How to Create a Perfect Original Character Sheet with Examples
Why Should I Care About Original Character Sheets?
Why bother with an Original Character Sheet? Well, imagine trying to remember every detail about every character you’ve ever created. It’s a nightmare, right? With a character sheet, you have all your character info at your fingertips. This has waaay more benefits than we have the space to mention. Some of them are: making your story more consistent, saving you time, making your characters more relatable and human-like, etc… They become real, relatable, and memorable. Plus, it saves you from those “Wait, what color were her eyes again?” moments. Your character sheet is your secret weapon to creating engaging and real characters!
Tips For Creating an Effective Original Character Sheet
Research and Inspiration
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when faced with a blank character reference sheet but rest assured, everyone has experienced this at some point. The initial step is to conduct some research. Seek out sources of inspiration, whether it’s from beloved books, movies, or even individuals in your life. Consider what aspects of a character captivate you the most. Is it their backstory? Their distinct personality traits? Collect these sources of inspiration and allow them to influence you as you begin to outline your own characters.
Detailed Descriptions
Now, let’s get to the specifics. Creating a character description can be a challenge but there are ways to make it interesting to readers. Instead of simply noting that your character has blue eyes, tell them the exact hue or how they sparkle when they’re thrilled! Consider their tone of voice, the way they articulate their thoughts, and their body language. Some of the character profiles you can create online ofer
Consistency and Continuity
Maintaining consistency is crucial for a believable character. If your character has a fear of heights in the first chapter, they shouldn’t be scaling a mountain casually by the tenth chapter. Utilize your character sheet to monitor your OC’s growth. This practice helps keep your character’s actions and responses aligned with their established personality, enhancing the cohesiveness and appeal of your story.
Visual Elements and Illustrations
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Adding visual elements to your character sheet can be incredibly helpful. Whether you’re a skilled artist or just doodling ideas, sketches can bring your character to life in a way that words sometimes can’t. Use images to flesh out their appearance, their favorite outfits, or even key scenes from their backstory. If drawing isn’t your thing, consider using online tools or collaborating with an artist. Visuals can make your character feel real and help you connect more deeply with them.
Resources for Creating Original Character Sheets
Online Templates and Generators
Ever felt overwhelmed trying to create a character from scratch? Guess what, you’re not alone! Every character creator struggles with the starting points. Online templates and generators are lifesavers for character creators. Have you tried tools like Template.net or searching for your perfect character sheet on Etsy? They offer ready-made character profiles that can help you organize your character’s traits without breaking a sweat. It’s like having a guide holding your hand through the process. Plus, they’re perfect for when you’re feeling a bit stuck and need a creative nudge.
Reference Guides and Books
Sometimes, you just need to dive into a good book for that extra bit of inspiration. Are you a fan of classic character development guides like “The Hero with a Thousand Faces” by Joseph Campbell? Or maybe you prefer more modern takes like “Creating Characters” by Dwight V. Swain? These books are packed with insights and tips that can spark new ideas and help you deepen your understanding of character creation. Keep a few trusted guides on your bookshelf.
Websites for storing characters
CharacterHub
Looking for a platform dedicated to character creators only? CharacterHub is the perfect place for artists and writers. With a supportive community and features designed to help you bring your characters to life, this website is a goldmine of inspiration. From detailed backstories to quirky habits, CharacterHub allows you to organize every aspect of your characters.
Refshet
Refsheet could be the solution you’ve been searching for. This user-friendly website lets you create character sheets and display them in a neat, structured manner. With the ability to upload images, and write bios. If you prefer fewer features and simple pages, It’s definitely a resource worth exploring!
Toyhouse
Toyhouse is another option for artists and writers. It offers a supportive community with various features to help you out, including worlds and folders for better organization. Toyhouse is best known for its gallery-like interface where character artists can showcase their works!
Character Sheets Examples You Have to Check Out:
1. Refsheet Character Profile
2. CharcaterHub character profile
3. Toyhouse character profile
4. Etsy Character Sheets
5. Character Sheets on Pinterest
Conclusion
Creating original character sheets doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right tools and resources, you can make the process enjoyable and rewarding. What are your favorite tools for character creation? Let’s share and learn from each other!