Character Sketch Writing Techniques

Character Sketches

• Character sketch is a brief description of a person, written in prose and shorter than a profile.
• It is a form of biographical narrative, aiming to entertain the reader or praise the subject.
• It can use anecdotes and quotes to portray the subject's personality, appearance, character, or accomplishments.
• Facts, traits, characteristics, and accomplishments form the foundation of a character sketch, while anecdotes and quotes provide depth.
• When writing a character sketch, it’s important to consider the following:
  • Personality Traits: Defining the character's personality and physical traits helps the reader visualise them.
  • Background: This goes beyond simple description, exploring their experiences and influences.
  • Change and Evolution: How the character has changed over time or during specific events.
  • Interactions: How the character talks and acts, their social style.
  • Impact: The character's effect on others and their importance.

Example Character Sketch: A Pill of Joy

• The character is described as someone who starts conversations with “Ayni pen,” which triggers laughter.
• She is described as “small but terrible,” meaning she has a powerful personality despite her size.
• She is a gardener and teacher, spreading knowledge and life lessons.
• She is known for her powerful voice, charming everyone with her singing.
• She is addressed as “bes” or “Ma’am Vhal,” indicating affection and respect.
• She is a wife, mother, colleague, and friend, showcasing her multiple roles.

Activity

• Students are asked to create a mini poster of someone they admire.
• The poster will be graded based on:
  • Character Representation (6 points)
  • Creativity and Design (6 points)
  • Content and Details (5 points)
  • Clarity of Message (3 points)
  • Total: 20 points

Character Sketch

• A character sketch is a brief prose description of a person or type of person
• Character sketches are shorter than profiles
• A character sketch is a form of biographical narrative
• Even though a character sketch is an informative type of essay, it can also be entertaining or praise the subject.
• The facts, traits, characteristics, and accomplishments of the subject provide the fabric of the character sketch
• Anecdotes and quotes are also helpful in portraying the subject
• You can focus on a subject's personality, appearance, character, or accomplishments
• It's important to define your character's personality and physical traits in detail
• Add a backstory or the character's background
• Describe how the character has changed or evolved over the years
• Describe how they talk and act around people
• Describe their impact on you or on those around them