Character Template

Transform your writing with this character template designed for Scrivener, Word, and pages!

I was determined to learn how to create realistic fictional people, so I downloaded dozens of character templates. However, I discovered only a few of the templates came with instructions, and most of those were useless.

During my research, I stumbled across a reference to create characters using the Enneagram of Personality.

I took an Enneagram test and identified my type. The traits and behaviors descriptions were creepy accurate, and I took that as a good sign.

Using the Enneagram method for dynamic character development looked promising. I searched but found no character templates designed for use with the Enneagram.

So I bought more books and conducted many experiments. After much fine-tuning, I created an Enneagram-based character template that worked!

I also found Enneagram theorists had identified the personality types for various public figures and movie roles, creating the opportunity to use quotes and scripts as models for sample dialogue.

That’s when I got serious about turning my extensive notes into a comprehensive template and how-to workbook.

Stories delivering meaningful life lessons resonate with audiences. But to write a book readers will love requires finesse because your audience senses whether a character’s emotions and behaviors portray realistic reactions to plot events.

Readers expect your characters to:

• Show the emotions they crave.
• Grab and hold their attention.
• Have distinctive voices that eliminate confusion.
• Share a backstory justifying thoughts, choices, dialogue, and actions.
• Avoid the typical hero and villain cliches.
• React and change realistically as the story unfolds.

The right character template helps you satisfy those expectations, including giving each one a unique voice.

The workbook distills the character development process into 5 steps.

1. Identify the character type.
2. Familiarize yourself with the type’s traits and behaviors.
3. Select the character’s starting development level.
4. Fill in the basic character description.
5. Complete the full character profile as your story unfolds.

Your audience loves to experience life through the emotions of characters. But figuring out how to package those feelings into a fictional yet realistic person is hard.

The comprehensive workbook guides the development of unique characters with distinctive voices.

The combination of template and workbook guides your development of multi-dimensioned characters, fictional people who turn casual readers into loyal fans.

Using the Story Characters Development Workbook and Character Template saves time and money, giving you everything you need to create authentic characters who react to plot events with realistic thoughts, choices, dialog, and actions.

This character template is right for you if you want to:

• Turn casual readers into loyal fans.
• Develop multi-dimensioned characters.
• Convey emotions that capture and hold readers’ attention.
• Write realistic character thoughts, choices, dialogue, and actions that support your story’s plot.
• Move the story forward as characters react to plot events.

• The character-development process is designed for busy writers, and it provides everything you need to optimize the creation of characters who leap from the pages of your novel.
• The highly detailed workbook guides pantsers to develop characters as the story unfolds.
• The process gives plotters the tools they need to preplan the story’s cast members.
• The character template works seamlessly with Word, Pages, and Scrivener.
• The 9 character-type profiles include the traits, basic fear, basic motivation, and behavioral changes that occur as characters experience increasing conflicts and obstacles.
• The detailed example shows real answers to the template’s prompts.

Readers hate when writers optimize characters but fail to do the same for the entire book. The Trellis Method helps you develop dynamic characters AND write a book readers will love.

For example:

• Get the full version of the Story Characters Development Workbook, including 15 pages of actionable tips to set your cast and book apart from other writers.
• Use the bonus workbook containing over 130 character-flaw descriptions to make each cast member unique.
• Enjoy how the infographics help you apply at a glance the essentials of dynamic character development.
• Use the Trellis Method’s unique writing system and 12-step roadmap to maximize the potential of your entire book.

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