A Character template is a structured framework or tool used by writers to develop well-rounded, consistent, and engaging characters for stories, novels, scripts, or games. It serves as a guide to organising details about a character’s personality, background, motivations, and other traits, making it easier to create compelling and believable characters. By filling out a character template, writers ensure consistency and depth in their storytelling.

You don't have to complete the entire template to gain a grasp of your character. But the more you complete, the more depth and clarity you'll have about who your character is and how they will behave within your story. Even filling in just a few key sections such as their motivations, weaknesses, and defining traits, can help shape their decisions, dialogue, and emotional responses in critical scenes. The deeper the understanding you develop, the easier it becomes to write authentic interactions and believable conflicts.

However, balance is important. While it's tempting to meticulously fill out every detail, sometimes discovering aspects of a character organically as the story unfolds adds a dynamic, natural progression. Some writers use templates as a starting point and refine or expand the details as they draft and revise.

Ultimately, a character template is a flexible tool, not a rigid rule. It should serve your creative process by guiding your imagination, ensuring consistency, and providing a reference point when questions about your character’s motivations or background arise. Whether you use it extensively or minimally, its purpose is to help bring your characters to life in a vivid, engaging, and memorable way.

Download a free MS Word character template and customise it to suit your needs.

• Replace the image with a photo or illustration that best represents the character you are creating.

• The cells automatically adjust as you type, giving you the flexibility to add as much detail as necessary.

• Edit the text within the cells to match your creative vision.

• Add or delete cells to further personalise the template and make it your own.

CHARACTER TEMPLATE.docx

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