The Ultimate CHARACTER PROFILE for NaNoWriMo (new and improved!)

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  • Опубліковано 7 чер 2024
  • GRAB THE CHARACTER PROFILE → abbieemmonsauthor.com/store/n...
    It’s Preptober, and that means all month on my channel I am sharing my best methods for preparing to write a novel for NaNoWriMo! In this video, we’re exploring the basics of character creation, using my favorite character profile-which includes some new questions that will unearth even MORE conflict and make your characters come to life on the page. Ready to craft some lovable characters? Grab a notebook and let's dive in.
    Want to dive deeper into my character creation process? Check out my live training on this topic: www.crowdcast.io/e/live-train...
    ________________________________
    ✨T I M E S T A M P S ✨
    00:00 Introduction
    01:11 The key ingredients to lovable characters
    03:18 Active characters vs passive characters
    05:35 Character Profile: The Basics
    09:26 Character Goals
    10:17 Relationships and Conflicts
    12:08 Grab the character profile!
    13:21 Subscribe for more writing videos :)
    ________________________________
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    ✨ A B O U T ✨
    My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
    Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 315

  • @lucylunser2023
    @lucylunser2023 Рік тому +527

    HER ADVICE WORKS!!!! I followed her steps and wrote a story I didn't even know I was capable of writing. Take time to explore your characters and their internal conflict. It changes literally everything.

    • @AbbieEmmons
      @AbbieEmmons  Рік тому +93

      Thank you so much!! This comment brightened my day 💛😁 I'm so happy my videos have been inspiring and helpful to you! **hugs**

    • @tokkigifs
      @tokkigifs 11 місяців тому +3

      @@minecat3707she did mention you can use for side characters if not there should be one on her channel 😭 she has everything there haha

    • @georginakosi5411
      @georginakosi5411 10 місяців тому

      @@minecat3707 There is a different profile for side characters in her Subplots live training :)

    • @darlinqt
      @darlinqt 9 місяців тому +2

      @@minecat3707 you could use less description for side characters and use basic info

  • @shmeebs387
    @shmeebs387 Рік тому +441

    To be fair, many great stories feature protagonists that have static arcs. They don't change. Instead, the story tests their convictions and tempts them to change. They win by staying true to the true beliefs (not misbeliefs) that they come into the story with.

    • @p0cketplut0
      @p0cketplut0 Рік тому +62

      Well said! I think it takes a lot of skill to write that kind of character well, but it definitely can be done.

    • @majidoujaa5592
      @majidoujaa5592 Рік тому +38

      Tteir idiology stays the same but when they overcome the fact that it gets tested they get stronger (not physically) and that's change

    • @m.j.carlson8246
      @m.j.carlson8246 Рік тому +12

      @@p0cketplut0 Not really difficult to write at all. Think Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Captain Kirk. These are all examples of characters whose approach to the problem of the inciting incident is steadfast. Instead, the influence character who brought another way of approaching the problem changes.

    • @m.j.carlson8246
      @m.j.carlson8246 Рік тому +15

      @@majidoujaa5592 I disagree. A character who doesn't learn a new way to approach the problem of the inciting incident is called a steadfast character. While they remain constant, the influence character who brought them another way to solve the problem changes to support the protagonist (i.e. Watson to Holmes), or changes because of his steadfastness (i.e. the antagonist's girlfriend in the James Bond films) - think of Goldfinger - Bond remains steadfast while Pussy Galore, who he has the most rapport with and the most interaction with is forced to change. Another example is Richard Kimble from the movie The Fugitive. Dr. Kimble remains steadfast and it's Gerard who has the most rapport with him, presents and alternative solution ("just give up and go to jail") and must change by the end of the movie.

    • @majidoujaa5592
      @majidoujaa5592 Рік тому +10

      @@m.j.carlson8246 i completely agree, learned a lot in the last three months so it's nice to come back to this comment. Thanks for the reply

  • @nobody-mb2mu
    @nobody-mb2mu Рік тому +636

    imma sacrifice my final exam for sake of creating my characters after this VERY inspirational video 🤜🤛.

    • @lyzellairoseanne5488
      @lyzellairoseanne5488 Рік тому +26

      Amen

    • @mehedihasanmasud5442
      @mehedihasanmasud5442 Рік тому +26

      OMG please dont spoil the precious time. Hope you will make it without....

    • @mello.1483
      @mello.1483 Рік тому +11

      Smh I had to skip my major test too (thankfully it was a practice)

    • @tomatoorphan6166
      @tomatoorphan6166 Рік тому +21

      Doing that is more worthwhile than tolerating school

    • @jarmoliebrand2005
      @jarmoliebrand2005 Рік тому +15

      Just need to take school seriously for one more year and then I’m out of there!

  • @TheChristianFangirl
    @TheChristianFangirl Рік тому +309

    Now I know what I'm doing the rest of the day. Muahahahaha! _Lightning flashes as I laugh maniacally. The scene pans to show my characters shivering in the corner._
    In all seriousness, this is great! I can't wait to see how my characters take shape/get deeper as I fill out the doc. Thanks Abbie!

  • @Leitis_Fella
    @Leitis_Fella Рік тому +103

    I've been having difficulties choosing between which of two stories I wanted to write. This video made me realize I was leaning more towards story idea #2 I had in my head rather than story idea #1 because the characters were just more compelling. However, the scale of story #2 is much grander and I don't want my hubris to get ahead of me, so I'm opting for the more grounded approach. Wish me luck!

    • @_SpreadingLove_
      @_SpreadingLove_ Рік тому +2

      Good luck with both stories!

    • @Mikaelamofu
      @Mikaelamofu Рік тому +1

      Good luck! I’m in the same boat with one story being more grander but it’ll be a pain to attempt on my first go

    • @Mikaelamofu
      @Mikaelamofu Рік тому +1

      Good luck! I’m in the same boat with one story being more grander but it’ll be a pain to attempt on my first go

    • @oddeyes9413
      @oddeyes9413 Рік тому +1

      Best of luck. You've got this! Beta workshop your manuscript too! Feedback is your friend.

  • @h.k.3704
    @h.k.3704 Рік тому +84

    Even before watching Abbie I loved creating characters. After watching Abbie I perfected it. Now I have no idea how to "external conflict" my story.

    • @unicorntomboy9736
      @unicorntomboy9736 Рік тому +8

      I would have thought that external conflict was easier compared to internal conflict. Just add an evil villain or global threat and you're done

    • @h.k.3704
      @h.k.3704 Рік тому +11

      @@unicorntomboy9736 Surely from a "bigger picture" standpoint, its doable. But... there is this thing called "originality". We learned how to make internal conflict original but external conflict always remains the same. This is why I dont always like movies with conflicted characters because the plot their following is as boring as watching paint dry. This is sort of a syndrome with movies and books nowadays. The more you know character theory the more boring the plot becomes. Predictable.

    • @h.k.3704
      @h.k.3704 Рік тому +2

      @@ellie7252 Original plot Ellie. We need originality. More than internal conflict I value authenticity and originality. Or if not possible, rarity.

    • @h.k.3704
      @h.k.3704 Рік тому +1

      @@ellie7252 You might change the details but the concept remains. I kinda think we should try to break some rules BUT NOT ALL.

    • @VioletEmerald
      @VioletEmerald Рік тому +3

      @@h.k.3704 Yeah I mean explore a thing that happens in real life that you haven't seen explored much if at all in the fiction you consume, at least not THAT WAY. There's a lot of stuff that's not cliché or repetitive of other arcs that can be done. or not THAT similar, enough key differences that even if some ingredients are the same the recipe becomes totally different, a different end result because of what you're combining this time. Think about crazy things that happen in real life that you've never seen explored in fiction. Or simple things in real life even.

  • @indorianshell
    @indorianshell Рік тому +72

    Hey ! I'm just writing these down so I can complete it later!
    BASIC INFO
    1) Name
    2) Role in the story
    3) Physical description, how they dress ? What does it tell about them ?
    4) Age
    5) MBTI
    6) Distinctive Skills/Abilities
    CHARACTER
    7) Greatest fear
    8) Misbelief (delusion about the world)
    9) Backstory to make them believe the lie ?
    10) What do they criticize others for
    11) Love language (family, friends, partener)
    12) How do they respond to emotional pain
    13) What do they value in life
    14) Emotional attachment to an object that they find important
    15) Method of manipulation
    GOALS
    16) How are they unhappy about their life
    17) What could bring them happiness (a world they're dreaming about)
    18) What definitive step could they take to turn their dream into a reality?
    RELATIONSHIPS AND CONFLICT
    19) Relationship in general with other characters
    20) Points of conflict in their relationship
    21) What do they agree and disagree on
    22) What are their secrets
    23) When did they meet and how
    24) How will their relationship could change

    • @mr.cheese6627
      @mr.cheese6627 9 місяців тому +1

      Nice list

    • @user-xl3ip1kh8o
      @user-xl3ip1kh8o 8 місяців тому +2

      OMG thank you !!

    • @etin97
      @etin97 6 місяців тому

      missed a couple, thanks for the start tho!

    • @indorianshell
      @indorianshell 5 місяців тому

      ​@@etin97Sure I've skipped some parts, it's because these are actually for characters I draw, not a book I'm writing, it's just for fun ;)

    • @moomomomom2435
      @moomomomom2435 3 місяці тому

      @@indorianshell she charges 5 buskc for this(descriptions of the vid)

  • @worthfightingfor2299
    @worthfightingfor2299 Рік тому +76

    Ohhh, I LOVE that new Relationships and Conflicts section you added to the template!!! It'll make my characters even more complex and I can't wait to put it to use. :D

  • @daveydaveguy
    @daveydaveguy Рік тому +16

    My misbelief was that I could never write a good story. Your videos (and more so your passion for helping other to write well) are changing my belief and transforming my relationship with story writing. This came at the perfect time in my life journey. Thanks so much Abbie !!!!

  • @calistaj2284
    @calistaj2284 Рік тому +25

    Thank you for making this video Abbie! This was literally the perfect timing as I'm just getting started on a new book idea.

  • @chleag.h7185
    @chleag.h7185 Рік тому +11

    Hi Abbie. This was really helpful. Ive watched your other videos and its amazing how you can cover the same topic time and time again with improvements. I have the old character sheet but this version is even more helpful than the last. I wish I could join your patreon but as a jobless young woman I simply cant and Im glad I could find all these amazing pointers for free. Since watching your videos when I was 18, the way I see movies and read books has changed so much. I always search for internal conflict on everything even people in real life. Ive always wanted to write but everything always fell flat and I was desperately searching for advice on the internet but nothing made any sense until I stumbled on your youtube page. My book planning has gone on a whole other level so thank you.

  • @WildPatriot
    @WildPatriot Рік тому +12

    Great video! Im learning so much from you ahead of nanowrimo! Thank you so much for what you do! ☺☺

  • @forthouart2665
    @forthouart2665 Рік тому +7

    I've got to say, I just finished reading 100 Days of Sunlight. It was excellent!! I decided to write my first novel this year and I found you and your wonderful advice here on UA-cam. I wanted to read your book and I'm SO GLAD that I did!
    Thank you for sharing your mind with the world, the world is better because of it 😊

  • @jennywilson2151
    @jennywilson2151 Рік тому +8

    Finally! I kid you not, I've been waiting for this video all week. Thanks ❤

  • @JCBurdenLifter
    @JCBurdenLifter 2 місяці тому

    I really like that you use a mix of you talking to the camera and putting up those beautiful slides that have all your points on them. It makes the video very engaging and makes note taking much easier. Thank you!

  • @marcelineee86
    @marcelineee86 Рік тому +1

    Hi Abbie, thanks so much for sharing your videos - I’ve probably learnt more about writing from your channel than anywhere else!

  • @TheDarkknightrules92
    @TheDarkknightrules92 Рік тому +1

    Great video as always Abbie. I'm nearly finished with my Manuscript and about to release my debut Novel. It helps to remember character profiles going forward.

  • @ulyx9804
    @ulyx9804 Рік тому +11

    I have written my first ever chapter and storyboarded my first ever issue for a comic thanks to you.

  • @andrewweaver4122
    @andrewweaver4122 Рік тому

    Your videos have been helping me. I've watched all kinds of writing videos for forever; yeah I'm one of those. Well aside from some prompts to work on some outining and prose I'm finally writing something. It's been fun finding out where I am on the discovery vs outliner spectrum. These templates are helping me iron out the stuff my characters are missing. Thanks for all the info :)

  • @cinthiagoch
    @cinthiagoch Рік тому +10

    This is the BEST character profile I've seen in a long time!
    These are all the things I think about when creating my characters, although in a more convoluted and non-linear sort of way.
    All other character profiles I've seen are either too superficial to actually help keep track of things that matter to my stories, or seem to have too many unnecessary items that are badly codified or badly explained. Your character profile is neat, objective, and self-explanatory! There's just enough to give important characters the depth they need without being overwhelming.
    Thank you so much for structuring my gnarly thought process!
    Feel free to organize anything else in my mind at any time. xD

  • @kylahope1840
    @kylahope1840 Рік тому

    This video was so, so helpful. Thank you Abbie for all that you do on this channel!

  • @biancaluksova195
    @biancaluksova195 Рік тому

    Hey Abbie! I just wanted to say that I´ve been following you for 4 years and your videos totally changed the way I write and view stories. I also loved your debut novel. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ Rock on!

  • @annamatthews1
    @annamatthews1 Рік тому +2

    Love these adjustments to your existing template! The question about what caused/contributed to their misbelief is great because I have always struggled with how to incorporate their backstory into the actual story. This will help so much! Thanks Abbie :) xx

  • @emmythorn
    @emmythorn Рік тому +28

    I love your videos! They're so helpful and you're so cheerful and sweet

  • @Xandycane
    @Xandycane Рік тому +14

    I watched your other character development and the clothing thing was fun. It made me realize how girly my MC is and thar her sister loved edgy stuff (both totally fit their personality)
    Editing to say, I didn't know what enneagram fit my MC best, so I took the test as her. OMG taking the test alone as your character is awesome! It gives so much clarity! Thank you. I now have a troubleshooter for characters who refuse to flesh themselves out in my head! Oh, and she's an 8w7. 😃

  • @brandic89
    @brandic89 4 місяці тому +1

    Thank you for reminding me to work on not only the main character's arc, but the arcs between each of the side characters with the main character!

  • @GirlWithSquareEyes
    @GirlWithSquareEyes Рік тому +1

    I was struggling with prepping, wasn't sure what I was doing and was about to give up for the night; then this video popped up. Okay Abbie/Universe! Message recieved!

  • @erica1400
    @erica1400 Рік тому +2

    Thank you, started working on my villain and this came just in time.

  • @SpencerRussellSmithAuthor
    @SpencerRussellSmithAuthor 8 місяців тому

    This was really great, Abbie! I've been refining my process after my last few books and you definitely hit on a few things I usually insert by the end, but don't always remember to start working on at the very beginning.

  • @LV-bk4it
    @LV-bk4it Рік тому +17

    Nice additions! Love language, criticizing others, responding to emotional pain, method of manipulation, etc. All of these should be considered for oneself, too! Enjoyed!

  • @suitandtiemagic
    @suitandtiemagic 10 місяців тому

    I just came across this video. You are very easy and fun to watch. You also have really great tips and advice. I can't wait to dive into your other videos! Thanks for existing! And for making these videos and for sharing these gems with us! Already a huge fan after just one video!

  • @TurdFergurson
    @TurdFergurson 3 місяці тому +1

    Thank you. I was on a roll for about a week and then got stuck. I realized that I had a halfass plot because I didn't take the time to truly develop my own characters. This process of creating these character profiles was like sitting my characters down in front of me and interviewing them. I'm glad I took the time to get to know my characters and now I have a better direction on where to take my plot. I still kinda don't know what I'm doing but now I have a flashlight in the dark.

  • @Al-rn5qy
    @Al-rn5qy Рік тому

    Love your videos Abbie! You're such an inspiration for us aspiring writers. Please keep up the great work 👍

  • @laurenupchurch2125
    @laurenupchurch2125 Рік тому +1

    Hi Abbie, I've been following your UA-cam channel for a while. You have really inspired me to continue pursuing my writing goals, and this year will be my very first NaNoWrimo! Thanks for this video- it will definitely help me get to know my characters better.
    Take care,
    Lauren Upchurch

  • @laylaserizawa4538
    @laylaserizawa4538 Рік тому

    Supers useful video! I watched it twice and took many notes. Thank you for the great content, Abby ❤

  • @Sidewalkman1
    @Sidewalkman1 Рік тому

    I am so glad i saw your channel. This information is helpful, insightful, and amazing. I can't wait to get to add fresh life to my characters and stories.

  • @vanessacollins3997
    @vanessacollins3997 Рік тому +3

    Thanks Abbie this video was so informative and in depth. Thanks

  • @milomazli
    @milomazli Рік тому

    This is genious, Abbie!! Thank you so much!!

  • @forevercatholic243
    @forevercatholic243 Рік тому

    This is AMAZING! I just crafted an awesome character. He's addictive to write for! I love his conflicts! Thanks!!!!

  • @MsMonet-wt5hr
    @MsMonet-wt5hr 11 місяців тому

    This is going to help me so much. I had characters who’s personalities and style I already have set but I felt that wasn’t enough in terms of how they would respond and react to things. These questions can definitely help me understand my characters better and not make their responses seem bland or forced. Thank you!!

  • @Jollygreen2854
    @Jollygreen2854 Рік тому

    I added 17 of your videos to my playlist. Stop being so good!!! 😊

  • @franklinsmith8857
    @franklinsmith8857 11 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for your insight On character building and asking questions for conflict It has been and I opener to the things that my stories are lacking

  • @ryotv1747
    @ryotv1747 Рік тому +2

    Abbie you are just incredibly beautiful smart hard working and talented. An absolute gem in this world. I thank you for the amazing advice and hope you get really famous you deserve it!

  • @bopeng8869
    @bopeng8869 Рік тому

    Thank you so mush for this video! My former writing was completely terrible, and I almost gave up but this helped me a lot!❤

  • @user-hl5kq1iq4k
    @user-hl5kq1iq4k 6 місяців тому

    Thank you for existing

  • @yellowjacket1714
    @yellowjacket1714 Рік тому +1

    Thank you so much for this!! This really helps me give my characters more depth :)

  • @daisy4075
    @daisy4075 Рік тому +5

    This came out just in time. I hope it will help me develop my character's love interest, I totally flaked on developing him. Other than thinking up scenes to fit him in. That's all he has right now. Wish me luck!

  • @thesandguardianofthesand
    @thesandguardianofthesand Рік тому

    I've been listening to this while making a character info sheet for my fire person oc and it just helped it be less clunky and more useful.

  • @KGBeast.
    @KGBeast. Рік тому

    Yo thank you so much for this, It's been very helpful already!

  • @CanadianRoastCrunch
    @CanadianRoastCrunch Рік тому +3

    I so needed this! ❤

  • @kittenlou3742
    @kittenlou3742 Рік тому

    Thank you for you helpful advice :) just brought the template :) xx

  • @williamperryjr1324
    @williamperryjr1324 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for this video Abbie! 💙💙💙

  • @douglasphillips5870
    @douglasphillips5870 3 місяці тому

    Thanks! This is great for getting the character out of my head, and on paper

  • @stevencolatrella3257
    @stevencolatrella3257 Рік тому +1

    Very helpful and insightful, thank you!

  • @H.L._DyerisWriting
    @H.L._DyerisWriting Рік тому

    So much sass in this video, I love it!
    Also, of course you would update the character sheet after I printed out your previous version! :^)
    (I kid).
    In all seriousness, this new and improved character profile will help signifigantly as I'm writing a contemporary romance for NaNoWriMo, but am having trouble coming up with a conflict other than helping the love interest grow by learning to be himself.

  • @Usermeee691
    @Usermeee691 Рік тому

    Okay but the questions are just spot on!!!

  • @saracoutinho3139
    @saracoutinho3139 Рік тому

    Great video!!!! Thanks, Abbie!

  • @ralphserr6341
    @ralphserr6341 3 місяці тому +1

    I'm so happy with my MC. I've been crafting her trilogy for over ten years now, that I instantly had answers to all these questions. I'm ready to seek lit agents.

  • @AngelaDrakeA
    @AngelaDrakeA Рік тому

    Thanks, Abbie! As you were speaking I had things ticking off in my brain. Some I've done naturally while others were lightbulb moments. Creative Blessings!

  • @eugenia6356
    @eugenia6356 Рік тому

    *Sips my coffee* Thanks Abbie! 💚

  • @Seiferboi
    @Seiferboi Рік тому +31

    For my characters, I enjoy using a combination of tarot cards and my Story Forge card deck. I enjoy the challenge of randomized characters and situations. Once I have a character, I begin to work with them by using my own questions in an interview format and learning about the character and their background that way. This is great in knowing how a character would react in a situation or to a person.

    • @cococadieux9911
      @cococadieux9911 Рік тому +1

      OMG YES WITCHY WRITER im gonna try this great idea!

    • @nanaducan2591
      @nanaducan2591 Рік тому +1

      How exactly do the tarot cards come into this? Please explain 🥹🥹

  • @AnnoyingMoose
    @AnnoyingMoose Рік тому +1

    I like #16! This will be especially helpful in thinking about my villain.

  • @harleen8638
    @harleen8638 Рік тому +1

    Love your videos thank you for helping me and everyone 🥰

  • @amberandrews6692
    @amberandrews6692 Рік тому

    This was really helpful! Thank you!

  • @polina.558
    @polina.558 Рік тому

    oh my goodness Abbie I'm so late on this video but I LOVE YOUR SHIRT EEE

  • @haunterdragon4580
    @haunterdragon4580 Рік тому

    Love your videos they're so helpful❤️

  • @lyndacamacho1056
    @lyndacamacho1056 Рік тому

    Hey Abbie! I love your videos ❤

  • @kinassasomething1330
    @kinassasomething1330 Рік тому

    Jup, you're right, now I'm going to have to fill this out for all of my characters for all of my WIPs lol!

  • @dylanthomas5729
    @dylanthomas5729 6 місяців тому

    Aspiring writer here who has 8 chapters already wrote of a novel I want to complete without any structure during my process. I am writer that works best writing on a whim. I did this throughout highschool and college with some success. I need to reel in myself and actually plan so I can keep moving forward instead of writing a chapter and then not touching it for 6 months. I’m so glad I discovered your channel. I’m a new subscriber but I can tell your channel is going to help me so much.

  • @hydrashade1851
    @hydrashade1851 4 місяці тому

    ive found that RanGen's quick character format has some great attributes, and is a good starting place in general. the generator itself creates what they look like, personal beliefs/status, even their favorite things. But i just ignore the preexisting information and plug in my own stuff on a sheet. i do add in my own sections as my story needs it but i still think the format is a great place to start. but i will def take your stuff into account as well

  • @Nexus_542
    @Nexus_542 Місяць тому

    THANK YOU! Thank you so much!

  • @lars7282
    @lars7282 6 місяців тому

    Thanks, Abbie!

  • @valerielinares2068
    @valerielinares2068 3 місяці тому

    I don't know if you will see this as this video is a little older. I only recently found your channel and I've been binging your videos like crazy. I used to write a lot of short stories when I was younger (I'm now 41), and I've recently remembered how much I enjoyed it. However, it's been so long, it feels like my imagination is like a old rusty car that's stalled. So, hopefully, with the help of your videos, I can get my "imagination motor" running again.
    Anyway, aside from that, I've seen a lot of your videos concerning character development and I have a suggestion to add to your character profile list: what is your character's attachment style. In psychology, if you're not aware, attachment theory is this idea that how one's parents or guardian's treated them when they were children has a great effect on them when they're older. For example, a child who was consistently emotionally neglected tend to have an avoidant attachment style, while another child whose parents were super wishy-washy with affection tend to have an anxious attachment style. The emotional climate in the home has a great impact on how children treat their relationships as an adult. I highly recommend adding this to your character profile as it will impact themselves, the story, and how they interact with the other characters.
    Oh, and here's a video from a professional therapist explaining how people are impacted by attachment theory:
    ua-cam.com/video/1RlAjs-CAfQ/v-deo.html
    I hope this comment finds you well 🙂

  • @brookevice3519
    @brookevice3519 Рік тому +2

    Going to use this for my rpg character:)

  • @prathameshrana2099
    @prathameshrana2099 3 місяці тому

    This is just coincidence I think.
    I was reading a novel and thought I will love to see your video of characters profile and come on UA-cam just to find your this video at the top.

  • @3Diva
    @3Diva Рік тому

    This is fantastic! Thank you so much, Abbie! (I keep wanting to call you Emma, I don't know why!)

  • @kerim.peardon5551
    @kerim.peardon5551 7 місяців тому

    I had already started to work on a character when I came across your video and I had, without any deeper intention, given him the thing he can't live without. His father left the family when Shiori was 11 and went back to Japan. His father is a grass-eater--meaning an unmanly man and one who is without a sense of purpose or direction. (As you put it, the punching bag in the plot of his own story.) Shiori has very infrequent contact with him and has not seen him since he left 7 years ago. But his father did send him a decorative katana as a present at one point. There's nothing special about it--it's not magical or passed down through their ancient samurai family or anything like that--but it's special to Shiori because it's the one thing he really has of his father. (Shiori is also a grass-eater like his father and part of his attachment to the katana is that it subconsciously represents manliness to him--the manliness he wishes he had.) He likes to go to anime and gaming cons and he always wears it as part of his costume.
    But I'm inspired now to do more with it. During the story, he is going to have to flee from home, and I'm going to make sure he takes it with him. Later, the men that train him to hunt and kill vampires are going to put an edge on the blade and make it functional and he's going to use it to finish off evil vampires.

  • @thebookishtwilightzone9030
    @thebookishtwilightzone9030 Рік тому +7

    Girlllll this was so good! I will definitely use this for my characters for this upcoming Nanowrimo!!!! A tad nervous bc this is my first lol
    I also like to ask this question: What is the worst thing that could possibly happen to your character?

    • @kaokurosawa3872
      @kaokurosawa3872 Рік тому +2

      Same here! This year (hopefully) will be my first ever Nanowrimo.
      As for your question, the “worst thing” is entirely dependent on your character’s profile. If his/her fear, say, is being abandoned by the person they love, then the “worst thing” for them (and only for them) *is* that very reason: abandonment.

    • @thebookishtwilightzone9030
      @thebookishtwilightzone9030 Рік тому +2

      @@kaokurosawa3872 Exactly! I like to ask that question because it really adds depth to the characters fear and thus their actions, which are based around avoiding their fear.
      Also, made the odds be ever in your favor during Nanowrimo!

    • @kaokurosawa3872
      @kaokurosawa3872 Рік тому +3

      @@thebookishtwilightzone9030 Oh, I thought you were asking the question, and so I jumped to answer it haha. Apologizes!
      And yes, it's such a good question to ask yourself while crafting characters.
      Good luck to you as well!

    • @merelha5930
      @merelha5930 Рік тому

      ​@@kaokurosawa3872it might be interesting to come up with something that they as a person link to it instead of just the fear. So for example being afraid of abandonment can mean that the worst thing that can happen to them is stuff like losing their phone or moving to another place (ok maybe not worst and maybe not the best examples, but I hope you get it). It'd allow you to do something along the line of the 'thing they won't get rid of no matter what', but with like 'thing they don't want to happen no matter what'. So for example checking where their phone is every 5 minutes, leaving the sound on, getting a panic attack when they (think) they lost it.

  • @mykilfremn26
    @mykilfremn26 Рік тому

    The spice flows in this one in your thumbnails

  • @KEP1983
    @KEP1983 Рік тому

    Wow! This was great.

  • @PhthaloGreenskin
    @PhthaloGreenskin Рік тому +4

    I don't think you necessarily need a misbelief in order to have an interesting character or an addicting story. One example I point to is flight of the Eisenstein (military sci fi). The main character of the story is battle captain Nathaniel Garro. The snyopisis of the plot is Horus turns traitor and virus bombs istvaan 3 to order 66 the loyalists in the traitor legions while Nathaniel Garro has to escape to warn the emperor of Horus Lupercal turning against the imperium. But let's zoom in upon the character, he doesn't seem to have a true misbelief although he absolutely changes by the end of the story. He goes from being a staunch believer in the Imperial Truth (there are no gods) to becoming a believer in the emperor's divinity at the end of act 2. But before that point what makes him so lovable is his conflict and the horrors he has to go through to make his journey to terra. In the beginning he doesn't like what his legion has become, he dislikes the idea of the warrior lodges and he's ostracized and shamed because of it, they even call him names like "Straight Arrow Garro" but he doesn't let that change him, he stands by what he believes in and refuses to join. Then there's the lead up to the isvaan 3 virus bombing and the author does an amazing job of building suspense even though you as the reader already knows what's going to happen. Then garro finds out that some of his crew is loading virus bombs as ordinance and has to order his people to stop them, his houscarl gives his life to save Garro. Then he witnesses the virus bombing of the loyalists on the planet. So he trys to make a warp jump but at the last moment a crewmate rats out garro and the traitor legions fire upon the vessel damaging the geller field. As he makes a warp jump Demons start to invade his ship devouring the crew, reaminates his houscarl to torment Garro, then reanimates the dead crew turning them into bloated and rotting plague marines and infects one of his best friends with a horrifying sickness and has to be quarantined and bedridden locked in a decontamination chamber that has no known cure. And then the navigator dies meaning no FTL. So Garro and the crew are stranded in the middle of space with no way home. Last ditch effort garro Jetisons the warp drive into space and detonates it hoping that it will act like a flare in the warp and someone will see it and investigate it. During the weeks stranded Garro comes to believe in the imperial cult in his lowest moment. They're eventually rescued by frendly forces, has to persuade Rogal Dorn that Horus turned traitor and dorn nearly killed him before accepting the truth. You'd think the story ends there but Garro returns to luna, but his beat friend who's been suffering finally gives in and becomes a daemon prince and now Garrow has to put him down in an epic clash on the surface of the moon. Whay makes him lovable is inspite of unimaginable strife and all of the horrors he had to face he never gave up. Despite not having a misbelief he remains one of the most popular characters in warhammer 40k, he even has his own mini on the tabletop. Sorry for this massive wall of text BTW.

  • @MarioWario
    @MarioWario 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank youuu 😭

  • @trala.tralala.
    @trala.tralala. Рік тому +1

    HI ABBIE, would you ever make a vide on MBTI types as different characters?

  • @luvsnursing9946
    @luvsnursing9946 Рік тому

    You are the best at explaining things. I had an ah ha moment because of this video thank you.

  • @emmapatterson9797
    @emmapatterson9797 3 місяці тому

    This is very helpful!! I’m just wondering, do you do this for all characters in the book or do you still use the side character profile for characters who aren’t in the story as much?

  • @kaimendoza320
    @kaimendoza320 Рік тому

    Hey, Abbie! I really enjoy your videos; they've helped me (a new writer) quite a lot! I do have a question, though. Long story short, I have to write a fantasy story for English class, and on the form I was handed, it said to circle one or the other ("Is your character good or evil?"). But I decided that writing a morally gray character/ dark fantasy would be much more interesting. But the thing is...I don't know how to start at all! What even makes a character/person morally gray in the first place? How could you show that internal confusion/conflict to the reader?

  • @jondoe170
    @jondoe170 5 місяців тому

    Thanks!

  • @RigoSosa
    @RigoSosa Рік тому

    Hey Abbie, I was wondering what software you use for writing your books and storing your notes/outlines..?

  • @val1827
    @val1827 Рік тому

    first!! love you Abbie ❤❤

  • @morganbaldwinmiller
    @morganbaldwinmiller Рік тому

    oohhhh this is gonna help me so much

  • @theboogyman569
    @theboogyman569 3 місяці тому

    As somebody who has a bit too much of a visual brain and knows my character is developed but doesn't know how to write them a fun trick i learned for some of these is to look up lists of whatever your tryna find out because if they are developed and know the answer but not what to write down you should EASILY be able to identify it from whatever lists you shuffle through and go like "ohhh that's the word i'm looking for!"
    for example: for greatest fear you can look up a list of phobias and you'll find out from the list the word for the fears you need! did this with my character and managed to pull autophobia(fear of being alone) and Cleithrophobia(fear of being trapped in an enclosed space, this is different from claustrophobia because it isn't about the size of the room but rather the availability of the exit to the room :D)
    if you couldn't already guess the phobias are becuase he died via starving to death in an abandoned escape room after his friends locked him in as a joke not realizing the doors were jammed and wouldn't let him out even after finding the right code to leave. this door jamm is the actual reason the place was shut down but only he knew cause he was the only who did research and none of his friends were listening to his warnings since they were too busy ghost hunting cause ya know, idiot teens. since being alone and trapped is what killed him it is now his biggest fear becuase of severe PTSD cause ya know, dying is traumatizing.

  • @RochaFelipeR
    @RochaFelipeR Рік тому +7

    James Bond, Indiana Jones and Sherlock Holmes, for example, doesn't have a character arc.

  • @pekachew83
    @pekachew83 5 місяців тому

    okay I just love you

  • @ThatRandomAnimatore
    @ThatRandomAnimatore Рік тому +1

    Off topic but your eyes are so beautiful Abbie

  • @miriamdarnell2763
    @miriamdarnell2763 10 місяців тому

    Abbie, I love your videos! They're so informative and helpful! But I just purchased the Character Profile you have listed below the video and my computer won't let me download it because it is apparently a "dangerous or corrupt file." Any idea why that might be? Is my virus protector too strong? Is there another way I can get this download? Thank you!

  • @photographyguru2135
    @photographyguru2135 Рік тому

    @AskAbbie
    Quick question for reply to this comment: do I have to have a backstory for the main character's misbelief for a short story? Thanks.

  • @samkathryn4825
    @samkathryn4825 Рік тому +1

    I’m about to rewatch this whole playing the character playlist and pretend I’m answering you. No, I’m not crazy. :)

  • @MrGriff305
    @MrGriff305 6 місяців тому +1

    OK, so I'm in love with this lady.

  • @HieeeAnimeee-lb9lq
    @HieeeAnimeee-lb9lq 6 місяців тому +1

    Hey abbie. It woild be amazing if you made a video explaining everything a beginner would want to know about Nanowrimo. Like how do you upload your story or whete you write it. Literally everything basic. It wiuld hekl beginners like me alot .

  • @veronikanagy1643
    @veronikanagy1643 Рік тому

    I spent 3 hours creating my character after I watched this video. It was worth it ;)