Lesson 3

[Christi Falk]

Christi Profiles People

What I’ve learned that is improving my<br style=”box-sizing: border-box;”>writing is that everyone has a mix of traits. This is a really great way to make characters likeable!

Person 1-

Contemplative, Protective, trusting, aloof

Person 2-

Callous, calculating, stubborn, loyal

Person 3-

Loving, empathetic, wise, clingy

[Susan]

Susan McClary’s Profiles People

ANSWER THE QUESTION – What I’ve learned that is improving my writing is…

Looking at People’s / Character’s traits helps to understand their processes, their motivations, and their actions. I could not get it down to only four.

Select three EXTREME people in your life. At least one of them should be someone you really like. At least one of them should be someone you don’t like.

As I did above, think about the experiences you’ve had with each person and make a list of their CORE traits. You’re not looking to know every single thing about them. You want to get to the heart of who they are — and with extreme people, that is easier to do.

Name the people Person 1, Person 2, and Person 3, and list their 4 core traits.

Person 1
Generous
Thoughtful
Rescuer
Self-deprecating
Impatient
Frightened
Liar

Person 2
Psychopath/Narcissist
Gaslighter
Charming
Selfish
Ignorant
Needy
Liar

Person 3
Narcissist/Sociopath
Vicious
Hypnotic
Race-baiter
Anti-semite
Cruel
Liar
Murderer
Charming to some

Interact with them, knowing their traits, and see if they respond in a way that is consistent with those traits.

Post the results of your testing and how their traits stayed the same or changed.

Stayed the same

• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by  Susan McClaryu.
• This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by  Susan McClaryu.

[Anita Daher]

Title: Anita Daher Profiles People

“What I’ve learned that is improving my
writing is….?

I can’t quite suss out this question with clarity—I may need more coffee—but if I am to ask myself how determining a character’s core traits will improve my writing, it is that not only will the story progress truthfully, but my characters have the potential to be much more interesting in choices and dialogue.

Person 1

Comedic

Outgoing

Good natured

Controlling

Person 2

Independent

Exuberant

Compassionate

Insecure

Person 3

Giving

Loving

Loyal

Obsessive

Person 4

Hard working

Friendly

Controlling

Stubborn

Interacted with one…results EXACTLY as expected, lol!

[Michael Jones]

M. Morgan Profiles People (bit creepy sounding)

I learned that the core traits, however defined, will always be present with every interaction in some way. The negative traits might not always surface but because it consistently depicts their common behavior and tone of speaking, you can always see it linger beneath the surface. Nevertheless, if I profiled myself, I doubt I’d like the traits I display vs. the traits I wish I could.

Person 1 –

Impulsive

Attention-seeker

Deceptive

Accusatory

Fun

Person 2 –

Impulsive

Quick-tempered

Kind

Helpful

Person 3 –

Know-it-all

Judgmental

Hard-working

Arrogant

Not all these traits emerge with the same weight in every interaction but I think I picked the three that are most calculating and attempting to dominate with their thinking. Not all bad, it depends on the situation and duration of time involved with them. A bit of emendation on each person over the years as some people go through experiences that change them. After all, that’s the hope I wish to convey through the character journey; namely, that they can overcome their flaws, so we too, can overcome ours.

Characters from a TV Pilot draft:

Raegan –

Algophobic (extreme fear of pain)

Learner

Caring

Leader

Caydrin –

Arrogant

Talented

Athletic

Responsible (though he doesn’t want to be)

Kearíel –

Confidant

Brave

Kind

Protector

Keeva –

Adventurous

Daring

Preservationist

Impulsive

Kynrí –

Protective

Loyal

Friendly

Strong

Emmelynne –

Knowing

Brave

Ambitious

Helpful

[Anita Daher]

I like this, Mike: “Nevertheless, if I profiled myself, I doubt I’d like the traits I display vs. the traits I wish I could.”

[Danielle Dillard]

Danielle Dillard Profiles People

What I’ve learned is using character traits to make my characters more in depth and intriguing.

Person 1

Humorous

Charming

Flashy dresser

Cold

brash

Controlling

Person 2

Abusive

Quick tempered

Confrontational

Loyal

Committed

Helpful

Person 3

Con Artist

Lying

Manipulative

Friendly

Sensitive

Loyal