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How to describe a character?

@Purple-Cat flagThe Worldbuilder The Worldbuilder forum 3 comments schedule
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@Purple-Cat flagThe Worldbuilder
The Worldbuilder

I know this is a very broad question but I’m struggling to fill the description of my character.

I have their backstories, histories, looks and part of their nature already filled but i want to make a summery to put into the description part. I found a bit of advice that said to pretend your character is in an interview answering questions about themselves to get to know them but I’m not sure if thats the best thing to do for a summery description.

Does anyone have any tips to fill the description without making it multiple paragraphs of text?

group
@TouchOfColor group

I try to boil down each of my characters into about three very precise/important adjectives. For example, this person is intelligent, outspoken, and tenacious. I might also include a boiled-down version of important events if those events majorly change who the character is as a person.

person_off
Deleted user

I'd imagine you want to focus more on their nature and goals then their entire backstory. Like, what do you need to know about them? Their goals, Basic personality, and if they have any, powers and abilities would probably be good to include on there as well.

For example, On an Actual Play podcast I listen to, they all introduce their characters at the start of each episode, stating their character's personality, and what they are trying to achieve in the story.