Character Survey Thread

[Goldenwolfmidna]

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
Well, I guess..
2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
Female, and no real idea why I have a preference. I can write both, though.
3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
I love them all. and no.
4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
If they're likable, I do.
5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
Depends.
6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
I use real people as inspiration and then think about the character.

[ShadowOfThePhoenix]

I've posted here multiple times let's do this again woohoo

Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."Not necessarily. I think about what traits would make a character interesting, and then I just roll with that. A lot of my characters are kinda opposite of my own personality, but as I'm sure anybody does, I often unconsciously (or sometimes consciously) insert some of my traits into my characters.

Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?Male characters. I'm female, so I have no idea why this is, but I'm more comfortable writing about guys than girls. Maybe I feel like I can relate to them more somehow??

How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?I rarely ever get too attached to my own characters, so I dunno if it's a problem since it's not one I have, lol. Very occasionally I create a character that I really like, but it doesn't happen too often.

How attached do you get to other people's characters? Very. I'm a huge nerd, and the moment I get really involved or interested in a TV show or a video game or whatever, I will be a hundred times more attached to those characters than to any of my own. I've noticed a lot of people like to insert original characters into their favorite fandoms, but I've never done this (at least not that I can recall) because I care way too much about the canon characters and I don't care at all about my own.

Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story? Uh... both. Sometimes I'll build a fantasy world I think is interesting, then I'll insert some characters to fit into it - but then other times I'll daydream up a character I think could be cool, and I'll try to fit the world around them and create an interesting story from that. But even then, I don't necessarily think I'm all that good at writing my own original things. I still try though.

How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method? Often I think of their design first. There are certain physical traits I love just because I think they look interesting and they're fun to draw (like pointed ears, horns, odd eye colors, sharp teeth, claws, sometimes animal ears and a tail, basically anything really fantasy-like) and then I'll draw that character and think of their personality and history from there. I've noticed that drawing my characters makes me far more interested in them than if I don't. I feel like it's a decent method, even though I've only recently started doing this, because I've become slightly more invested in my own characters ever since. Drawing something usually gives me so many ideas. My mind will be running wild with their personality, possible powers/abilities, and history as I'm doodling. It's fun and I wanna try it more often.

[gazaereal]

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."

Weather or not I base my characters off of myself and in what capacity varies greatly on how quickly I have to think up their responses to different situations. So a character from my written story would probably not be based off of me at all, while a character from a tabletop RPG would be closely connected. X3

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?

I actually don't have a preference! Although I do sometimes choose certain story roles for certain genders, I generally don't mind writing any.

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?

Yes, very... and yes.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?

All depends on how the narrative is delivered, and how original are the characters.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?

A bit of both. I usually get basic world ideas first, and then make up some characters for it, and make the story specifics last.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?

It's... very random and spontaneous, so no. I often get inspired by ether certain personality traits, certain story ideas or certain design ideas, and work around fitting other aspects of a character based on that. Most of the time, it really takes me little to think up a character, but a lot to work out the very itty bitty specifics.

[Omira]

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?

1. I haven't written a lot but when I have...some of my characters are and some aren't. Some are based off of people I know or if I want to try out writing from the POV of a new/different perspective. But yes...my main one is based off of me but with slight additions.
2.I think I can write as both but I notice that writing as a female turns out better well....because...I am one. Its much easier. But occasionally, like on my collaborative story, I have to write from the POV of the male character. (Because my partner is sometimes lazy)
3.I get very attached. And...i suppose it is. My stories/writings get too...alike. But I have the above mentioned partner that challenges me and randomly says "create a character that is ____" and...I do. And then get attached to that one.
4.Hmm...kinda. I haven't noticed any pattern in me liking characters. I guess...If they are relatable or not. Like...if they interest me. If I connect then yes...I get attached.
5.No set answer. Sometimes I get an idea for who the character should be and then choose a story for them. But sometimes I get a great plot idea and events and then I have to choose the best type of character that will fit.
6.Making a character? Well...I sorta just get ideas for characters and then I quickly write them down so I don't forget. Then, usually at the end of the week or when I have time, I look through all my written notes and improve them. "This one has potential and will last and this one...what idea did I have for it? Nah..." This method works for me. The only downside is having a lot of started ideas and getting everything going. I can deal with specifics of a character and overall plot but...not the writing part. Not great at descriptions.

It was fun to answer these! And wow...i just had a lot of realizations. Thanks!

[darnerdemons]

Ahem.
1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
Yes, i'd say a good 30% of the characters i have played and a solid 60% of the ones i have made were at least loosely based off some of my personality traits and quirks.
2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
I prefer to write male characters when i am writing a first person narrative story, as i can more easily relate to the problems and mindset of a male, due to myself being one. However when i write in third person i like to write female characters more as they tend to be more expressive outwardly while also remaining subtle with their inward desires.
3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
I tend to get attached to my original characters during the course of their stories and character arcs, as i feel if *i* can connect with and become attached to the story i myself am writing, then it makes it even easier for others to get attached to them as well. So i feel there isn't an issue with getting too attached personally.
4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
This can vary heavily depending on how well i know the person behind the character, the character itself, my characters interactions with said character, their character arcs together, progression, and all manner of other. Generally i at least form a basic attachment that i want to see them grow as people at least.
5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
This also is a highly varied answer for me, as sometimes i write a character to fit a world i have set and fit a role for that story to continue on as a living mcguffin, and other times i write the story to fit my characters and naturally progress them along on their journey in life. A prime example of that is one of my oldest original characters, Hikaru W. Doku, who i wrote a drabble/backstory on a long time ago and posted in magistream. He was written as a character first, and story later.
6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
For me, i generally try and form a basic idea on what i want the character to be like, what sets them apart, what they like and dislike, how they talk, and other minor details. This of course makes me spend a lot more time on creating my characters in the end however, so i don't think its very effective, but it is how i like to write them.

[HobbitFeet]

To start, and to be fair, I've never posted any of my writing here. I also tend to work with fanfiction. Just to put that out there.


1. Are any of your characters based off of you? : I've had a self-character. She's evolved from my teenage years. Her name's changed, her hair color's changed, but she's always had the same essence. I've used her on various RP sites. I try not to over-power her or make her stand out too much, much like myself. I do make other, more interesting characters to flesh out my repertoire, but she's my standard.

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why? : It really depends. If it's fanfiction, I stick with male characters. When I RP, I tend to create more female characters, but I do enjoy writing both.

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem? : For the most part, I've made a cute little collection of interesting folks. There have been a couple that I wasn't married to the idea of and regretted introducing them into the world. I don't know if I consider having an attachment a problem, but if you've received a bit of light criticism and you refuse to consider it because you feel like your character is utter perfection, then THAT'S a problem.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters? : I've gotta like them. I prefer damaged characters too, that's my fault. I feel like they lend a little extra to their narration. But if they're perfection incarnate, I'm not interested.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story? : I start with an idea for a story. Back when making forums were easier and free (that's a jab at the money hungry), I've made multiple worlds that were wildly different. Then I came up with characters on the fly. And then I grew attached to them. I don't know if it's a common practice, but I learn about my characters through writing with them.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method? : LIke I mentioned, I have my base character. She's slightly altered by what sort of world she's in. Then I feel out an idea about a possible character, play around with the idea a bit, then flesh them out enough to the point where I feel comfortable writing them.

I answered these mostly as an old RPer. It's been some years since I've actively written WITH people. I'm not comfortable with my talent level, so I've slowly stopped doing it

[HailstormDeath]

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."
Kinda. For RPs or other such things (skyrim, fallout 4, etc.) I do view my character as me. They are me in that universe. Same with the magi on this site.

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
I prefer writing females as I am mostly female (genderfluid).

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
I get very attached to my characters. I don't think it's too big of a problem, unless of course you're opting for artwork of your characters over food and shelter.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
I don't TEND to, but it can happen.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
I create my characters, then make a story around them.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
I start drawing. While drawing them I end up getting a feel for who they are, what their personality is, and even what their name should be.

[LavenderInk]

1. Are any of your characters based off of you?

In the past, in my oldest stories, yes. By now, like 20 years later ... not anymore.

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?

I prefer writing males by far - either that or females which act rather "tomboyish"/gender non-conforming. I can't write feminine females and try to keep them out of my stories. Think of that what you want.

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?

I see all my characters as individual beings which are not part of me, and I'm attached to some to various degrees. There is no problem with it in my opinion. People should just not act about characters - which are people - like they actually own them.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?

More than to my own in many cases, but I'm not elaborating that.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?

Neither. I write stories the way it comes. And often I get the story for a character automatically when the character shows more of themselves. I don't like artifically constructing things too much.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?

Characters show up when they feel like it, although looking at specific areas and situations in my fantasy world makes new ones show up more frequently and reliably. It's more like taking a look at a place describing the people living there, and not like "making up" people who COULD MAYBE live there.
I have no way to judge how "effective" it is.

[Silvereye]

1. Are any of your characters based off of you?
I think this is hard to answer...none of my characters have been based off myself, no, but they've often been outgrowths of certain aspects of myself. One notable character I had, for instance, was founded primarily off my rage and helplessness when my mother was going through breast cancer. This character had no similarities to me at all - she was a serial killer, insane, confident in her element, a predator through and through - but she was grounded in my anger and helplessness. Through writing her, I vented the worst of my emotions, analyzed my feelings and learned to control them, and grew as a person.
So...no, they aren't based on me. Just grounded in parts of me that are used as a focus to create them.

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?
I generally prefer writing males or gender-neutral creatures (especially regarding aliens/fantasy creatures). I'm not really sure why, but I've always gotten on better with guys than gals, and never really understood a lot of conversations other women had around me. That said though, some of my best characters were females, so maybe there's something to be said there...
Though medium also matters: writing males is easier, but when I play D&D and other tabletop rpgs, I definitely lean a little more feminine, partly because I can't give a male a voice in quite the same way.

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?
I definitely get attached, though I don't think I go too far. I have no hesitation about running my main characters through a gauntlet...but I think if they die, it has to be good, and worth it. Death for shock value is worthless, it has to mean something for me to kill off a main character.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?
Depending on their complexity, cohesiveness, and personality...quite a bit. Again, I don't think I go too far, but I definitely get emotionally invested. I've cried over character deaths before. But those tears are grief for a good character, not a desire to reverse the decision.
Unless the death was bad writing, then they might be angry "Why???" tears.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?
Six of one, half dozen of the other, I think. I generally create a setting, and at least one main character to help drive the story, before really sitting down to make a plot or more characters. If my main protagonist/antagonist is bad, no one's getting through my plot, so I'd better have a good villain and good hero.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?
Generally, I take an aspect of myself - an emotion, opinion, view, a fact of my history, etc - and make that the core of their being. And from there I build them, piece by piece. Not their entire lifestory usually - unless they're a beloved OC I plan to keep for a long time, or the main protagonist/antagonist - but I build who they are, what their entire core is made of besides the starting piece, and I build until they feel like a real person, someone whose voice I can hear in my mind as I write, identify when I've written their speech pattern wrong, etc.
It's sometimes very fast, and sometimes rather slow, but I think it's effective. I've never been told my characters come off as flat, certainly, and I've run RP blogs on Tumblr featuring multiple characters, and been told they're each unique, so. I think it works, at least, for me.

[Doglover2509840935]

1. Are any of your characters based off of you? I notice this a lot with the so called "Keep Stories" where people call their character "my magi."

- yes some of characters are based off me though more indirectly as in based off experiences and bits of personality then a direct copy. At least in my original work.

2. Do you prefer writing male or female characters? Why?

I write male, probably because it makes it a bit easier to distance the character from a copy of me.

3. How attached do you get to your own characters? Do you think getting too attached is a problem?

I get somewhat attached, but I only think it's a problem when you can't let the character face hardships or get defensive when said character is criticized.

4. How attached do you get to other people's characters?

I get a lot more attached to other people's characters as there is not the fear of being too biased to one and ruining the story for one character.

5. Do you formulate a story to fit your characters, or do you write characters to fit a story?

Generally both, it depends on the character and which I come up with first, sometimes I think of a story then make a character, other times it's a design that I then make up a story for.

6. How do you go about making a character? Do you think it's an effective method?

Similar to the second it depends, likely though the better characters come from the story before the appearance.