We’ve made it to week three of Preptober. So far, we’ve made a writing plan and done some world-building.
Now, it’s time to start casting characters. For me, characters are always the most interesting part of any story. I want to know about the people.
I have for you two lists of questions. The first is for your main character or characters. I almost always have two main characters, but you can have just one or a full ensemble cast.
Main character questions
What is their full name and nickname?
What do they look like?
Why is this their story to tell?
What do they want at the start of the story?
What are they afraid of?
What don’t they like about themselves?
How are they going to change?
Do they fit into their world as it is?
How is the world going to change because of them?
Next, we’re going to consider our secondary characters and villains. A story’s main character shouldn’t be the only interesting person in the cast.
Your main character also shouldn’t have main character syndrome. Which is to say, they should be aware that the world doesn’t revolve around them. The rest of the cast should also be aware of this.
And don’t skip planning your villain. In fact, this might be the most important character. A good villain makes a story. Consider the Borg, Magnito, Ursula, Voldemort, The Other Mother, and Beetlejuice. These characters were way more interesting than their heroes.
Secondary characters and villains
What is their full name and nickname?
What do they look like?
Why are they the main characters in their own story?
What do they contribute to this story?
What do they want at the start of the story?
What are they afraid of?
What don’t they like about themselves?
How are they going to change?
Do they fit into their world as it is?
How is the world going to change because of them?
Join us again next week for week four of Preptober. And don’t forget, you can download the Preptober Planner now on my Ko-fi shop.
Paper Beats World 
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