Getting to know the character

The best way to get to know a character is by interviewing them. Dig up a bit of dirt on them so you'll get to know the motivations they have when they do whatever they need to do in your story.

Let me introduce you to one of the MC of my Heroes/Villains novel.

Let me welcome you here, Jaccinta, thanks for taking the time to answer some long anticipated questions.
Oh, no probs, and just call me Jace, everyone does.

So, lets start off with a simple question, how old are you?
That is easy, I'm 16.
 
If you had to describe yourself as though you were talking about someone else, what would you say?
Now, let me think. Jace has long black hair that is unbearably straight with two purple streaks running down each side. She has flawless creamy skin and dark green eyes.

Do you sometimes lie?
Well, that depends on what is classified as a lie. I would rather say I'm an actor just playing my part, that can't be considered a lie now, can it?

How do you handle anger? Are people afraid of you, and if so is this justified?
It's not my fault if people are afraid of me, I just sort of have a short fuse. When I do get angry I like to go for a run, it's a great way to let any steam off.

How do you react to confrontation? Would you give anything for a quiet life or do you enjoy winning an argument or a fight?
I love winning arguments, especially against my brother. If anyone wants to challenge me then let them, but I should warn them that I don't back down from anything.
 
What (in your opinion) would be the first impression most people get when they meet you?
That I don't lack any confidence.


In your case, is ‘what you see is what you get’, or do people sometimes make the wrong judgement about you? If so, why would this be?
 I don't like to hide who I am, so pretty much I'll say or do anything that I want to. I'm just me and I'm not ashamed to be me.


Where do you live?
I live on the sunny Gold Coast in Australia. What more could I ask for? Sun and Surf.

You mentioned you had a brother. How old is he, and are you two close?
Jett, he's also 16. I'm 16 minutes older than him, which I think makes him jealous of me. I can't say that we're exactly close. He's a freak that's always tinkering away in his locked room. He never comes out.

How would you describe your personality?
I'm confident and determined. I never back down from any challenge.

If there was one thing about your PERSONALITY that you could change, what would it be?
I guess I can be a bit arrogant and can say things without thinking, that could probably be something I could change, but why would I want to?


Has your life changed in any way recently? If so, what brought on this change? Is it a change for the better or for worse?
I don't know whether I should be telling you this, but boy has life changed, and it all started with a video game. When people say that it's only a game, well they have it all wrong. What can be wrong with it, I've now got the power.

What particular talents or traits do you possess that will help you to get what you want? How might you influence others to help you?
Can you keep a secret? Well, that game I told you about somehow gave me the power to control portals that can help transport me or any item to different places. I now want all the attention those other wanna-be heroes are getting.
 
What are you about to do right now – today? How is this relevant to what is important to you?I guess I'm going to school. Yeah, even superheroes need to get an education. Afterwards I hope I'm going to get to see some action, you never know what villain will crop up and cause some trouble. I might check the wanted ads when I get home.

And finally, finish these sentences:
“The most important thing in life is…” winning
“If there’s one thing that makes me mad it’s…” Jett
“I would lose interest in life if…” there wasn't any challenges to take on
“I can usually get myself out of trouble by…” blaming Jett
“If I encounter a problem in life I work through it by…” just jumping in, I'm sure I'll come up with the sollution at some point
“I don’t like people who…”  think they're better than others, especially me
“I like people who…” aren't afraid to be themselves
“My most pressing need right now is…” figuring out how to fit school and crime fighting into a single day
“One thing I’m determined to achieve in the next month is…” master my powers
“One thing I’m determined to achieve in the next year is…” take on one of the big villains
“My motto in life is: …” life is just a game worth winning

Thanks Jace for joining us today. I'll let you get back to your super busy life, good luck with the whole superhero thing.

 Interviewing characters is a good way to get to know how they think and feel. So, how do you get to know your characters? Also, stay tuned for the next interview of my other MC, and see what Jett has to say about his sister.