Interview with the Imaginary

How to get to know your OC's.

The best thing about characters is that we make them up in our heads. The hard part is thinking about who they are and convincing the reader OC could be a real person. Many tried-and-true methods are out there, but let's procrastinate writing more and have some fun creating people like we are in Create a Sim instead of playing the game. (Actually, maybe create them in SIMs and see what happens...)

Profiles

Profiles come in many forms. Police reports, social media profiles, medical records... think about your world and what would apply to the character. Dark academia? Make a transcript or course list of what classes they would take. Wanted for multiple crimes? What does their criminal record look like? How would they have designed a blog about me page or other social media profile? Traveler? What stamps on in their passport? What apps are on their phone?

Art

Profiles can include reference pictures, but we can expand our art muscle a little more than that. Mood boards, collages, collecting vibes. What would their dorm corkboard look like? Would they decorate a journal cover? If they are artists themselves, what is their style? Then of course create it in any media you would like.

Writing

If other media isn't really your thing, you can always write poems, essays, thought-pieces, etc. from your characters point-of-view. Write their entrance/application essay. What would a love poem look like? Would they fold it into a heart to give away or would they fold and hide it because they are afraid of feelings? Would they write blog posts - about what? Pick a font in their handwriting and have at it.

Social Media

Everyone likes to write their dumb thoughts for likes, so what would OC write? What would they try to convey in 140 characters? What pictures would be on their feed? You can make this into physical media too by printing sticky-note-sized paper and making a grid. Of course, you could use a computer too. Whatever your heart desires. Story doesn't take place in modern times? Too bad, you're using your imagination, aren't you? What would ye olde book of faces contain? What poster would hang in the town square about them?

Music

If you are talented, you can write songs. I am not, so I make playlists relating to character relationships and plot. What would they listen or relate to? What lyrics speak to them? Guilty pleasure songs? Do they have a different vibe when working out then when they are driving? Are they crazy and don't like music? Find a few new bands while you are at it.

Presentations

Make your character a tour guide of Townville and make a presentation of their world. Or a presentation of them explaining the plot like that llama from that one movie. Have your record-scratch "I bet you're wondering how I got here" moment. Present it to a friend. Role play.

The thing is, you need to explore. Dig deep. Become them. I mean, research what they would do and say and how they would behave in particular scenarios. Beyond what their favorite color is and if they are broody. C'mon, we can do better than that. How can we make them more real?