Sinister Characters
Characters driven by desire
Desires in horror and monster stories are often based on cultural norms & taboos
What is your character’s desire?
Desires in horror and monster stories are often based on cultural norms & taboos
What is your character’s desire?
Physical Description: This covers everything that can be seen or sensed from the outside: Height, weight, eye color, etc. But this should also include common modes of dress, the way they walk, talk, and move. The outward personality traits can also go in here. The question you are trying to answer is: how would this person be described by someone else?
History to the Present: This is a brief history that should highlight the important parts of the character’s history. This can be as specific or as general as needed or wanted. Make sure you cover anything that might be the reasons for important character traits or conflicts.
Psychological Description: Does your character have any contradictions? These include someone who is shy but rude, cruel but funny, and so on. Write about the most basic aspects of how their mind works and then dig deeper into what makes them tick. Again, be as specific or as general as needed or wanted.
Internal Conflicts: What is their driving need, desire, ambition, or goal? What is keeping them from this? Do they have any important secrets that could ultimately ruin their success?
External Conflicts: What is happening to this character that changes their perceptions or chances of success? Are they forced into solitude and become vulnerable?
The Horror Aspect: What is happening to this character that is eerie, terrifying, or transformative?
Their Ultimate Fault: What is the defining moment/action/thought that brings this character down? Do they go insane, get killed, or triumph?
Notes: This is a catch for anything that either doesn’t fit anywhere else or is specific to the story you are writing right now that you want to stick out.
History to the Present: This is a brief history that should highlight the important parts of the character’s history. This can be as specific or as general as needed or wanted. Make sure you cover anything that might be the reasons for important character traits or conflicts.
Psychological Description: Does your character have any contradictions? These include someone who is shy but rude, cruel but funny, and so on. Write about the most basic aspects of how their mind works and then dig deeper into what makes them tick. Again, be as specific or as general as needed or wanted.
Internal Conflicts: What is their driving need, desire, ambition, or goal? What is keeping them from this? Do they have any important secrets that could ultimately ruin their success?
External Conflicts: What is happening to this character that changes their perceptions or chances of success? Are they forced into solitude and become vulnerable?
The Horror Aspect: What is happening to this character that is eerie, terrifying, or transformative?
Their Ultimate Fault: What is the defining moment/action/thought that brings this character down? Do they go insane, get killed, or triumph?
Notes: This is a catch for anything that either doesn’t fit anywhere else or is specific to the story you are writing right now that you want to stick out.