How to Write a Great Character Biography
- 1). Write about your character's childhood in the beginning of the biography. Use only the facts that make the character unique. If he was raised on a houseboat or on a farm, this is an interesting fact that should be written into the biography. Talk about how his parents raised him and if they had a happy marriage. Mention any childhood events that shaped your character as a person when he got older.
- 2). Present the character's merits and flaws. While a main character needs to be likable, she also needs to be realistic. Since everyone has flaws, so should your character. Give anecdotes as examples of the character's flaw. If she fears animals, show how a dogbite when she was five years old makes her shrink away from dogs as an adult.
- 3). Avoid vague descriptions in your character's biography. Real people have unique appearances and personalities, and so should your character. Though his hair may be brown, mention its exact shade, such as chestnut brown or light brown with blond highlights. The more specific you are in your descriptions, the more human your character will seem.
- 4). Avoid stereotypical descriptions and experiences whenever possible. Instead of having your character abuse her kids after being abused in her own childhood, have her work in a childcare field instead. Instead of a soccer mom shopping during her time off, have her create oil paintings of sleeping cats. A stereotypical character biography will seem boring. Spice it up by avoiding typical conventions.
- 5). Focus the biography on the events that formed your character's personality. Explain how he became a police officer or why he hates to swim. Think of his life and how events have shaped who he is as a person. No one is charitable or a book lover for no reason. Write the biography as a way to show how they became who they are.
- 6). If you are writing the biography of a real-life person, do extensive research into his life and times. Find where his letters are archived, and read them. Read biographies of his friends and colleagues to learn how he was regarded by his peers. Refer to history books and newspapers for authentic descriptions of the places where he lived and worked.
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