This Week's Practice Exercise

Characterization Version 4

Prepared by: Florence Cardinal
Reposted, revised, on: Sun, 25 Oct 2009

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Exercise: In 400 words or less, describe someone so that we feel we know him or her. Don't rely on descriptors such as "he had red hair," "she was about 70," or "he was a tall man." Avoid general terms like "beautiful" or "ugly, fat or thin." Show us that "red, tall, 70, beautiful, ugly, fat or thin."

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What can you show us about this character's place in the world, his/her goals, achievements, dreams or fears that will let us see the individual? Use the whole bag of writer's tricks--description, satire, exaggeration, dialogue, or other characters as foils to help us to see this individual. You don't have to tell a whole story; but if you do find a story taking shape, that's fine.

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Exercise: In 400 words or less, describe someone so that we feel we know him or her. Don't rely on descriptors such as "he had red hair," "she was about 70," or "he was a tall man." Avoid general terms like "beautiful" or "ugly, fat or thin." Show us that "red, tall, 70,beautiful, ugly, fat or thin."

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When critiquing this work, consider how much you know about the character and how the author achieved the portrait. What specific tools were used to create the character you see? And, how much do you know about how this person thinks? Would you like to know about this person? Keep an eye open for any "telling."

These exercises were written by IWW members and administrators to provide structured practice opportunities for its members. You are welcome to use them for practice as well. Please mention that you found them at the Internet Writing Workshop.