Ideas for writing a character sketch

How to write a Character Sketch

When you write a character sketch, you are trying to introduce the reader to someone. You want the reader to have a strong mental image of the person, to know how the person talks, to know the person's characteristic ways of doing things, to know something about the person's value system. Character sketches only give snap shots of people; therefore, you should not try to write a history of the person.

Things to include in a Character Sketch
1. Physical description- describe what the person looks like.
2. How they sound- describe what their voice sounds like and if they have an accent.
3. What they do for a living- describe their job or interests
4. Their thoughts on life- describe their religious beliefs, their political affiliations and what they do in their private time.
5. Interactions with other characters- describe if the character is well liked or are they in a relationship.
6. Where does your character live- describe your character’s physical environment.
7. Who influences your character- describe who gives them advice and who they run to in times of trouble.
8. What kind of person is your character- describe if your character is nice, grumpy mean etcetera.





Sample 1 -Character Sketch
Harry Potter-
In the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter is young wizard who stands out from his peers. Most noticeably, Harry has a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead and unruly black hair. He wears round glasses, has a moderate build and, of course, speaks with a British accent. He is an orphan who is ill treated by his aunt and uncle in the “muggle’s” world, but who is respected in the wizard world for having survived an attack as an infant from Lord Voldemort, his parent’s killer. In the novel, Harry learns he is a wizard and is brought to study at Hogswart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He has a certain air of mystery about him and his peers are curious and respectful of him, largely because of his having survived an attack from Voldemort as an infant.

Sample 2–Character Sketch
Count Dracula –
A centuries-old vampire and Transylvanian nobleman, Count Dracula inhabits a crumbling castle in the Carpathian Mountains. Beneath a veneer of aristocratic charm, the count possesses a dark and evil soul. He can assume the form of an animal, control the weather, and he is stronger than twenty men. His powers are limited, however—for instance, he cannot enter a victim’s home unless invited, cannot cross water unless carried, and is rendered powerless by daylight.