Challenging Characters

I have designed many stories around an idea, around a concept, an event. Then I build the characters to fit that story. This makes for a great story, but sometimes the characters suffer. The story steals some of the depth from them. This is when outlining your characters might be a good idea.

I have tried several ways to flush out specific characters. I find if I don't, they all start to sound the same. My favorite way to learn details about the life and personality of a character is to interview them. I will ask them questions about their past and how they will react to the events going on in the story. I might ask them about their feelings about other characters in the story. I always find interesting aspects to them I never knew was there.

Other ways to get to know your character is to outline the lifetime of that character. Decide what needs to be to make the story work.