Soul-Searching Questions
Creating great characters is at the heart of storytelling, but sometimes you need to dig deeper to understand their motivations and the secrets they keep hidden. Here is a selection of questions you can ask your character to help give them depth and feel like real people.
Identity & Ambition
- Why do you think people should admire you?
- How do you react when you screw up?
- People or power: pick one.
- What are you trying to achieve right now?
- How will your life change if you achieve your goal?
- Do you prefer to face your fears or avoid them?
- What is your biggest fear?
Relationships
- Is there anyone who inspires you?
- Who is the person you’ve hurt the most?
- Do you believe in romantic love?
- Have you ever put someone else first?
- Love or success: pick one.
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, or who needs to forgive you?
Strengths & Weaknesses
- What personal flaw causes you the most problems?
- Which of your strengths are you most proud of?
- What are you most ashamed of?
- What is your greatest success so far?
- Is there anything about yourself you don’t like?
- What would you change about yourself, and why?
Secrets & Truths
- What is your deepest secret?
- Is there anything about yourself that you keep hidden?
- Have you ever been betrayed by someone?
- How do you determine if someone is trustworthy?
- What is something you’ve failed at, and how did it affect you?
- What’s a lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Purpose & Legacy
- What is the one thing you would like to know about your future?
- What is your secret goal?
- What’s your biggest regret?
- What do you believe is the purpose of your life?
- If you could be remembered for only one thing, what would it be?
- What words would you like on your grave?