Page 51 - Character Designer's Handbook [2020 Sampler Edition]

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Allow the Character to Come to Lifellow the Character to Come to Life
A well-developed character will become real to you in a sense.
Allowing the character to grow and change will always result in a
truly dynamic and unique character. Seeing things through the
character's eyes can help you envision them as more of a person.

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Be Creative with Castinge Creative with Casting
All things will have basic roles that need filled but you can shake
things up by being open-minded and creative when casting for a
project. Instead of automatically casting a handsome prince or
damsel-in distress for a fairy tale you can rewrite it with a farmer's
son and a princess who helps herself. Try a reverse gender role or
maybe a villain with purpose. Once you broaden your possibilities
you can produce a truly unique character and avoid any chance of
cliche.

Avoid Generalizingvoid Generalizing
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There are other stereotypes besides racial ones. It's important to
remember that physical traits don't point to intangible ones.
Keeping in mind that blondes aren't dumb, irish people aren't
alcoholics, and women aren't all bad drivers can go a long way.
Free your mind of any stereotypes or closed-minded
misconceptions when you create characters and you can not only
be fair but avoid making a generic creation.

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Use Real People as Inspirationsse Real People as Inspirations
There's no better way to create a realistic character than to base
them off real people. Infusing a character with parts of yourself and
the real people in the world around you will help create a sense of
relatibility and uniqueness. When people can identify with a
character it's easier to get interested in them and even
empathize,sympathize, or disagree with them.

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