CREATING THE CHARACTER
There is more to a person than hair color and bust size, one must also consider WHO the character is and what sort of personality they may have. Knowing the personalities of people will help us to create better characters with more variety. According to David Keirsey, there are four kinds of people in the world, and each kind has four sub personalities. The following is an over view of Mr Keirsey's findings.
The Guardians:
* Supervisors
* Inspectors
* Provides
* Protectors
The Idealists:
* Teachers
* Counsellors
* Champions
* Helpers
The Artisans:
* Promoters
* Crafters
* Performers
* Composers
The Rationals:
* Field-marshals
* Masterminds
* Inventors
* Architects
I suggest reading his full personality descriptions to get a better understanding of people, why they do what they do, and how they may interact with others. not only will this help you in your writing, but it might help you with REAL people as well!
Keirsey.com
While I do agree with his idea for the 4 basic personalities AND the sub categories, when I took the on site test to see what I was it did not fit me. So if you take the test take it with a grain of salt.
Along with the 16 different kinds of people there are 5 love languages, as discovered by Dr. Gary Chapman. These love languages are systems of affection that we instinctively recognise, but do not always communicate effectively.
They are as follows:
Words of Affirmation:
Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.
Quality Time:
In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.
Receiving Gifts:
Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.
Acts of Service:
Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language that their feelings don’t matter.
Physical Touch:
This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.
Each of us has a PRIMARY love Language, though we all feel the effects of each one. Giving your character a primary, and then a secondary Love language will help you to write them more like a real person. Try to mix up the love languages and remember, not every one can communicate them effectively. A Quality time person may want to be with others every day, but will not want to send one gift, ever, because it means nothing to them. The Gift lover will feel neglected, even if the Quality Time giver spends every waking moment focused on them.
