117 Original Character Activities And Character Development Activities You Can Do Right Now

Why are Character Development Exercises important?

A character isn’t complete after you first create them. Kinda like how a drawing isn’t (usually) finished after the sketch is done. One way to make characters interesting is adding layers to them. For example, think of a villain. Is it very interesting if a villain is evil ‘just because’? What about if the villain only became evil after some tragic event? Often, you’ll notice that popular characters are usually really complex. This is because humans are usually pretty complex, too! Using exercises or activities to help further develop your character helps you think about how to add interesting layers to your OCs. 

There’s countless things you can do to develop your OC on your own. But…it’s fun to do it with a community of other creatives, too! The best place for that is CharacterHub for sure. While you’re here, check out the dozens of events and challenges that are open daily! Plus, we have a growing community of supportive artists! (Don’t worry, they don’t bite! At least, we’re pretty sure most of them don’t!) If socializing isn’t your thing, that’s okay, too! We also have a ton of useful stuff available for making OCs on our blog! (Plus, drawing prompts, OC ideas, and so much more!) 

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Get Your Scuba Gear Ready, Because It’s Time for A Daily Life Deep Dive!

Making an OC is like creating a person (or animal, or ghost, or- well, the list can go on and on!) from thin air. First, when you think of the basics of your character, you have a skeleton of their personality. Once this is done, it’s time to flesh out your character! What’s their daily life like? How would your character respond to disrespect? What would your character do if they saw a spider? When you’re able to answer these questions, you’ll know that you have a fleshed out OC!

Who is your character, really?

1. Create a playlist for your character with songs that reflect your character's personality and emotions.
2. Design a mood board or collage that represents your character's interests and inspirations.
3. Conduct an interview with your character, asking them questions about their life, goals, and fears, and write their responses. 
4. Visit a character design website for inspiration, ideas, and more.
5. Take personality tests or quizzes, as your character. (Psst! You can do this on CharacterHub!)
6. Have your character create a vision board of their ideal self, including personality traits they aspire to possess.
7. Have your character write a letter to their future self, describing the personality traits they hope to develop.
8. Have your character create a character profile for themselves, including unique quirks, habits, and personality traits.
9. Write about your character going to Summer camp! Would they love or hate it?
10. Draw a short comic strip showing an interaction between your character and a close friend or family member. What personality traits shine through most?
11. Create a character development journal and write entries exploring how your character's personality traits influence their thoughts, actions, and relationships.
12. Have your character take up a hobby or skill that is completely opposite to their natural personality traits, pushing them out of their comfort zone.
13. Write a list of your character’s favorite hobbies or activities.
14. Write thoughts from your character's perspective, showcasing how they perceive and interpret the world around them
15. Have your character create a list of their favorite books, movies, or TV shows and analyze how these preferences reflect their personality.
16. Draw a short comic strip where your character encounters a situation that challenges their existing personality traits, forcing them to adapt and grow.
17. Create a mind map that visually represents your character’s personality traits and the connections between them.
18. Imagine a scenario where your character interacts with a character who possesses opposite personality traits, leading to interesting dynamics and growth.
19. Write a poem from your character’s point of view. 
20. Have your character create or discover a signature scent or fragrance that represents themselves.
21. Make a simple list of your OC’s likes and dislikes.
22. Write a journal entry from your character's perspective, reflecting on a particularly good/fun day.
23. Write about or draw your OC’s collection of objects or mementos, and the importance of each item.
24. Write a dialogue between your character and a therapist or counselor.
25. Create a schedule of what your character typically does each day.
26. Write a scene where your character takes a personality assessment test and reflects on the accuracy or surprises of the results.
27. Write a short story where your character encounters a magical object that amplifies or changes their personality traits temporarily.
28. Create “headcannons” for your character! Just because you’re their creator doesn’t mean you can’t be a fan, too!
29. Have your character list what traits they wish they had, physical or not.
30. Write what your character would say to a younger version of themselves. What would the younger version’s response be?
31. List out your character’s favorite people, celebrities, and friends. Explain the reason for each. 
32. Imagine your character encounters a wise old sage who helps them understand and embrace their most unique traits. How would your character react?
33. Ask yourself: How does your character handle small talk with a stranger they meet on a train or bus?
34. Have your character create a personal mantra or affirmation that encapsulates their personality traits and reminds them of their true self.

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Getting to know Your Character’s World

35. Create a map of your character's world, including key locations, landmarks, and geographical features.
36. Write a journal entry from your character's perspective, describing a typical day in their life, including their routines, activities, and interactions.
37. Design and describe the architecture and layout of your character's home or living space, including the decor, furniture, and personal belongings.
38. Draw a comic or scene where your character explores a bustling market or shopping district in their world, including details about the sights, sounds, and smells.
39. Develop a calendar or timeline that outlines important events and holidays specific to your character's world.
40. Create a menu of traditional foods and drinks that are popular in your character's culture or region.
41. Draw a scene between your character and a teacher or role model, discussing the social customs and etiquette of their world.
42. Design and describe the fashion and clothing styles that are prevalent in your character's world, including the materials, colors, and accessories.
43. Remember to include (or create) cultural traditions, holidays, and customs from your OC’s culture! 
44. What is the currency and/or trade system that exists in your character's world, including the value of different coins or items? 
45. Create a bestiary or guidebook that details the fantastical creatures and animals that inhabit your character's world.
46. POV: Your character interacts with a local authority figure or government institution. What does this interaction say about the political landscape of their world?
47. Design and describe the transportation methods available in your character's world, whether it's magical means, futuristic technology, or traditional modes of travel.
48. As your character, explain and discuss the lore and history of their world.
49. Develop a system of magic or powers that exist in your character's world, including the rules, limitations, and different schools of magic.
50. Draw, design, or write about a place of worship in your character’s society. 
51. Design and describe the educational system in your character's world, including the subjects taught, institutions, and methods of learning.
52. Draw a comic where your OC reacts to another character being rude or breaking a rule within the world.
53. Describe what prison is like in this world. Or, what happens to criminals in your character’s society.
54. Write a dialogue between your character and a traveler or explorer from another region, exchanging stories and knowledge about their respective worlds.
55. POV: Your character travels to another region or society. Are they shocked by how different things are? 
56. What’s justice like in your OC’s world? Invent the laws that shape your character's world, including the structure of leadership and the justice system.
57. Design, describe, or include in your OC’s world a traditional sport or competition, showcasing the athleticism and recreational activities of their world.
58. Design and describe the technology available in your character's world, including inventions, gadgets, and advancements.
59. Invent or describe the traditional trades and craftsmanship of your character’s world.
60. Does your character speak English? Think about communication and language in your character's world, including different dialects or languages spoken in various regions.
61. Create a collection of artifacts or relics that hold cultural or historical significance in your character's world.
62. Write a scene where your character explores a natural wonder or mystical location in their world, describing its beauty and mysterious properties.
63. Design and describe the social hierarchy in your character's world, including the roles and expectations of different societal groups.
64. What does your character think of astrology or divination? Does it play a role in your character's world, influencing predictions and decision-making? Why or why not?
65. Create a playlist of music, soundtracks, or even ambient sounds that capture the atmosphere and mood of your character's world. 
66. Imagine your character attends a formal event or ball. 
67. Design and describe the flora and fauna that are unique to your character's world, including their characteristics and adaptations.
68. How would a local healer or herbalist explain  the medicinal practices and remedies of their world to your OC? Write, draw, or imagine their conversation!
69. Make up some myths and legends that are passed down through generations in your character's world.
70. Breaking news: your OC encounters a natural disaster or catastrophic event. How does their world respond to such challenges?
71. Design and describe the different social customs and traditions related to milestones such as birth, coming of age, and marriage in your character's world.
72. POV: Your OC goes to a circus. Write or draw what acts, arts, or talent your character sees!
73. Develop a system of technology or magic that powers the infrastructure and utilities in your character's world, such as energy sources or communication networks.
74. Create a catalog of unique artifacts or relics that hold historical or mystical significance in your character's world.
75. One day, your character stumbles upon and explores an ancient ruin or archaeological site, uncovering clues about the history and origins of their world. Write about what happens next!
76. Make a list of proverbs or sayings that are commonly used in your character's world, reflecting their cultural values and beliefs.
77. Write a scene where your character attends a grand ceremony or coronation, witnessing a significant event in the history of their world.
78. Design and describe the different climates and environments that exist in your character's world, including their impact on the inhabitants and ecosystems.
79. Write a dialogue between your character and a local historian or chronicler, delving into the rich tapestry of legends and lore in their world.
80. Craft a theory of creation that people believe in your character’s world. 

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Your OC’s Hopes And Dreams

1. Write a letter from your character to their future self, describing their biggest dreams and aspirations for the future.
2. Create a dream board or collage where your character visualizes their ultimate goals and motivations.
3. What would happen if your character encounters a magical object that reveals their deepest desires and motivations? Write or draw all about it!
4. Have your character create a bucket list of experiences they aspire to have, reflecting their motivations and dreams.
5. Describe what your OC definitely would NOT want their life to look like.
6. Write a dialogue between your character and a mentor figure, discussing their motivations and how they align with their aspirations.
7. Have your character participate in a vision quest or meditation session to tap into their subconscious and uncover their true motivations.
8. Imagine how your character would react if they could meet their role model or idol.
9. Write a monologue from your character's perspective, where they passionately describe their motivations and dreams to an audience.
10. What would your character do if they encountered a fortune teller who revealed insights about their deepest motivations and future aspirations?
11. Describe your OC’s typical nightmares. 
12. Have your character engage in a brainstorming session, writing down all their dreams and motivations without any judgment or limitations.
13. Write a diary entry from your character's perspective, exploring their motivations and aspirations in-depth.
14. Take your OC to a career fair, or flash back to ‘career day’ in elementary school. What calls out to your character?
15. What would your character do if they were ordered to take part in a motivational seminar or workshop? Describe it!
16. Write a dialogue between your character and a close friend or family member, discussing their shared dreams.
17. Create a personal mission statement for your OC, summarizing their motivations and aspirations in a concise and inspiring way.
18. Write a short story where your character embarks on a journey to pursue their dreams, facing challenges and discovering new motivations along the way.
19. Write a conversation between your character and their inner voice, exploring their deepest motivations and the fears that hold them back.
20. Make a list of motivational quotes that your character would find helpful or inspiring. 
21. Write a scene where your character encounters a magical creature that grants them a wish related to their motivations and dreams.
22. Have your character engage in a visualization exercise, imagining themselves achieving their dreams and exploring the emotions and motivations that arise.
23. Draw, write, or imagine a time where your OC daydreams. 
24. Would your character uses manifestation to achieve their aspirations? If so, write what they would try to manifest first. 
25. Would your character ever become a mentor or guide to someone younger, sharing their own motivations and dreams as inspiration? If so, do you have another OC who would be the mentee? 
26. Write or draw a scene where your OC gives advice to someone else, potentially a younger version of themselves.
27. Write a monologue from your character's perspective, where they describe their motivations and dreams as if they were delivering a TED Talk.
28. What would your OC do if they discovered a hidden journal or diary that belonged to someone who had similar aspirations to them? What would the journal say? Who would it belong to? Write a story about it! 
29. Have your character engage in a reflective walk or hike, allowing them to immerse themselves in nature and contemplate their motivations and dreams.
30. Write a dialogue between your character and a stranger they meet in an unexpected location, who encourages them to embrace their aspirations.
31. Write a scene where your character receives a letter or message from their future self. What would it say?
32. Have your character engage in a gratitude practice, listing the things they are grateful for.
33. Write a dialogue between your character and a younger version of themselves, discussing their dreams and how they have evolved over time.
34. Have your character create some goals, including the steps they plan to take to achieve them.
35. When did your character discover their main goal in life for the first time? 
36. Write a scene where your character stumbles upon a hidden treasure or artifact that symbolizes their greatest motivations and dreams.
37. Have your character create a personal mantra or affirmation that encapsulates their motivations and aspirations, and repeat it daily to reinforce their focus.

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Oh, The Places You (And Your OC) Will Go!

We can agree that 7 year olds are not the best at long journeys. Neither are underdeveloped OCs. If you don’t have a good idea of your character’s backstory, you might not know how they will react to many scenarios.  Prepare your character for greatness by making sure you know them in and out. Then, they can embark on their journey, no matter what it is. Now that you’re all the way down here, you’ve learned more than a few ways to do just that! All that’s left to do to develop your OC now is to get to work!

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Coming to Your Character’s Conclusions with CharacterHub

In short, making characters is a task you never really finish. OCs can grow and change in their story, as they experience their life. Or maybe, they change as you, the creator, changes. (Orrrr, maybe both!) Either way, you’ll probably do these activities more than once. Some artists even make it a point to develop their characters constantly. Whether you want to refine your OCs or create new ones, CharacterHub can be your go-to site. Participating in the countless unique events and challenges is a great way to build your character. Plus, you can show off your character to the entire community! From a fellow CharacterHub user, we’d love to see your characters! 

Still stuck on even making a character? No worries! CharacterHub is also the perfect spot for learning the basics of character design, finding drawing prompts, and so much more. We all wish you and your OCs a safe journey, wherever the destination is!

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