Jennifer Joyce Writes: March 2026

Monday, 30 March 2026

Writing Tips: Building Characters

Before starting a new book, I need my three-act structured plot in place and I also need to know my characters. I thought I'd share how I go about getting to know my characters, using character sheets, online questionnaires and tests, and Pinterest.

Get to know your characters with the basics: Name, Age, Family, Where they live, What they do for a living, etc

What kind of personality does your character have? What are their fears?

Writing Tip: Don't know what your character does for a living? Take an online careers test and think about the answers your character would give to find their ideal career

Note down the little details on your character sheet: what are their favourite TV shows? What was their childhood dog called? Do they have phrases they like to use?

Interview your characters. Do they have tattoos or piercings? What's their clothing style? You might not use the information in your book but you'll have more of an understanding of who your character is!

Visualise your characters. Do you have an actor/actress in mind for the TV adaptation? Add them to your character sheet! Or set up a Pinterest board for your character and add pictures that show their personality. Bring them to life!

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