I would love to hear some insight on what your oc creation process looks like. They're so detailed. I love all of the ones I've read about so far and they're all so fleshed out! I just use the same three ocs and slightly change their backstory lmao. You're so good at coming up with the character designs, theyre all chefs kiss. 🤩🤌

Ten days later and I still don't have a response for you anon. After I got over the SHOCK of this wonderfully beautiful compliment, I have been fluctuated between being stuck at work and pondering an answer to this. And I don't think I have a good enough answer for you. Nothing wise or cohesive.

However, leaving that at that doesn't suffice. So, I'm going to try.

I think I've mentioned on here that in the past, I used to use things like zodiac, MBTI, and Enneagram as a baseline. Especially when I first started (actually when I first started, I created self-inserts and let them run wild but that was there early on), I would look at the traits of their Sun Sign (then I discovered moon and rising signs too and added those as well) then apply them to my OC. But it wasn't just from one website, I'd scourge different sites and read the summaries too. I started with the stereotypes and then began reading forums for the people who believed in zodiac but didn't fit fully what they were born under. I researched characters that were born under the sign as my own, and compared and contrasted. (I did the same when I was into MBTI and Enneagram, which allowed for more variation from the norm.)

I complied docs and lists. I took quizzes, etc. I was way too serious about it. But certainly opened me to a lot of adjectives for descriptors as well as the perspective of how people viewed themselves/viewed others, I think.

Another thing I did is I would take bits and pieces of my favorite (and not so favorite) characters and just .... cannabilize them. LOL. For a lack of better word. Make my Frankenstein. This tends to help me a lot when I struggle with 'voice'. Particularly if the character is one from a show or film or podcast. Because for me, at least, it helps me visualize cadence.

Once you have character traits, interests, etc knocked out, I also feel it's important to consider background and desire. Where are they from? Where is their family from? Where have they been? Where are they going? And, of course, what do they want? That last isn't always easy but even the most vague idea or simpliest of goals as well as themes can be helpful.

Kendis: To go to X-TOWN to find out what their brother is up to; to be independent, to become a doctor.

Mason: To head back home.

Andy: To protect and observe.

These are three (of a few) characters that I played in an RP. The details of the goal both specifically to them and the game helped in guiding which character I focused more on (lmao Kendis), but each character's desires gained them plot and gave me something something to fall back on when I felt stuck on what to do with them.

I'm sure there is more stuff but I'm tired. lol. The brain wanes.

I just wanted to say your characters are probably more fleshed out than you give yourself credit. Goodness knows I don't see my babies as "detailed" (so thanks again for continously making my day with that). But I think one of the best ways to make them grow - outside of tinkering on their personality - is to PUT THEM IN SITUATIONS! Whether it's in rp, an if, or headcanons. Challenge them -- see how they are when they're at ease, see how they when they're angry, see how the are when there are stakes, etc.

I bet you'll surprise yourself with what you come up with and what comes out on the other side! Hope this helps <3