Self-Help Guide To: How To Get To Know Your Own Character

[icaria]

So, I've been thinking a lot lately about how to encourage myself to write my characters when I'm low on muse, and some character study prompts that help me get a better understanding of how I want my character to think. How I want their behavior to be, their mannerisms. Now, I've heard from some folks who tell me that pre-planning your character's whole mindset beforehand is terrible, I can guarantee you- for me, it doesn't matter. But before I get active with a character, I want every post to be meaningful to me in some way. Meaningful, in a way that makes sense to me logically, where I won't get confused while writing my character. (Oh, this happens to me a lot, btw.)
Inspired by a prompt that @Wormwoodland posted in the SkyClan server that got my writing juices up and flowing faster than the speed of light. All the feels, man.

Rules:
- You can comment on this thread with answers to any of the prompts, or to donate some prompts of your own for others to ask!
- You can use any of these prompts to help yourself! No need to ask! We're all writers here, everyone should have the chance to think about these things when playing their character. It inspires creativity beyond words.
- Whether your character is dark and gloomy, shy and reserved, grumpy and loud, or stoic and cold, feel free to use these prompts! Character's of all types of mindsets would benefit from this, I think. uwu
- Just have fun, my friends. I love to see you guys enjoy yourselves when you write.​

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Here are some prompt ideas!
- How has loss impacted your character? What experience of theirs caused them to have to learn about loss?
Credit to Wormwoodland for this brilliant QOTD prompt!
- How does your character react to abandonment? How does it affect them in the short-term vs long-term?
- Is your character the youngest child, middle child, or oldest child? Are they an only child? How do they view the opposing spectrum? What do they think of siblings?
- What is 'love', to your character? How do they feel love?
- How does your character view Death? Are they afraid of it?
- How does your character view religion? Do they worship StarClan, or another deity? How do they view others who worship something different, if nothing at all?
- What is your character's earliest memory in life?
- Do you enjoy writing out a character's inner monologue?
- How does your character feel about responsibilities?
- Does your character believe in fate? Destiny? Soulmates? How do they view them?
- What is your character's biggest dreams in life?
- How does your character deal with critique?
- How does your character view their emotions? Do they regulate them well?
- Would your character try new things, such as prey that they aren't used to?
- Would your character sacrifice one life to save five? Explain.
- How does your character react to a lie (give/receive)? What would be their tells, if they have any?
- Is your character good at keeping secrets?
- What does your character subconsciously seek out in a partner? Why do you think that is?
- How does your character truly feel about children? Having their own, and other peoples children? Why do they feel this way?
- What is a coping mechanism that your character has, but they don't realize it? (Whether unhealthy or healthy).
- Does your character go out of their way to do good, or just do good when the chance arises? Why?
- What type of songs suit your character most? Do they have a theme song?
- Who's your character's voiceclaim? Does their voice match their personality or appearance, in your opinion?

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Fun little links that you can screenshot the results for after you're done, or copy and paste them!

Keirsey Temperament Sorter
Myers Briggs Personality Test
Narcissism Test
Love Languages Test
Moral Alignment Test
Dark Traits Test
Toxic Masculinity Test
Growth vs Fixed Mindset Test
Attachment Styles Test

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Well, with that done, feel free to chat below! I'm always excited to read responses. Happy writing! (:
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