How it works
These character prompts are 200 small tasks for one character you have or are about to make, sorted by what you are trying to do. Under each is what the answer tells you, and one way to draw it.
Read the full guide
Five groups, in the order a character is made
A list under the button holds five groups. Start a character deals a seed: one habit to build a person around. Build them out is the character building writing prompts, each one fact to decide and the moment that shows it. Get to know them sends you through their pockets, fridge and handwriting. Put them in a situation holds the character situation prompts: a choice with a cost. Show who they are names one trait to show in a single scene.
One character at a time
Every prompt is about one person. None pairs two characters, and none names a show, a game or a published character.
- Answer in a paragraph, then cut it to one sentence. The sentence is the part you will use.
- On a Show prompt, write the scene with the trait named, then delete the name.
Questions and answers
Which of these are character personality prompts?
The Show who they are group. Each prompt names one trait to show in a scene, such as Show their patience running out in a checkout line, with no raised voice. The note under each says what the scene tells you.
Are there writing prompts to get to know your characters?
Yes, the Get to know them group. Each sends you to look at something the character owns or does: Open their fridge and list the three things that are always in it.
Do these work as fiction character development prompts?
Yes. Build them out and Get to know them are for a character who already exists. Each settles one fact, a habit or a piece of history, and the moment in a story that would show it.
Where are more character development ideas for an original character?
Interview them with the OC questions, or deal them a look on the character design generator. This page gives tasks; those give questions and a drawing brief.
Can I draw a prompt instead of writing it?
Yes. Every note ends with one way to draw the answer: the pile from their pockets with one object set apart, or a map with their route bending around one street.