Character Backstory Worksheet

If you have a name for your character already, enter it here.

Enter the role that your character plays within your story. For example, they might be the protagonist or antagonist.

This doesn't have to be exact. For example, they could be described as being 18 years old, in their 20's or even 'retired'.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind.

This is only important if it's relevant to your story but it helps to envision your character and have an image of them in your mind. For example, a neck or face tattoo can say an incredible amount about someone.

Although it is not necessary to assign a race to your character, if it is an integral part of your story, enter it here.

You are not limited to male or female characters, but whichever you choose, it should be relevant to your story (you're going to hear this a lot!).

First impressions are important. What do people think of this character's physical appearance when they first meet them?

The difference between what people think of your character and what your character believes people think can give you a treasure trove of natural conflict for your story.

Is your character intelligent? Are they 'book smart', or 'street smart'? Do they have a learning disability or are they a genius?

If your character thinks they are not 'smart' but in reality they are super intelligent, it gives you many pathways to conflict and story material.

Is your character meek or arrogant? Do they believe in themselves?

Is your character easy to get along with? Are they abrasive? Do they try to start arguments or are they a peacemaker?

Does your character think they are better than others? Is it the opposite, where they think they must impress those around them? The way they see themselves will dictate much of how they behave.

Do people like your character when they first meet them? Do they get false impressions because of the way your character behaves?

Does your character always see the good, or the bad in others? Do they trust people too easily? Are they suspicious of others?

First impressions are important. What do people think of this character's physical appearance when they first meet them?

The difference between what people think of your character and what your character believes people think can give you a treasure trove of natural conflict for your story.

In many cases, the place where your character lives will reflect on them and your story.

In many cases, the place where your character lives will reflect on them and your story.

In many cases, the place where your character lives will reflect on them and your story.

This is usually more significant than the country or city. Your characters immediate surroundings will not only paint a picture of how they live, but will also speak volumes about who they are.

Do they live in our world or is it a fantasy world? Are there different rules for this world? Are the physics different than our world?

Although not required, a description of your character's educational background will remind you that not everyone thinks, speaks or acts the same way, especially when they have varying degrees of education.

It is very difficult to create a story without revealing what a character does for a living. Even if it's as simple as them being "on welfare" or being a drug dealer.

A person's financial status will determine many factors in their day to day lives. A single mother who works 3 jobs will have very different day to day activities than a retired stockbroker.

Does your character have liberal or conservative views? Are they a political extremist? Do they just not care?

First impressions are important. What do people think of this character's environment when they first meet them?

The difference between what people think of your character and what your character believes people think can give you a treasure trove of natural conflict for your story.

Are they married? Single? Divorced? People's marital status is very often reflected in their day to day behavior.

Is their husband abusive? Or absent? Are they in love with their partner or regretful? Does he have a 'trophy wife', or is he married to someone 'out of his class'?One's partner is often the person we spend the most time with and this relationship often reflects on all aspects of our lives.

As Dr. Freud has written, our personalities are greatly influenced by the relationship we had or have with our mother. This can be a great source of conflict for your story.

Is/was your character's father present? Did they teach them things? Did they abuse them? Another great source of conflict.

Siblings, or lack thereof, can play a large part in how someone behaves. Volumes have been written about "first", "middle", and "youngest" child syndromes. Siblings also make great supporting characters.

Any parent will tell you that children change your life. People will also do much more for their children than they may have originally believed possible. Children are a great motivator for your character and your story.

Pets can be an easy way to show someone's personality without too much obvious exposition.

First impressions are important. What do people think of this character's family life when they first meet them?

The difference between what people think of your character and what your character believes people think can give you a treasure trove of natural conflict for your story.

People are often defined by the company they keep. This could be a best friend or confidant or even a pet. These supporting characters go a long way towards helping with exposition.

How your character chooses to spend their free time can say a great deal about them.

In this day and age, social media is a huge part of most people's lives. Often, the social media persona is much different than the actual persona of a person. How does this apply to your character?

First impressions are important. What do people think of this character's social life when they first meet them?

The difference between what people think of your character and what your character believes people think can give you a treasure trove of natural conflict for your story.

Our choice of vehicle can say a lot about the type of personality we have.

Do they live in an apartment, a mansion or are they homeless? Do they have privacy where they live? It would be tough for a serial killer to live in a rooming house where they would be under constant scrutiny.

Do they own a yacht? Do they spend their money on stuffed animals? What do they consider valuable?

Will they only wear designer clothes? Do they spend all of their money on shoes, or jewelry? These things can tell us a great deal about someone.

First impressions are important. Is your character materialistic and shallow? Do they like to show off? Their behavior will vary depending on how they see material things.

Does your character want people to think they have more money than they actually do? Or less? Do they try to impress people with their belongings? Why do they do this?

Being concise is very important when writing a screenplay. What is the one word that best describes your character?

Good characters, like real people, have depth and variety. Choose a secondary word or phrase that also describes your character.

What is missing in their life that makes them dream, or stew or act certain ways? They might be a student athlete who wants to get onto the football team or a waitress who dreams of being an actress or even a drug dealer who wants to rule the world. Whatever it is, it will reflect on their personality and behavior.