Drawing up a quick character profile helps you visualise a character and therefore describe them in situations.
Features like:
Name (More in chapter character naming)
Age
Gender
Ethnicity
Religion
Occupation
Education Level
Physical ability (disabled or athletic, strong or weak)
Financially stable or not?
Short-tempered or patient?
Attitude to authority (political standpoint, rebel)
Check out other Wattpad books listing characters characteristics like this.
Use the app Writers Lists. It includes lists of names, occupations, personality traits, behaviors, body types, facial characteristics, complexion, hairstyles and clothing styles. It could be a helpful springboard if you're stuck.
Have the name, appearance and personality of a character compliment their plot.
For example, a character traveling around the world might be assertive and independent, whereas a socially isolated character might have personality traits of being quiet or under-confident.
When describing your character/s, mention only a few specific, distinctive characteristics like 'piercing blue eyes and high-cut cheekbones', so the reader isn't daunted with full head to toe details of a character.
When you first notice a person in a real-life environment, it's only the most striking features we take note of.
Avoiding over-describing irrelevant traits in a basic 'hair colour-eye colour' format.
Check out the chapter character types: protagonist v antagonist for more.
Do you create character profiles?
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The Guide to Wattpad (& Creative Writing)
Non-FictionSince 2013, this Wattpad Guide has offered writers, just like you, helpful writing tips & techniques, across 60+ chapters, to improve your writing ability and Wattpad success.
