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#character questions
wisteria-lodge · 1 year
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So my problem with most ‘get to know your character’ questioneers is that they’re full of questions that just aren’t that important (what color eyes do they have) too hard to answer right away (what is their greatest fear) or are just impossible to answer (what is their favorite movie.)  Like no one has one single favorite movie. And even if they do the answer changes.
If I’m doing this exercise, I want 7-10 questions to get the character feeling real in my head. So I thought I’d share the ones that get me (and my students) good results: 
What is the character’s go-to drink order? (this one gets into how do they like to be publicly perceived, because there is always some level of theatricality to ordering drinks at a bar/resturant)
What is their grooming routine? (how do they treat themselves in private)
What was their most expensive purchase/where does their disposable income go? (Gets you thinking about socio-economic class, values, and how they spend their leisure time)
Do they have any scars or tattoos? (good way to get into literal backstory) 
What was the last time they cried, and under what circumstances? (Good way to get some *emotional* backstory in.) 
Are they an oldest, middle, youngest or only child? (This one might be a me thing, because I LOVE writing/reading about family dynamics, but knowing what kinds of things were ‘normal’ for them growing up is important.)
Describe the shoes they’re wearing. (This is a big catch all, gets into money, taste, practicality, level of wear, level of repair, literally what kind of shoes they require to live their life.)
Describe the place where they sleep. (ie what does their safe space look like. How much (or how little) care / decoration / personal touch goes into it.)
What is their favorite holiday? (How do they relate to their culture/outside world. Also fun is least favorite holiday.) 
What objects do they always carry around with them? (What do they need for their normal, day-to-day routine? What does ‘normal’ even look like for them.) 
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OC Questions on the Seven Forms of Love.
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A little list of OC questions based on the seven types of love identified in Ancient Greek thought. Obviously this is a highly simplified presentation of some quite complex philosophical concepts from Classical History, intended more for the purposes of entertainment than education. I also left out Mania, which is arguably an eighth type of love (Obsessive), because I'm keeping it mostly positive in these tricky times!
Eros – Romantic, Passionate Love.
Is your OC romantic in the traditional sense? Do they enjoy giving or receiving gifts of flowers or confectionary? Or are there other courtship traditions from their culture of origin that are important to them?
How important is sex to them in a relationship? Do they see it as something essential to their happiness? Would they be able to remain in a monogamous relationship with someone they loved without sex?
How do they feel about public displays of romantic affection? Does it make them uncomfortable? How do they feel if a romantic partner kisses them in public?
Do they believe in love at first sight? Have they ever developed a crush or romantic (or erotic) fixation upon a stranger based on their appearance alone?
How closely is their opinion of their own beauty (or lack thereof) linked to their confidence? Do they see themselves as more or less worthy of love or sex based on how attractive they feel?
Philia – Affectionate, Platonic Love.
Does your OC have a Best Friend? If they do then how long have they known each other and how did they meet? If they don't then do they have a close group of friends they love equally? Or are they more of a loner?
Does your OC find it easy to make friends? Or are there barriers to them doing so? If so then are these due to issues of inclination, communication, or something else entirely?
What qualities does your OC most value in a friend? Loyalty? Shared sense of humour? Or something else?
Is your OC able to build close friendships with people very different from themselves? Perhaps in terms of culture, age or personality?
What is their most fervent wish for their best friend(s)? How far would they go to make it happen?
Storge – Unconditional, Familial Love.
Did your OC's parents love them unconditionally? If so then has this helped them feel confident as an adult? If not then how has this affected them? What were the conditions their family attached to their relationship?
Does your OC have children? If so then how fiercely do they love them? If they have more than one then do they love them all equally? If they do not have children then is this part of their future plans?
How far does parental approval (imagined or expressed) impact upon their current sense of self-worth? What might they sacrifice or attempt to achieve in order to ensure the approval of their parents?
Does your OC have any siblings? If so then did their parents have a favourite growing up? Has their relationship with their sibling changed in adulthood? If they don't have any siblings then do they perhaps feel they have missed out on an important relationship? Do they have any especially close friends who go some way towards filling that role?
Is your OC able to love without necessarily needing or expecting reciprocation or reward? Or are all their relationships to some extent transactional? Have they ever loved another person unconditionally, whether a child or another adult?
Agape – Selfless, Universal Love.
Does your OC wish to make the world a better place? How far do they see that as being their responsibility? What lengths would they go to in order to help achieve this?
Does your OC feel a spiritual connection to the world around them? Do they have a particular love for nature or living things?
To what extent does your OC believe in the value (or even existence) of true altruism? Do they see an unselfish concern for the welfare of others as being naïve or foolish? Or as a moral quality to which people should aspire?
Does your OC have a religious faith which emphasises the importance of a love for all people? If so then do they try to follow these teachings authentically? Or do they just pay lip-service to them? If not then do they follow a more martial or mercantile faith? Or none at all?
Does your OC find it easy to empathise with their enemies? Or do they see it as important to dehumanise them in order to combat them with sufficient determination?
Ludus – Playful, Flirtatious Love.
Does your OC have any particular favourite chat up lines? If not for themselves then perhaps ones they have suggested to a friend? How effective do these tend to be?
Is your OC particularly skilled at flirting? Have they had to practice this or does it just happen naturally?
How does your OC feel about one night stands? Have they ever enjoyed a night of passionate romance with a stranger? Is this something they are quite keen on recreationally? Or only something they might engage in under specific circumstances (such as the eve of a battle or after a difficult breakup)?
Who was your OC's first crush? How do they feel about it now?
What seduction techniques are most likely to be effective when it comes to your OC? Are there some things guaranteed to get them going? Or are they immune to such things?
Pragma – Committed, Long-Lasting Love.
Is your OC in a committed long-term relationship (or relationships)? If so then what has contributed to this relationship lasting so well? If they are not in such a relationship, then is this something that saddens them or which they regret?
What is the biggest challenge that your OC has had to overcome in a long-term relationship or friendship? What helped them get through this?
Are your OC's parents still together? To what degree do they look to their own parents as a model for their own ideal relationship?
After the initial fires of passion cool to some degree, what would keep your OC engaged in a relationship? Shared goals? Similar values? Or contented companionship?
What importance or value does your OC attach to marriage? Do they believe that it is important to make a public statement of commitment to another person (or persons)? Or are they more concerned about inheritance rights and security for their family? Or do they not see marriage as a necessary signifier of commitment and loyalty?
Philautia – Self Love.
Does your OC have a healthy sense of their own worth and value? Or do they see themselves as failing to live up to their original potential? Perhaps they are convinced of their own sinful or inadequate nature?
Does your OC believe that it is important to love themselves in the first instance? Perhaps in order to be able to give and receive love authentically? Or because they believe first and foremost in "looking after number one"?
Does your OC judge themselves by the same standards as they apply to others? Or are they sometimes hypocritical in condemning others for faults they also possess? Or perhaps they find it easier to forgive others for things that they cannot abide in themselves?
Which of your OC's qualities makes them the most proud? Do they think more people should be like them in this regard? Or do they quite like being rare in possessing it?
Has your OC always had the same opinion of themselves or has this changed over time? Have they learned to love themselves - perhaps with the help of others - as their journey progressed? Or have the consequences of their actions only served to erode their sense of self-worth?
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blughxreader · 2 months
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[ A character workshop on yanderes ]
These concepts also apply to regular male romantic leads
I watched ContraPoint’s video essay on Twilight and she brings up some really great points on female power fantasy via male leads.
Inspired by this, here are some character questions I often ask myself when building personalities and plot tension.
People typically become the person they needed when they were a child. What kind of person is your character?
eg. A character from a dysfunctional family has rigid boundaries and a peaceful household.
When following the male POV, what power fantasies does it provide the reader?
eg. Strength, sadism, social power, etc
Outside of romantic tension, what personality traits would create friction between the MMC and FMC?
eg. Rigid boundaries and well-protected peace creates a highly structured life. This might seem constricting and unfair to a love interest.
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creation-help · 2 months
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Normal little character questionnaire template for your specialest blorbos. Get snobby
Name:
3 words to describe the character:
3 words the character would describe themself with:
Devotee or object of devotion:
Monster or god:
What they are (or would be) obsessed with:
What they use to escape reality or themself:
Role in their story:
Their satisfaction with said role:
What are they attached to:
What could pull their strings:
Are they dark white or pale black:
What ails them:
What blesses them:
What would be their motive to kill:
Which of the 7 deadly sins guides them the most:
[Clarification: The Dark white vs pale black question refers to morality since it's often talked about in black and white. Interpret it however you will tho<3]
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skuaclan · 2 months
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aww, is bluefeather catching feelings??
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Berrystripe: "Besides the younger two, who are pretty much her brothers, everyone else here is like, way older than us. D'you mean she has a crush on like... Foxfern? Or some loner? I think I would know if she did. Not to brag, but I'm pretty good at picking up on this kinda stuff."
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atla-recluse · 27 days
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Has it ever been discussed, what sort of things Zuko had to have been taught by who-even-knows, to be so throne-hungry at the age of just 16?
Was it Ozai teaching it to Zuko? Iroh teaching it to Zuko? Was it Ozai teaching it to Zuko through a young, impressionable Azula?
Or is Zuko just that naturally preoccupied with power and control, but able to hide behind his younger sister's far greater raw power and skill and her being preferred by the main bad, to get away from these accusations?
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ticklishshenanigansau · 2 months
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( @jav-animations It looks like your sweet ask disappeared from our inbox — sorry about that! — but I remember you wanted to hug/tickle the bros to see them smile <3 )
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25 Character Questions for the Writer
It's been a while since I've made one of these! I hope you enjoy it ^>^ Please remember to share and drop an ask to the folks you reblog it from! Let's bring some connections back in this community!
Likes and dislikes
1. What is your character’s favourite food and why?
2. Does your character indulge often in the things they like?
3. What makes your character’s skin crawl?
4. What does your character hate the most?
5. Tell us about something that your character finds sweet.
Past and childhood
6. What is your character’s fondest memory?
7. What does your character miss most from their childhood?
8. Is there something your character deeply regrets from their past?
9. If asked, would your character say they were happy as a child?
10. What were your character’s favourite and least favourite parts of their education?
Relationships
11. Who are your character’s most important people?
12. Who had the most negative impact on your character’s life?
13. Who had the most positive impact on your character’s life?
14. Who would your character never betray?
15. Who does your character look up to and who do they despise?
16. Who would your character consider as part of their family?
18. What is your character’s relationship with their parents/the people that raised them?
19. Does your character have many friends? Best friends?
20. Does your character have any significant others?
Miscellaneous
21. Does your character have trust issues?
22. What is your character most afraid of?
23. Does your character have any pets?
24. What do they like about their appearance?
25. Do they play any musical instrument?
Here we are! Tagging some folks who might be interested to get this going! @pheita @talesofsorrowandofruin @toboldlywrite @ashen-crest ☀️
Check out my writeblr intro if you feel like it!
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riftdancing · 2 months
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How similar are our Characters?
Does anyone else remember these? These were huge a few years back. I have no idea if they've made the rounds again since, but they were SO much fun back in the day. I kinda wanted to see about reviving this trend sooooo.... To start us off I made a template on Canva since the old template hyperlink doesn't seem to be functioning. You can access it here and it is pictured as below! This should give you a very basic template and place to start. You can add as many aesthetics to this as you want, or simply just change the text. It's up to you!
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The idea is to fill in the blanks with a bunch of your character's tropes/aesthetics!
Now the fun part comes when we post these and fill these out for one another by tossing them in a photo editor and slapping some symbols down for whatever applies to our characters in an attempt to get bingo on your sheet! I've also made this challenge available on Bluesky for any of you who would rather do it there!
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I sincerely hope you guys have fun with this! I'll be reblogging my Characters below!
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interdimensionalvoid · 9 months
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OC ask meme!
1. What is their opinion of themselves/self image and esteem? How has this changed throughout their life?
2. What is their happiest memory?
3. What is an experience that changed their outlook on their life?
4. What was their dream job when they were younger? Did they get it?
5. Are they physically affectionate?
6. How would you describe them in one word?
7. Are they an optimist, pessimist, or realist? Why?
8. What is their favorite item? Why is it their favorite?
9. What is their favorite costume/cosplay they’ve had?
10. What gets them out of bed every morning?
11. What is their favorite memory? Why is it their favorite?
12. What is their least favorite memory? Why is it their least favorite?
13. What is the first thing people notice about them?
14. Is their stress response fight, flight, or freeze?
15. What is their biggest regret? Why?
16. What would they say to their past self? When would they go to? Why?
17. Do they have any unique marks or scars?
18. If they do, do they hide them? What is their opinion on them?
19. What is something that they almost always wear?
20. Are they right handed, left handed, or ambidextrous?
21. Would they wear socks with sandals or do they consider that a crime against humanity?
22. Do they like pineapple on pizza?
23. Do they use petnames? Do they find them obnoxious?
24. Most traumatic memory?
25. Would they die for someone they love?
26. Are they an early, late, or on time person?
27. Are they good at taking care of themselves?
28. What is their opinion on hospitals? Do they have any experiences involving them?
29. Do they befriend people easily or are they a loner?
40. Do they wear/like makeup?
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hymemena · 4 months
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Word Of The Day Character Questions
Feel free to change pronouns as necessary, and remember to specify muse for multimuse blogs. Based on Dictionary.com's Word Of The Day from November 27th-December 11th.
CW: Motion sickness mention, dizziness mention, food, social anxiety, social awkwardness, motor tics
Vertiginous - Are they susceptible to motion sickness? Do they get dizzy easily?
Enervate - What is their biggest weakness? How could another wield this against them?
Soi-Disant - Does your character have any self-given nicknames? How hard do they push people to use them?
Gâteau - Do they enjoy baking? Is there a funny or sad story related to them in the kitchen?
Exsiccate - Do they use a blow dryer after a shower or air dry?
Bosky - Do they enjoy gardening? Are they better with some things than others? What is their favorite plant?
Armillary - Can they hula hoop? Why or why not?
Gauche - Are they socially awkward? What is a defining moment of theirs in a social setting?
Wunderkind - Were they "gifted" as a child? Has this had an effect on their adult life?
Roux - Can they cook? What is their favorite recipe? Is there something they refuse to cook?
Coruscate - Do they enjoy parties? Are they more fond of homegrown or public club parties?
Glissade - Can they ice skate? Do they enjoy sledding?
Impeccable - Do they believe they are perfect? Why or why not? Are they infallible or fallible in their opinion?
Judder - Does your character have any motor tics? Does anything bring them on? What makes them worse? What makes them better?
POV - Does your character speak in the third person? Is there anything that can prompt this? Do they mostly use first person POV?
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OC Questions on the Seven Colours of Medieval Heraldry.
A little list of OC questions based on colour symbolism in Medieval English Heraldry. This is a very simplified version of the subject, which is unlikely to impress any serious Medievalists and is intended more for the purposes of entertainment than education.
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Gules (Red) - Military Fortitude and Magnanimity.
Does your OC have any experience in the military? Perhaps they come from a long line of soldiers or army leaders? Or were they conscripted or press-ganged into an army at a young age? If they have not had a formal position in an army, then what is their view of the military mindset and hierarchies they have observed?
Does your OC believe in the concept of a "just war" or do they believe that all conflict is to be deplored? Could they conceive of a justifiable reason for one nation to invade another - perhaps to free an oppressed people or prevent the development of a dangerous technology? Or would they only support a war of defence against an aggressor?
Is your OC usually magnanimous in victory - whether against a defeated foe, or against a friend in a game or competition? Or perhaps they enjoy exulting in their success at the expense of others? Perhaps with ribald mockery or spiteful vengeance?
What has been the most difficult thing your OC has ever had to forgive (assuming they have ever done so)? Did they do this of their own accord? Or only after they felt justice had been done or penitence suitably demonstrated?
Does your OC harbour resentment towards a particular person, group or faction? Or are they perhaps part of a widely resented group themselves?
Azure (Blue) - Loyalty and Truth.
Does your OC have a guiding principle by which they live their life - such as duty, self-restraint or vengeance? Has this ever been tested by circumstance or challenged by another person?
Is your OC loyal to a particular nation, clan or social group? How far would they go in ensuring the safety and success of this faction?
How confident is your OC of the loyalty of their companions, lovers or followers? Do they ever feel tempted to test this through spying upon them? Or by engineering circumstances where their loyalty might be tested?
Is your OC honest about their true loyalties? Or are they happy to feign belief in a cause or leader in hopes of material (or other) reward?
Does your OC believe that people should only believe or take inspiration from something if it is actually true? Or are there circumstances where a motivating lie is to be preferred to an awkward or uncomfortable truth?
Sable (Black) - Constancy and Grief.
Is your OC consistent in their behaviour and responses? Or do others see them as unpredictable or even capricious at times? Are there factors at play dictating their reactions of which others might be unaware?
Has your OC always been fundamentally the same person? Or would someone from their past struggle to recognise the person they have become?
Is your OC comfortable in expressing their grief? Such as by crying at funerals or memorial events? Or do they always keep their emotions intensely private? Or perhaps not express them at all?
Has your OC always feared the loss of the same thing - perhaps a loved one, a valuable artifact or a carefully nurtured reputation? Or do they look back with amusement on what once felt important to them?
Does your OC believe that they will be mourned when they die? Or do they suspect they will be quickly forgotten - or even hope that this will be the case?
Vert (Green) - Hope, Joy and Fidelity.
Does your OC feel comfortable expressing feelings of joy - do they laugh or smile easily? Or do they have a constantly stern or dour countenance? If so is this entirely genuine? Or something they feel they need to maintain for the sake of appearances?
How hopeful is your OC about the future? Do they see things as becoming better in general - either for them personally or the world at large? Or do they feel as if decline and disaster are inevitable and all that can be done is to delay the final end for as long as possible?
What makes your OC laugh (if they laugh at all)? Do they have an intellectual or ironic sense of humour? Or do they prefer ribald jokes or slapstick routines?
Does your OC believe in the importance of fidelity in romantic relationships? Or does it not worry them so long as a lover or spouse never discovers their peccadillos in this regard? Conversely do they worry or obsess over the loyalty of their partner or partners?
If your OC could be granted one wish for the future, but could only wish on behalf of another person, who would they choose? And for what would they wish?
Purpure (Purple) - Majesty, Sovereignty and Justice.
Does your OC find it easy to express deference or homage to someone of high social standing? Or is this something they would only do if it benefitted them directly? Or for the sake of a scheme or intrigue?
Is your OC comfortable in the higher echelons of society, such as aristocratic functions or assemblies of the rich and powerful? Or do they prefer to avoid these events if possible?
Does your OC feel that exchanges of ideas or customs between nations or cultures can be positive? Or do they fear the dilution or devaluing of one culture by another? Has there ever been a foreign cultural practice they have adapted for themselves? Or are they fiercely loyal to their own cultural inheritance?
Does your OC have a strong belief in the importance of justice? If so what does justice mean to them? Do they follow the philosophy of "an eye for an eye"? Or are they careful in distinguishing between justice and revenge? Is this the case even if they consider themselves to be the injured party?
Does your OC believe that there can ever be fair and just relations between nations or tribal groups? Or do they assert that might will always make right when it comes to interactions between such factions?
Or (Gold) - Worthy Ambition.
Does your OC have a long-term goal or ambition to which they are constantly working? Or do they tend to bounce chaotically from situation to situation, with no clear plan or sense of what the future may bring?
Does your OC have any wishes or desires of which they are ashamed or otherwise wish to keep secret? Or do they loudly proclaim their every wish to those around them?
Is your OC part of a wider group or organisation working towards a shared goal? If so, then do they always agree with their associates on the correct strategy to adopt? Or are there frequently tensions or disagreements in this regard?
Does your OC have political ambitions, or a strong desire for power or influence? Or are they content to leave the messy business of governance and politicking to others and focus on smaller or more immediate goals?
What does your OC consider to be the noblest or most admirable ambition for a person to hold? Perhaps spreading a particular religious faith? Or improving the lives of the poor? Or even perfecting their own martial skill?
Argent (Silver) - Peace and Sincerity.
Does your OC feel comfortable during times of peace? Or do they only truly know who they are during times of war or conflict? Do they always need an "enemy" to focus upon? Or even just a rival?
Is there a certain person, group or faction with whom your OC believes peace would never be possible? Is this due to their diametrically opposing beliefs? Their historical actions? Or their fundamental untrustworthiness?
Does your OC find it easy to be sincere when expressing their views or feelings? Or do they prefer to adopt an air of detached irony? If so, then why is this the case? Do they fear rejection or mockery by others?
Do others find your OC easy to believe? Or is there something about them that makes others distrustful or cynical about their motives or trustworthiness?
Is your OC a pacifist? Or have they ever had pacifist sympathies? If they have changed their position on such things then what caused this shift? If they reject pacifist arguments, perhaps because they believe that violence can be justified in self-defence, then how do they respond to those who believe in pursuing peace at any cost? Do they see them as weak or naïve? Or as idealists whose ideas deserve serious consideration?
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uhmmmsweetie · 26 days
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What emotions were the seed for your characters' relationship with one another? Ex: intrigue, fascination, competitiveness, friendship, admiration, annoyance, protectiveness, etc.
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creation-help · 1 year
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More detailed questions for your character's psychology
- Is your character self aware? How self aware? How much do they think about the way they appear to other characters? Do they look at things from a third person perspective often? Or another character's perspective? Is your character hypocritical? Do they think about the way other characters may be self aware?
- Does your character reflect on themself alot? In what ways? Is there something that's greatly biasing that reflection? What would it take to break that bias? Do other characters reinforce that bias often? Are other characters aware of this bias? Is your character insecure or hard on themself? Does your character overthink their actions or words? (past or present)
- How good is your character at reading others? Can they spot traits or characteristics in others that they may not be aware of? Why? Do they think they're good at reading others, but actually aren't? Is this due to a bias or simple lapses in judgment? Where does their bias come from? Do they underestimate or overestimate other characters often? Based on what?
- Is your character knowledgeable on things outside their usual scope? How so? What would be considered common knowledge in your setting? How critical is your character about their sources? Do they do further research or get second opinions? Do they have a bias for what sources they consider more reliable?
- is your character emotionally intelligent? Are they able to figure out what/why someone is feeling something, and what might've caused it? Are they good at comforting others? Are they considerate, or notice things other characters might feel sensitive about? Are they good at interpreting other characters' feelings? Do they realize when they're acting in the heat of the moment, or blinded by emotion? Do they know how to self regulate their emotions, or self soothe?
- Does your character think about the implications of things they experience, or things that others say? Are they able to look at the bigger picture, or notice patterns in something? Do they notice little, seemingly insignificant details, and if so, what kind of details? Why? Does your character take the time to gather perspective on something they don't understand? How thoroughly do they think about things before doing something?
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skuaclan · 2 months
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Berrystripe, you are so good at picking up on people's feelings. Who do you think likes each other?
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Bluefeather: "That's... not... I don't think a lot of that is true."
Berrystripe: "It could be!"
Bluefeather: "...I know my dad and Sunstar used to be closer, but I really don't think they were ever... um..."
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blorboblursday · 6 months
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Blorbo Blursday #4
What color represents your character best? Is this their favorite color or something completely different?
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