Toilet thoughts: How do you "characterize"

[ConcubusBunny]

Hello my guys, gals and enby pals.
So while writing, I noticed something that I didn't really consider prior.
How do I characterize my cast?
I have some idea, but for the most part, I'm completely lost. I want to make them very distinguishable from one another, taking tropes and putting little spins on them to make them more 3d and fleshed out.
Currently, I have a chaotic goofball who means well; a petty, slutty exercise and battle junkie that won't rest until her desires are met; a snark, smug, lazy enby, a deadpan that thinks of their comrades before themself and struggles to understand them and a himbo with lots of self doubt struggling to control their power.
I want advice on how to flesh them out a bit more and clarify that this was what I am going for also there are others beside them. I want to work on, but I'm currently working on them.
Also, any advice on how to characterize properly without accidentally ret conning their personality midway through the story would appreciated.

 

[RepresentingWrath]

Don't overcomplicate things.

 

[bananapink]

Hmm, for me I make a profile of each cast, their special traits and quirkiness. Then add their negative and positive attitude.

 

[killwrites]

you can try creating character info sheets and ask yourself what will each character think and act in so and so situations, their morals, ambitions etc. A big part of characterization is also letting your characters react in a way readers will expect them to react to the plot instead of forcing them to act in certain ways just to drive the plot along.

 

[AKnightWithaKnife]

Pick one word. That word is your character. Use adjectives or similar words to add more charafter. Then add a word that the opposite of said word

 

[SpiraSpira]

I read a lot of psychology books. But that is just a personal interest of mine. Specifically I take a lot from Jungian archetypes both from the archetypical stories and as well as the archetypical figures, ie. hero, child, devil, god, wise old man/woman, great mother, father, trickster, etc.

Also, it is not wrong that a character’s personality changes in the course of a story. It is kind of odd when it does not happen considering the types of drama that is often written about. Most people’s personality is a ways away from the PERSONA they show outwardly in any case.

 

[ldoronoco]

I avoid describing the person, traits etc and focus more on their impact to help flesh all that out.

Approach

Describe their bedroom?
Describe how they make others feel?
If they died who would be at their funeral?
Why would they ask someone for money?


...

You can also take a celebrity or person you like and alter their quality's.

 

[Jemini]

2 primary methods of characterization.

1. Fluff chapters.
2. Challenging the character.

They are dynamic polar opposites in terms of mood, but they really are the 2 most effective methods.

 

[KoyukiMegumi]

A character's personality will always be shown as the story goes on. If she is a bitch, leave her as such. And if she grows out of it, show as the story progresses.

Set blocks in the character way to challenge those views or make them shine. If she is a heartless thief, have her steal from the poor and rich. Also, think of that character as the MC of the story. That is the only way to shine them out. Get into their heads and see what makes them tick.

If their views change, then make sure to show why they changed. Consistency is key to fleshing out a character.

 

[greyblob]

I'm surprised no one has said this yet, but you should have a clear view of what you want them to become. For example: A lazy procrastinating character is to become a responsible and reliable person; a hotheaded arrogant brat becomes a more levelheaded proud yet humble individual.; or maybe you want a doubtful character to develop a full blown paranoia. Together with what was said earlier, you provide appropriate challenges for them to overcome or fail.