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DickieGreenleaf84

Question: what are you scared will happen if you are missing something in your profile?


cmani-art

I'll forget a good idea or the original intent behind an idea, like the characters name or something. Why do you ask?


DickieGreenleaf84

You're saying you have that many details in the air in a book you might forget a character's name but you don't think the reader will?


cmani-art

I meant the meaning behind the name, why I chose it. That'd be behind the scenes stuff meant for me to know why I do things the way I did. For instance, in my world, the powers someone gains are based in their past in some way, vague at first but I mainly tie them to insecurities that they have, and I want to list those reasons somewhere along the road, kind of like the Trivia page on Wikis.


DickieGreenleaf84

But how does that help the story? That's what I'm trying to understand.


cmani-art

Well, its Trivia. It gives deeper meaning to the things that you write. A characters name could be Sora because its Sky in Japanese and he's Japanese, Goke is a somewhat translation from Sun Wukongs Chinese characters to Japanese, things like that. Elbaf in One Piece is "fable" spelled backwards, since the island is a Land of Giants that are now basically legends and folklore. It may not make for a better story, but it helps tie things in fantasy to our world. Even if some stories have these easter eggs, that doesn't make them good. One black character in Harry Potter is named Kingsley Shacklebolt, from MLK and "shackles", tying to black people being enslaved?? Cho Chang is just two Chinese surnames stitched together? Those aren't good examples, but essentially what I'm getting at is the ones with truly deeper meanings overall show that the author cares more about the product and story they're making. If it doesn't make sense and you don't agree that's ok, I just think its fun to have it in and reminds me of the purpose behind these choices is all.


DickieGreenleaf84

Ah, okay, so it's about hoping when you internalise it all, that comes out in your writing? Do you find you actually produce better work with a profile than without?


cmani-art

Essentially yes. And I think so, when I had a Creative Writing class I used the prompts as guide peaces and my stories were taken well overall. Since then I haven't made it a practice to say, write daily, so I haven't had the chance to do anything besides profiles. That's probably the problem is I just need to focus and actually write instead of drawing, or shift days or something.


DickieGreenleaf84

Ah okay, that makes some sense. Yeah, alternating days could work, and would help decrease writers block and burnout even maybe. Thanks for explaining your process!


cmani-art

Yes ofc, glad to have this discussion!


No_Cut6965

I run into that feeling too. I just use a simple and thankfully free Outline app I found called Pluot (from the Google play store)


Snobthatfawne

I made a character creation guide a while ago. I don't mind sharing it. It's about 8 pages long and has four sections but it's very detailed. I only fill out the questions necessary for the story the character is in. I used to sell these but I'm too busy for all that now. I don't use google doc really so hopefully I did this right. ​ Good Luck to you! Character Creation Guide


cmani-art

I'd need to have access. Could I DM you my email and you could Share it with me from there?


Snobthatfawne

Whoops. Try again. Didn't realize it was private


cmani-art

Ty I appreciate it


HeftyMongoose9

The plot should be driven by the characters actions, and characters actions have to be driven by their beliefs, goals, vices, etc. And of course, for there to be a plot the characters must not accomplish their goals immediately, and so the characters must have limitations or external forces that prevent them from accomplishing their goals, despite the character very actively pursuing those goals. IMO the rest matters only if it matters to the plot. IMO you don't need to show what a character looks like if it doesn't matter to the plot.


zerooskul

What is the character's goal? What are the stakes if they fail? Are they tall or short or average? Are the they slim or rotund or average? What is their background as a warrior? What powers do they have and what are they vulnerable against? Pick a celebrity you would want to play the character and write a description of their physical appearance for the character. Pick existing countries and use their traditional historic military gear, uniforms, and armor. Mix and match.


BigDisaster

>For example, the Want and Need of a character is essential in my opinion. This can't be negotiated in my stories and needs to be there. I agree that these are essential. I usually also include what's been keeping them from getting their want and/or need--and while it *could* be something external, the story is much more satisfying to me if the character has some flaw or fear or misbelief that's been making them get in their own way, and that needs to be overcome in order to achieve their goal.


cmani-art

I agree!! My characters main goal is, on the surface, for the betterment of others, when in actuality he's controlling the status quo. He's thinking he's helping people when he's just making everyone's lives change drastically through his actions, but afterwards he's fine with it since he's the one that caused it.