The Character Bible
Have you ever found yourself painting Alex, your primary character, in a tint of amber, on page three, and a beta reader, proofreader, or—in the worst scenario—a reader of your published book complains that you painted the same Alex in an imposing shade of ebony, on page ninety-seven? Oh, could it be that your antagonist, Dr Ladi, shrank from height 6'1 on page fourteen to 5'9 on page one hundred twenty-nine?
All those errors, though not always prominent, are sure to betray the reader's trust. But ... no qualms! There's always a way out!
The Character's Bible is sure to help a good deal. This Bible helps to keep track of all details—minute or catalytic—which are important for each character. No excess writings and designs! No way you'd think of buying one; you'd only need to develop one yourself—in your writing journal, or your word document.
Although the Character Bible takes a while to develop, it remains a creative tool through which you could derive more ideas for your story, sparking more creativity than you'd imagine, and of course, helping you to scale, like a defensive wall, that creepy writer's block. You could also use it in editing your draft, going over to confirm correctness in your character's forgettable attributes. You really can't afford any report of inconsistencies! You wanna know more?
So what goes into this Bible?
Everything about your characters should be included! In details, map out Lee Min Ho's physical traits: his age, height, weight, complexion, mode of dressing. Indicate if he's handicapped or if you would like him to break an arm later. Draw out his emotions and family life, too: his personality (describe in a few words); his religion (how he became a Buddhist); his family ties; his enemies (who are they and how they became rivals); his friends (just how did they become close?); his memories (good and bad); his view of himself; what others think of him. Never forget to make a few highlights on his educational background too, his hobbies, his philosophies and his job(s).
All of these falls in the outlining attempt. Just see it as a way of pre-tackling a potential writer's block when you begin the real writing. You should also see it as a way of understanding all about your characters. If you are accurate in your presentation of facts and details, readers would be able to trust you till the last page.
So, whatcha waiting for? Go pick a pen and notebook, and create the world you'd like your character to explore.
NB: Always keep the Bible with you!
Writing Backstory and Character Motivation (A short discussion).
