character prompt sheet

from the book: Write Away by Elizabeth George
chapter 19 - character prompt sheet

i picked this off the shelf at a borders in new york while looking for a writing exercise.

(use this as a prewriting activity to stimulate ideas for your written character analysis)

name: matthew thompson
age: 47
height: 6 feet, 2 inches
weight/build: overweight
birthplace: portland, oregon
color hair/eyes: black/blue
physical peculiarities: missing one toe and his ears stick out
educational background: trade school
sexuality: 89% straight
best friend: his dog
enemies: the health freak at the bakery and a homeless man who always yells "hey fatso! im starving!"
family: mother. his father died of a heart attack. sister lives in hawaii
core need: to lose weight to survive
pathological maneuver: has OCD, mostly when eating. puts toilet paper on the seat even at home.
ambition in life: wanted to play pro football, now wants to own a bar
gestures when talking: always one hand in pocket. throws the other hand behind head when nervous.
gait: wears down the outside of soles on shoes. inside of legs rub together. wobbles a bit.
laughs at: people falling or tripping. sport bloopers on dvd.

the list goes on to include: strongest/weakest character trait,philosophy,political leaning, hobbies,what others notice first about him or her,what character does alone,one-line characterization,and significant event that changed him or her.