Character Developer

The Beemgee Character Developer works by asking you a series of questions specifically designed to help you define those character attributes that determine the dramatic function of the characters in your story. Unlike other character sheets or checklists, the character developer does not focus on factors extrinsic to the dramaturgy of the plot, such as the color of the character’s eyes. Instead, your answers help you define those aspects of character that directly impact the story. This has a lot to do with the motivations of each character, and the decisions they take in reaction to problems and obstacles.

The attribute questions are posed in a carefully designed order. They help you

• focus on attributes that determine the plot (from the external problem that provides the inciting incident to a prized possession and what happens if that is taken away from the character – this is the “want” level of character development)
• define the attributes that give the character depth (from the internal problem to what it is that the character learns by the end of the story – this is the “need” level of character development which leads the character’s transformation and growth)
• use plot devices such as giving a character a specific fear or inherent wish
• take a step back and consider how the audience might react to each major character as well as define what types of relationship the characters have to each other
• note aspects of characterisation, from core emotion to quirks, and find their relevance for the story

Define the key attributes of each main character and you’ll have composed your plot. Because you can know the action of your story only when you know what the characters do and why they do it.

What’s more, for trained professionals the resulting character sheets provide a highly on-point way of understanding the essence of your story in a very short time.

There are a number of FREE character attributes. Sign up to PREMIUM to go into greater depth.

You answer each question individually per character in the DEVELOP view. To compare and contrast the answers for all main characters, switch to the COMPARE view.