Character Development Template (Printable PDF)

"The reader’s attention to a story and the pleasure they derive from it are often measured by how alive the characters seem; therefore, a character must spring to life in the reader’s mind through vivid physical description (so they can be visualised) and by appearing as a realistic, three-dimensional person."

Are you trying to develop a new character for a known or unknown story? Or do you have an existing character that feels underdeveloped, flat, or…not realistic? Whatever stage you are at in the writing process, this character development template is for you.

Designed as an easy-to-download, printable PDF, this template works for any character: protagonists, antagonists, or secondary characters. Instead of filling out hundreds of character profile questionnaires, this template distils the fundamental aspects of character development into 7 key pages, divided into 4 main sections. Suitable for both discovery writers and plotters, it can be applied to long-form fiction and short stories.

This template features:

• An introductory page explaining how to use the template and the dynamics of character development

• 7 pages of over 50 questions and prompts to help you develop unforgettable, three-dimensional characters

• Includes: basic details, background information, personal traits, and internal development