Throw your characters a party

When making your characters there are a lot of little tricks I've heard can flesh them out, things that will help you see more details and depth in their personality. Some writers love to make playlists for each of their character, either as a pseudo-soundtrack to help them get in the proper headspace or, in a more literal sense, they create playlists they think their characters would enjoy. I've heard others set up Pinterest  accounts for their characters. I've even heard that some like to envision what a first date with a character might be like.

In that spirit, I want to share something I think might be an interesting little experiment with writers still getting to know their characters. If you've done personality quizzes as them, written up dating profiles, and explored their tastes in movies, why not consider how they act at parties?

I'm sure not all your potential worlds would have office parties or what have you, but you're all imaginative: pretend it does. Look at your characters. Who's the social butterfly? Who's at the snack table? Who's off by themselves trying to stay out of the way?

Parties are a great social event that allows a myriad of interactions. From eating to socializing to flirting, the gamut of human interactions are available for your characters to choose and engage with. A party is a great way to determine what's most important to your character. Is it booze? Interacting with others? Learning about the other party goers? There's a great deal of information to be gathered about someone from people watching, so watching your characters act and wander about should be just as rewarding.

​Be Excellent to Each Other