CSUN Films and Movies Character Analysis Thomas Jimmy Character Biography

I’m working on a film writing question and need a sample draft to help me learn.

A character bio is really a stream of consciousness exercise for the writer. Think of it this way – how can you write about someone who you don’t know? You, as the writer, know as much about your main character as possible. And rest assured, no matter how much you know beforehand, your character will reveal even more about him(her)self during the writing process.

There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do this exercise. Some people like to just sit down and spew out character traits and experiences that apply. Others give it some thought and then start writing. Still others keep a running bio, adding and subtracting things as they go along.

One strategy that has proved helpful for some screenwriters is to ask questions about your character. One colleague called this “25 questions you need to know about the person you’re writing about.” FYI, here are some of those questions. Being a typical writer, I’ve enclosed more than 25. **

NOTE: These questions do NOT need to all be answered, nor do you need to fill in responses next to them. Just use this as a casual guide to what you may write!

1. Where did they grow up?
2. What was their childhood like?
3. Where did they go to college? Or did he?
4. Relationships with siblings & parents?
5. Favorite color?
6. Favorite food?
7. Biggest hurt? Ache?
8. Favorite leisure time activity?
9. A typical day.
10. Looks? Physical attributes or detractions?
11. Moment the person fell in love? Or have they?
12. Object (possession) of resonance? And why?
13. Moral code?
14. What is sacred to your character?
15. Best and worst memory?
16. Hair color?
17. Sexual proclivities?
18. Most unforgettable character they have met?
19. Proudest moment?
20. Life-changing moment?
21. Biggest vice?
22. Best body part?
23. Age and do they look it?
24. Career or profession
25. Where do they live?
26. Possessions in the apartment or house
27. Political persuasion?

If you need some help, there is a character grid located below under “Resources”

** Not everything you write down about your character(s) has to be “profound”. Include silly, yet unique things too!