]

You could make a character similar to you ( it might be easier to write that type of character) but not every character in the book has to be like you. Lol XD ( Also, I know what you meant but I just wanted to make this comment )

[@ayoobmohammed4906]

Yeah. When I think what other type of people would do in the same context, it just doesn't make sense. I think my worldview is biased.

[@StefanyDjuba]

yep I write just to live out my Mary Sue fantasies

[@dancersupreme3023]

I was able to fill out some questions for my main character while watching this! I’m so glad that I learned how much I never really shaped my characters so I can do that now and improve them so my story can be awesome.

[@maggiecard5732]

This template is so helpful. I was so excited when I saw the enneagram question because I have been getting so obsessed with enneagram results and if you know how it all works and what numbers and wings mean - you can add so much more depth to your characters and they way they interact with each other.

[@rianacatalina7386]

I actually like knowing the little details about my character(favourite color,food,drink,style). Even if they aren't so important,they help me get to know my character better. Obviously, the reader mustn't know all of these details,since they don't matter (at all) in the story.

[@ejwilly2309]

Every time I fill out a character bio, I re watch this video, so I have it completely memorized.

[@phmo4519]

Two things to add to this. Habits they have (like running a hand through their hair when they’re lying) and, if this applies to your story, magic. In my book there are many diferente types of magic (water, fire, light, etc.)

[@gailasprey7787]

What I like to do is make my characters have weird quirks once they have their goals set up and their story. Giving them something weird not only can tie into that but also just make people care more about your characters emotionally. Once you’ve got the basics you can start to think about these things and see how much of it you can add in small scenes. Also another thing: your character isn’t always going to follow their personality. Basically, a generous person can be selfish and an intelligent person can say something stupid, a kind person can be mean, a selfless person can be selfish and that will make your characters feel real.

[@jasondilan3082]

I teach a creative writing class at my high school and this has been very useful you have my thanks and appreciation. I also shared your channel with the other ELA teachers at my school .

[@theartofcaliforniapizzakitchen]

I love how your videos are helpful but also make me laugh. Like when you said something about making the readers cry and had that evil look on your face I was just 😂😂😂

[@jacklawrence2212]

Abbie, love your videos. So insightful and done with real approachability and humour. Rock on!

[@mariabautista3169]

Describe your character and dress your character in a way that reflects their personality. For example, I think that dressing a character that has a lot of money such as “Rose” in the movie, Titanic, is very important to understand that her fiance can give her things that she might not be able to have for herself.

[@morganflippo1109]

I am confused about something here. On one of the questions is says "What is the best thing in his/her life" Are you talking about good memories or what are their good character trades?

[@elisa4620]

I think it means from that character's perspective, what or who, in their life, brings them the most positive emotions (such as joy, confidence, hope, peace of mind, courage, trust, love, pride, etc.)? What are the things or persons most valuable/important emotionally for them? What/who keeps them going or give them back their strengh/courage in tough times? It could be memories (or a heirloom representing those memories), a story/mudic/piece of art, a hobby, a talent, a person, a dream or goal, etc.

[@morganflippo1109]

@@elisa4620 lol thanks I already got that taken care of but thanks for replying

[@mahalekshmi484]

4:48 so that's how authors feel when they kill our favorite character😂😔

[@kimberleyprince5396]

Could you do a video on the step by step process of outlining a book? I'm struggling to figure out what I need to do next.

[@oliviagiordano5987]

Aww wow girl!! This was so amazing! Thank you so much for a practical character questionnaire. Really, I was doubtful when you said it would be the perfect one, but you were SO right. It's short, yet includes the really important stuff you need. :) Thanks again!

[@AbbieEmmons]

I'm so glad you found this helpful, Liv!! It's seriously so hard to find practical questions for your characters that actually draw out the information you need to know. I'm so glad you liked this video! 💛✨ Thank you for watching!

[@lailadobb9221]

In the comments people are writing their answers, so here’s mine! Name: Nyx Moria Role in Story: Psychotic Protagonist Age: 17 - 38 Appearance: Tall, Mixed Race (White and Black), Brown eyes, Scar on her nose, back and stomach, etc. Personality Type: ENTJ (Commander) Greatest Fear: Loss of Power Misbelief: She is better than everyone else Best Thing in their Life: Her girlfriend/Wife and future daughter Worst Thing: Her Mentor The thing they dislike about people: “Weak” people Three Things she values: Herself, Power, Her wife and daughter The thing that makes her feel alive: Murder! 😄 The person that last made her feel love: Her Wife Favourite Book, etc.: N/A An object she cannot bear to let go: A book with a lot of dark secrets Clothes: FORMAL ROYAL GOWNS! Nicknames: ‘Lizzy Bathory’ (Yes, the serial killer.) The things that cure a bad day: Murder then a nice bath! 😇

[@mehwishmanha9250]

She sounds like someone I'd want to step on me-

[@meatiest1989]

I agree with the person above me

[@mehwishmanha9250]

@@meatiest1989 Are you a disaster gay too?

[@meatiest1989]

@@mehwishmanha9250 No, I'm a straight male lol

[@mehwishmanha9250]

@@meatiest1989 oh.........

[@deathbybuttons]

Regarding the question, “What is the best thing in his/her life?” Is this meant to be the thing they believe is the best thing in their life at the story’s opening, or the thing that is actually the best thing but which they haven’t identified as such yet?

[@elisa4620]

Both are interesting. Why not do both?

[@princeagrawal946]

Omg!!! I just feel like listening to u for the whole day coz I recently got interest in these topics...though I had them in mind before. Ur every sentence is so meaningful and valuable...I just love it. ❤ thanks for all this 😄😄👍🏻

[@jonathankey6444]

Knowing their attachment style is super important

[@rowan404]

I used to be obsessed with MBTI types too, but I was often shamed within the MBTI community for being an ESTJ due to that usually being a villain type, so now, I don’t really like them anymore. (And, before you ask, this wasn’t a mistype via 16 Personalities; I spent a lot of time typing myself and even studied cognitive functions.)

[@singingwithtanya]

You're amazing! Thinking of writing my first book! Ahhhhhh

[@andrewhayward9428]

Thank you. I am so happy to fine you on KZbin. Keep the output coming.

[@IDiotreaders]

the link doesn’t work 😢

[@haloum]

Your videos are honestly so helpful

[@rowan404]

2:18 You just summarized the heart of a good story, the key to effortless writing. I’ve been working on my manuscript for over 3 years now, and, at this point, writing about my characters feels like spending time with close friends. Writing about them is so easy. All I have to do is set the scene and then I just intuitively know what they would do in that situation. In fact, as you read off the questionnaire, instead of inventing answers, I thought about each character and determined the answer as one would guess answers if they were asked these things about their best friend. For example, when presented with the third question, I immediately answered, “freedom” as you emphasized, “Dig deep here.” (She spent the first 16 years of her life in captivity, so it was the obvious answer.) And, for the next question, my immediate answer was, “racism against extraterrestrial species” which, again, I already knew in my heart like I know that 2+2=4. And, for the next one, I had 2 answers in a split-second: “Bigotry and violence.” I was expecting a challenge from this video, but instead, it just feels like doing multiplication drills… Honestly, I think I already know my characters inside-out and upside-down.

[@Lea-hl8md]

Wow, I wish I was like that with my characters. I was so in love with my story and characters a year or so ago, an now I feel like I don't know them. Its like their not real anymore. Lol I don't even know the theme of the story, just the leading lady forgot who she is, and when she finds her love interest they fall in love :/

[@rowan404]

@@Lea-hl8md Well, it seems you lost your passion. I say you scrap it and pursue a new idea.

[@sable-simp6837]

It's actually super interesting to start making a profile like that for fanfiction... now, excuse me, I'm off to do that mbti questionnaire again. And not for myself. xD

[@anirex3919]

Another important thing to consider when writing protagonists is how they’re gonna reinforce your theme/message statement

[@EmilyGrenierhumbugs]

Starting to write a book, and your video has helped the most in creating my characters! Keep doing what you're doing and stay funny!

[@LeeAnneRMT]

This is much more useful than many of the character sheets out there.

[@AbbieEmmons]

Thank you, Lee-Anne! I'm so glad you found this helpful!

[@EspoirDuVide]

This was such an awesome helpful video!! I've seen the other characters question sheets but they have like 75 useless questions that I don't know the answers to! This was so much fun AND understandable, thank you so much!!

[@elite_piggyzillaxx174]

Abbie- “figure out their greatest fear”. I know mine, my character has the ability to control and create ice, and water, she also has interests considered “weird” in her school.She covers it up though, by wearing mashup and styling her hair and outfits, her biggest fear is everyone figuring out how different she really is.

[@rymaru2138]

So she would have a fear or rejection

[@jackycat5053]

Gosh, I love this channel SO MUCH!!!

[@livingcrazybrave3941]

OMG..YOU ARE FUNNY! Good to have someone to laugh with while I'm racking my brain! Thank You.

[@MrPisster]

I liked that intro coach. You're pretty intense in this video. You must have been feelin' it on this day.

[@forevercatholic243]

This is awesome, Abbie! I am trying a bit of a different approach for striking up a story idea. Before anything else, I'm designing my characters. We'll see how it works. I just couldn't think of any ideas, or I did but then I couldn't fit my character ideas into the box I had already created.

[@emmalovesadventures8911]

Thank you, this was so helpful! I have made like a hundred character profiles before, but there are a lot of things here that I never even thought of!