Character CVs

Some time ago while searching the net, I came across a comprehensive CV template for developing new characters, but for the life of me I cannot find it now. I thought it was on BBC's writers room site but a recent scan has drawn a blank.

Does anyone know the type of comprehensive CV I'm talking about? and do you have a link to where I can find it or could you perhaps email it to me if you have it? At the end of the day I could try and recreate it but the one I found was pretty groovy.

My e-mail is: deferenzuk@yahoo.co.uk

Def.

Post it on here if you get a reply.

If you check out Celtx, there's a Character CV option.

The idea of a character CV seems to me a way of overly complicating the writing process. Yes, you should have a few biographical details etc, but I can imagine a lot of people wasting inordinate amounts of time thinking up fairly pointless past life details, which don't add to or enrich the character in any way.

Quote: chipolata @ April 8 2008, 12:09 PM BST

The idea of a character CV seems to me a way of overly complicating the writing process. Yes, you should have a few biographical details etc, but I can imagine a lot of people wasting inordinate amounts of time thinking up fairly pointless past life details, which don't add to or enrich the character in any way.

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I guess this means you don't have a template I can have then?

Def.

You don't need a template. I'd imagine it would just involve listing major events and people in a characters life. Plus any other biographical details that might be relevant. If you want a template, try a Top Trump card.

Quote: chipolata @ April 8 2008, 12:37 PM BST

If you want a template, try a Top Trump card.

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I've already tried a Top Trump card but it didn't work as well as expected. My character ended up becoming a Tyranosaurus Rex with a score of 8/10 for its killing factor and a 7/10 for thinking power. Good credentials indeed, but not great for a hospital porter called George in a medical sitcom.

Def.

Spending a lot of time, no, but a brief resume will help make the characters more real. Writing them down may help spot different back stories.

For instance, if she went to Hull University did he meet a mysterious lecturer or go out with the physio at Hull Kingston Rovers rugby club?

I guess it's a bit like doing a Mind Map where you start with your character in the middle and draw off branches which have details on career, education, childhood, relationships which would all have branches of their own.

In fact Mind Mapping might be your best starting point.