Getting to Know Your Character 2 – Physical Traits

This series of question-formatted posts is loosely organized around different themes offer role players and writers prompts to consider as they develop characters. In this second post, we take a look at physical traits, those things about a character that are generally (though not always) visible to onlookers, and their significance.

There is an implied ‘Why?’ after each question; elaborate as you feel appropriate!

  • How old are you?
  • What is your apparent sex?
  • What is your species/race?
  • How tall are you?
  • How much do you weigh?
  • What is your general body type, frame, bone structure, and poise?
  • What is your skin color?
  • What is your hair color?
  • What is your hair style?
  • Do you have any facial hair?
  • What is your eye color?
  • Does it change?
  • How attractive are you to other members of your species?
  • What is your most distinguishing feature?
  • Do you have any scars, tattoos, or birthmarks?
    • If so, how did you acquire them?
    • What do they look like?
    • Do they have any special significance?
    • Where are they located?
  • Describe your hands:
    • How big or small are they compared to average?
    • Do you have the normal (for your species) number? If not, what happened?
    • Are you left- or right-handed, or ambidextrous?
  • Do you resemble anyone famous (or infamous?)
  • Do you wear a uniform?
  • What kind of clothing do you wear?
    • How fancy / sophisticated is it?
    • Is it hard to find clothing that suits your preferences?
  • Do you wear makeup?
  • Do you wear glasses/contacts?
  • Do you get sick? (Catch the flu twice a year; catch anything that goes around)
  • What does your voice sound like?

Back: 1 – Introductory Traits