Characterization Chart

Working on a characterization Chart for my class...actually three of them for different characters in my novel...thought I would post one of them today. 

Character’s Name: Sandra Matthews

Sex: Female

Age: 41

Physical appearance: hazel eyes; very tired-stressed look; she looks older than she is; medium build; most of her mannerisms deal with her alcoholism as she stumbles around and slurs her words.  When sober she is the opposite standing straight up, enunciating and picking her words carefully.  Somedays she would actually have a twinkle in her eye.  Hair is a light brown color, shorter (above her shoulders)

Personal history that may influence motivation: Sandra grew up in a strict dutch family.  But they were also very loving and close.  They would freak when they found out she was prego; possibly disappointed...but still supportive.  She is currently separated from her husband and works at a local grocery store part time.  Her husband still supports her so she doesn’t really need to work, but does to get out of the house.  she has been drinking heavily so her emotional and physical health is in trouble.   She had a sister three years younger than her but she was murdered and Sandra blames herself

The inner person: At age 19 she had planned to go places, see the world.  She wasn’t ready to be tied down to motherhood, but at the same time after giving birth those instincts kicked in.  She is afraid of losing her daughter even though at the same time her actions are going to lead to that.

Other details: She loves to cook and wanted to be a chef, maybe own her own restaurant.

Positive traits: When not drinking...she can be very down to earth, lovable, thoughtful, and caring.  Sadly it’s been a while since she has been sober and awake.

Negative traits: She is very bitter, bitter how her life has turned out, bitter at her failed marriage, bitter from the death of her sister. She can’t erase the memory of her death, but she tries daily.  She wonders why did she survive.

Why is important for this character to have these traits/attitudes to play his or her intended role in your novel?  The bitterness is important because it is what leads her into alcoholism and how the relationships in her life start to unravel beginning with her husband and now her daughter.