If you are like me, you probably like to kind of somehow, some way see your characters as more of a "real, live" thing rather than just in your head. You're a visual person. You'd like to see things take shape and you learn by visuals. If you are like me or perhaps you'd like to try a new approach to character mapping, try out making a character graph like what is provided below. It is a very helpful/useful exercise and tool.


You take an image like this and you apply a character graph to it. Each graph will be different for each character. (If you like this method and have multiple characters, I would have an image like what is above saved as a template!)

Here are some image examples of different character graphs:


The How To and Explanations:

Quote :

Plot points on this chart to represent how important these different aspects of a character’s life are to them. By doing that you can help determine what type of things your character deems to be most meaningful in their life, especially compared to others aspects.

A brief explanation of each aspect is below in case you’re confused about the meaning of any.

Physical Aspects

Strength: to have physical power and strength
Sex: to have sexual gratification and satisfaction
Possessions: to have objects and tangible things
Health: to have physical health and stability
Appearance: to have a good external appearance
Emotional Aspects

Love: to love and be loved, romantically or otherwise
Appreciation: to be appreciated by others
Attention: to be paid attention to
Security: to feel secure emotionally
Approval: to be approved by others
Social Aspects

Respect: to be respected
Friendship: to have friends
Intimacy: to be intimate with a partner or partners
Belongingness: to feel needed and belonged
Family: to be on good terms with/have a family
Spiritual Aspects

Inner peace: to be content with themselves
Purpose: to feel as though they are fulfilling a purpose
Self-sufficiency: to feel that they are able to provide for themselves
Growth: to feel as though they are growing and changing
Acceptance: to be able to accept themselves without consequence

(Every now and again I do find useful things on tumblr. This is one of them)