by Carolyn Locke Ellis (Illustrator), A. Jacob Little (Author)

Writers, do you know your characters as well as you should?Get to know the characters you want to develop for your stories and roleplaying games in 130 pages of 100+ interview questions in the following 17 topics:

• Character Arc & Reader Relationship
• Physical Appearance & Personality
• History & Experience
• Family, Friendships & Love
• Skills & Talents
• Morality & Justice
• Culture & Religion
• Magic & Adventuring

For writers, humanizing characters (whether they're human or not) can be as daunting and cliche as show vs. tell. Bland characters and a fascinating plot can make a mediocre book, but dynamic characters relatable to readers can make "a dark and stormy night" feel new again. Supporting you on your writing journey is this journal's aim, with a focus on developing rich, nuanced characters.

• Delve into their childhood
• Mull their feelings on what's "good" versus what's "just"
• Explore their interaction with their world's culture and religion

Inside you'll also find space to write In scene. Use these pages to test your writing chops. Dramatize a scene in your book focusing on a particular trait or question. Try out different voices and styles.

Granted, you likely won't use every question you answer in your story, but hopefully, you'll discover new depths to explore that further draw in your readers.

Roleplayers, too, in the tabletop game setting can find ways to expand their character backstories, quirks, and character traits. Whether you're an experienced thespian at the gaming table (if we're using those again by the time you read this) or you're brand new to a pen-and-paper game, use the interview questions within this book to present a well-rounded individual. There's nothing wrong with the orphaned street urchin or wandering nobleman, but you can make these people dynamic and interesting with multiple roots and branching personalities. (Where my druids at?)

• Is your paladin at odds with his or her diety because of a traumatic death in the family?
• Is your tiefling rogue a swaggering bastard with a hidden soft spot for disabled children?

Add some character to your character. Your Dungeon Master and fellow players will thank you.

Thanks to artist Carolyn Locke Ellis for cover illustration Dewa