Characterization: The Witness Stand

If you're having trouble getting to know your characters, don't give up! Instead, ask them these fifty questions.

Fifty questions to ask your character on the witness stand

1. What was your childhood like?
2. Who/what angers you?
3. Who/what makes you happy?
4. How would you describe your physical appearance?
5. How would you describe your emotional condition?
6. How would you describe your spiritual condition?
7. What is your personality type?
8. Do you let others see the real you?
9. What are you most afraid of?
10. Who do you get along with?
11. Who drives you crazy?
12. Are you outgoing or shy?
13. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
14. Do you consider yourself talented?
15. Do you consider yourself smart?
16. What are your biggest shortcomings?
17. What are your favorite foods?
18. How do you handle money?
19. What is your favorite book?
20. What is your favorite movie?
21. What sort of person could you fall in love with?
22. How do you feel about children?
23. How do you feel about pets?
24. Are you tidy or messy?
25. What thoughts/attitudes are you hiding in the deep/dark places?
26. What “key” motivates you to do/be who you are?
27. Have you had a spiritual encounter?
28. Does status matter to you?
29. Do you see yourself as being fatally flawed?
30. What is your eye color?
31. What is your skin color?
32. What is your hair color?
33. What is your hair style?
34. Do you have freckles?
35. What is your height?
36. What is your weight?
37. Who is your best friend?
38. What is your communication style?
39. Are you an indoor or outdoor person?
40. What kind of car do you drive?
41. Are you a morning person or a night person?
42. What is your favorite color?
43. Any pet peeves?
44. Nasty habits you can’t kick?
45. Are you afraid of the dark?
46. Does lying come easily/naturally to you?
47. How would you describe your clothing style?
48. Chocolate or vanilla?
49. Dinner at a restaurant or home cooking?
50. Is the information you’ve provided the truth, the whole truth and nothingbut the truth?

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