Do you build your characters from the shoes up?  Do you put them in a small metal room and grill them?  Do you strap them down and see how they will react to chicken feathers? 

 

I have a character worksheet that is constantly changing.  It includes the contents of a character's closet, his or her favorite room and sometimes a list of 'firsts.'  First Kiss, First day at college, First Driving Exam....Sometimes none of these things make it into the story.  Not everything we write needs to be read.

 

I do not put up with a character who wants to tell me what to do.  I do not like it at all when a character begins to 'jump the shark.' 

 

Are you a character builder or does the character build you?  Maybe a little of both?