Character Creation: The Planning Stage

Almost Lost My Spoons!
Character Creation: The Planning

Over all my years of writing, I think that character creation and building has always been fun. I like to think of it as building a character for a table top RPG like Pathfinder or D&D.
But, we'll go about this in steps. This step is the Planning Stage -- before you get to the hard facts about your character, you need to figure out some things before hand.

When you're thinking of a character, it's good to a have an archetype in mind. By archetype I mean a universal theme that a character encompasses. For example, there's the Hero Archetype; usually a good character that fights evil with justice to maintain or restore harmony. Another archetype that is used frequently is the Mentor Archetype; through wise and insightful training and words, the mentor protects the Hero. And, one cannot forget the Villain Archetype; a character whose main function is to oppose the Hero and whom the Hero must fight and defeat to restore peace.
There are many sites online that depict the types of character archetypes and I recommend using them to figure out which kind of character you want to build:
01. TV Tropes Archetypal Characters

Thinking about your characters' archetype will help you figure out what that characters' function is in your story. Let me give an example: I have a story called Roses Bound In Blood and one of the main characters is a "The Ace" archetype. He's good at close- and hand-to-hand-combat as well as strategy and tactics and everyone knows it.

Okay.  We have an archetype in mind.  Naming your character can wait, as can descriptions of features and personality.
For me, I found that finding my characters' alignment is a faster and easier way to determine the characters' function in the story.
TV Tropes has an Alignment page that I always found helpful.

For the "Ace" Archetype, he would be a Chaotic Good alignment. This means he's a rebel and a free-spirit. He believes his own conscious is a better guide than laws, but doesn't consistently break laws for his own gain.  He has a strict code of his own that few understand, and this sometimes hinders his ability to think beyond the upcoming battle.

Remember, your character doesn't have to be an archetype.  It's just nice to have a frame for your character.

Upcoming: Character Creation: The Basics - Part One

Thanks and have a pleasant day!

Tay Alexiel
But I Found the Forks!