The Name
Some people believe a name is most important in a person, others disagree and point out that a name is nothing; but it is the personality of a being that makes them unique. I believe both are true in a sense. A name can be worthless in comparison to a person's personality, but a name is dedicated to that person and holds a certain power to them. In stories "true names" are very important to the storyline because the true name holds power.
Names make impressions. You typically know a character's name before you know who they are or what they are like. The greatest hero of all time, a legend and trustworthy person is not usually named Bob for a variety of reasons. People spend a lot of time finding a name that holds an ancient meaning or a nice ring to it to suit the character. This is wise, but do not let a lack of name prevent you from starting up a story. Keep it blank or put in a filler name, like Bob, until you find the perfect name.
To create names you can (gently) key mash to get a random combination of letters on screen (or write out the first letters that come to mind on paper). Like so: “ejkahfdr” This is simply a random combination, an combinations will vary depending on where you hit the keys. Taking these letters, try to form decent sounding names. Repeat this process to get some ideas for unique names. “Rekah”, “Kade”, “Dak”. This tend to be really far out but may help get your mind working and mulling over names and you might just stumble across a fantasy-like name that sounds just right. Or you can look up names on Google: Celtic names, Japanese names, baby names, or baby names to browse the selections.
Remember that a name is important. Readers want to be able to pronounce the name and either learn to love or hate it depending on the character. Names like Peter or James may denote prestige, while "Billy Bob Joe" will most likely not…
Personality
Who we are inside and how we act are very important characteristics. For someone creating a character for their story or for a Role Play the personality is key. In such situation how would they act? If they were required to fight against all odds to save someone, would they? If they tripped in front of a crowd of their friends how would they react to the laughter? Would they lose hope if life was going badly for a time? Would they flee from a challenge or stand up and be bold? Are they irritating to others? Perhaps they are shy, quiet and kept to themselves? Maybe the character is a little punk that likes to vandalize everything and play with fire? A personality will define the character.
So how do we create a personality? Well, think about yourself. Over the years I'm sure your personality has changed, maybe not a lot, but at least a little. Yet your personality is most likely fairly consistent. You like what you like, dislike certain things, fit in with a certain crowd, and do certain things. Think about your own personality and what makes you who you are. Don't think about your appearance. The appearance of a person is a way of showing one's personality. But really think about who you are inside and how you act. Apply such characteristics to your character. But remember, a good writer should be able to write as anyone; male or female, preppy, punky, geeky, flirty, heroic, romantic, failure, success, and so forth.
After thinking for awhile, define the personality and try to keep it consistent when you don't plan or run into a change. Characters are people you create, but they are themselves. Its almost as if they aren't controlled and evolve overtime. Yet it is important to keep who they are CONSISTENT. A character constantly changing their mind, changing the side they are on, changing how they act, isn't really a good thing. If they are cold and cruel, abusive and mean that is how they act; even if you want them to act kindly. Gradual change in personality is a good thing though. The cruel and cold becoming warm and kind over time or because of a reason like someone special coming into their life and changing their mind and heart.
What is in Their Pockets?
I dunno about you, but I tend to keep a lot of stuff in my pockets. As a teenager in high school I carry around pencils, pens, money, random slips of paper, sometimes calculators, notes, homework, a guitar pick, or an mp3 with me. It all depends on the day. I'm to play the guitar, and I carry a guitar pick in my pocket. No one can see it, but having it there is reassuring. I listen to music a lot, and even though mp3s in class = no no I still have my mp3 either in my pocket or book bag with me all the time. I write and draw a lot and do class work, so pencils and pens come in handy; especially during school. I'm not too good at math, so a calculator helps a lot.
