Get to Know your Protagonist Inside and Out: A Comprehensive Questionnaire

In Step #2 we talked about choosing a name for your protagonist. If you’ve chosen one, great. If you haven’t, no worries, it’ll come to you. In order to fill out the questionnaire though, you’ll need at least know the sex, age, and personality of your main character, so we can build upon that.

HELPFUL HINT: Maybe go with what you know. In choosing a name, what I did for one of my main characters was to name him after my brother, Anthony. For a last name, I chose my best friend, Adam’s daughter’s name, Arya. Boom! Protagonist- Anthony Arya.

If you’re ready, let’s get to the questionnaire. The more you know your protagonist, the more you bring them to life, and the more dynamic your novel will be.

Take your time and enjoy this questionnaire. I love this part. Let’s do it!

Character Questionnaire:

What is your main character’s: (physical appearance)

• Height?
• Build?
• Hair color/style?
• Eye color?
• Do they wear glasses?
• Distinguishing facial features?
• Skin tone?
• Scars/birthmarks/tattoos?
• Mannerisms?
• Are they healthy?

Family:

• Is their family large or small?
• Are they close?
• Siblings? Older or younger?
• Did they grow up rich or poor?
• Did they have a happy childhood?
• Were they a good child?

Conflict:

• Are they most likely to fight with their words or fists?
• What do they love to hate?
• Have they ever been bullied or teased?
• Who are their enemies and why?

Work & Hobbies:

• What is their job? Have they always done that work?
• Do they have any hobbies?
• Do they have or want power?

General questions:

• Do they have any quirks and flaws? (they should)
• What is their favorite food?
• Do they have any bad habits?
• Do they like pets?
• Are they close to people or more of a loner?
• Are they a jealous person?

Please don’t feel limited to these questions.

The most important things to consider when creating your protagonist is:

• Make them stand out
• Give them a unique personality
• Understand what makes them tick and what they desire
• Understand their strengths and weaknesses
• Know their goals. Who are they at the beginning and who are they going to be at the end?

Enjoy the process. Happy Writing! If you need additional help, reach out to me.

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